When is Shrimp Season 2022? A Complete Guide to Shrimping in Louisiana

Shrimp season is an exciting time for seafood lovers and fishermen in Louisiana. The state is one of the top producers of shrimp in the United States, and each year locals eagerly await the arrival of plump, delicious shrimp fresh from the Gulf waters. But when exactly is shrimp season in Louisiana in 2022? And what do you need to know to take part in shrimping? This article will provide a complete guide to the shrimp seasons, regulations, and more for 2022.

A Brief Overview of Louisiana’s Shrimp Seasons

Louisiana generally has two main shrimp seasons each year – the spring brown shrimp season which runs from May to July, and the fall white shrimp season which opens in August and can run as late as December to January. The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission sets the exact opening and closing dates annually based on testing and environmental factors.

For 2022 the Commission has set the following shrimp seasons

• Spring brown shrimp: Open May 5th at 6 AM to July 6th at 6 PM in Louisiana state inshore waters west of the Mississippi River
• Fall white shrimp:
  • August 15th at 6 AM – December 6th at 6 PM for Louisiana inside waters
  • Some outside state waters are open year-round

Understanding the Shrimp Season Regulations

The shrimp seasons and regulations in Louisiana can be a little complex, as they vary by location and type of fishing. Here are some key things to understand:

Inside vs Outside Waters

• Inside waters refer to marshes, lakes, bays, and bayous landward of the Inside/Outside Shrimp Line which runs along the coast.
• Outside waters extend from the state line out into the Gulf of Mexico.

Recreational vs. Commercial

• Recreational shrimpers need a basic recreational fishing license. They can only use cast nets or a maximum of 100 feet of net on a single vessel.
• Commercial shrimpers need commercial licenses and tags. They harvest larger quantities using trawls and skimmer nets.

Spring vs. Fall

• The spring brown shrimp season opens earlier but closes in early July. It is open only in inside waters.
• The fall white shrimp season opens later but many outside waters remain open year-round. Inside waters stay open into December/January.

Weekend Closures

• Inside waters are closed to recreational shrimping on Friday and Saturday nights during the spring and fall seasons.

Size and Possession Limits

• Shrimp must be a minimum size to harvest, and there are limits on the amount you can possess. Size and limits vary by species.

Why Do Shrimp Seasons Vary Each Year?

You may be wondering why shrimp seasons, particularly the opening dates, seem to fluctuate each year in Louisiana. The season dates are set based on the life cycle and growth rates of brown and white shrimp. The Commission chooses opening dates when shrimp have reached an optimal marketable size.

Factors like temperature, salinity, food availability and natural predators all impact growth. Colder winters and springs, for example, can delay the maturation of brown shrimp. By sampling shrimp populations across coastal basins throughout the year, LDWF biologists can project the best timing.

Variable seasons help maintain sustainability and give shrimp time to fully grow. This results in good harvests for fishermen when the season opens. So while fluctuating dates may be frustrating, it ultimately helps ensure healthy shrimp populations year after year.

How to Get Your Shrimping License and Gear

To legally shrimp in Louisiana waters, you will need the proper license along with shrimping nets or other gear. Here are some tips:

• Purchase recreational or commercial fishing licenses on the LDWF website or their mobile app. Have them printed or saved on your phone when shrimping.
• Recreational cast nets can be purchased at many sporting goods stores or online. Make sure they meet size regulations.
• Commercial shrimpers will need suitable trawls, skimmer nets, or butterfly nets. These are specialized items that commercial fishing supply stores can recommend.
• Check regulations to make sure your gear meets all specifications for the type of shrimping you are doing.

Having the right paperwork and gear is crucial for staying legal when headed out on the water during shrimp season. Don’t wait until the last minute to get what you need.

Top Places to Go Shrimping in Louisiana

One of the great things about Louisiana is the abundance of excellent shrimping spots. Here are a few top places to try your luck this season:

Inside Waters

• Vermilion Bay – Productive for brown shrimp in the spring.

• Barataria Basin – Good for white shrimp near Grand Isle in the fall.

• Pontchartrain Basin – Try the Rigolets or Lake Borgne.

• Calcasieu Lake – Year-round shrimping around Cameron.

Outside Waters

• Off Grand Isle – Head out into the open Gulf from this popular launch point.

• Southwest Pass to South Pass – Fertile muddy bottom good for browns and whites.

• Mississippi River Delta – Lots of openings to outside waters with big shrimp populations.

• Nearshore smaller bays – For recreational shrimping, less boat traffic than the Gulf.

No matter where you go, just make sure to check specific seasonal openings, restrictions, and launch requirements for the location.

3 Tips for a Successful Shrimping Trip

To help you make the most of your time on the water during shrimp season this year, here are a few quick tips:

• Check forecasts – Strong winds and storms will hamper shrimping and can be dangerous offshore. Pick calm days to head out.

• Go at night – Shrimp are more active at night and easier to attract with lights. For recreational shrimpers, be aware of weekend night closures.

• Follow the shrimp fleet – If you see a congregation of larger commercial vessels working an area, there are probably shrimp there!