Louisiana’s 2026 fall inshore shrimp season opened Monday, Aug. 17, giving commercial shrimpers access to state waters from the Mississippi state line to Texas.
The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission set the opening dates earlier this month based on sampling and recommendations from Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries biologists.
Waters from the Mississippi-Louisiana state line west to the eastern shore of South Pass of the Mississippi River opened at 6 a.m. Aug. 17. Waters from South Pass west to the Atchafalaya River Ship Channel opened at 6 p.m., while waters from the Atchafalaya River Ship Channel west to the Texas state line opened at 6 a.m.
Biologists monitored environmental conditions and sampled estuarine and nearshore waters ahead of the season to determine when white shrimp would reach marketable size.
The commission also authorized the department secretary to adjust opening dates or close areas if sampling finds significant numbers of small, juvenile white shrimp. Any changes to the season will be announced at least 72 hours in advance.
Federal regulations also require skimmer net fishermen operating vessels less than 40 feet long to limit tow times to 55 minutes through Oct. 31.
