Pasco County Scalloping Closure Report 2026
Pasco County Scalloping Report: How the 2026 Season Started
The 2026 Pasco County scallop season got off to a solid start, with good numbers of bay scallops showing up throughout the area. On our trips before the closure, we were consistently finding enough scallops to put together some great dinners, with many trips producing several gallons. While the number of orange scallops was relatively low, we were seeing a lot of good-sized scallops mixed in with the catch.
One of the biggest positives this season was the water quality in several areas. Around the Cotee River and surrounding waterways, water conditions were often clear enough to make spotting scallops much easier. When visibility was good, finding scallops became a matter of covering water and keeping your eyes on the bottom, especially around areas with healthy seagrass.
Pasco County Scallop Closure
Unfortunately, the 2026 Pasco County scallop season was temporarily closed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) effective August 6. The closure covers the Pasco Zone, including state waters south of the Hernando-Pasco County line and north of the Anclote Key Lighthouse, including the Anclote River.
According to FWC, the closure was put in place after testing detected the toxin-producing algae Pyrodinium bahamense at levels exceeding safety thresholds established by the National Shellfish Sanitation Program. The closure is precautionary and is intended to protect public health.
The Pasco Zone can reopen once testing shows that toxin levels have dropped back to safe limits. Fishing, boating and swimming are still allowed in the area, but scallop harvesting is currently prohibited.
The original 2026 Pasco County scallop season was scheduled to run from July 10 through August 18. FWC established a daily limit of 2 gallons of whole scallops per person, with a maximum of 10 gallons per vessel.
What We Saw Before the Closure
From what we experienced on the water before the closure, the scallop bite was producing some encouraging results. We had trips where we were able to collect multiple gallons, and although the percentage of bright orange scallops seemed lower than some previous seasons, there were still plenty of good-sized scallops being found.
Clear water made a huge difference. The Cotee River area and nearby waterways provided some of the better visibility we encountered, allowing us to spot scallops on the bottom from the boat and while snorkeling. Conditions could change quickly depending on tides, wind and water movement, but when the water cleared up, the scallops were much easier to locate.
Overall, the 2026 season showed some promising signs before the unexpected closure. Seeing good-sized scallops and consistent catches on our trips was encouraging, and hopefully the current closure will be temporary once FWC testing confirms that conditions are safe.
For now, we'll continue watching FWC updates closely and will be ready to get back on the water when Pasco County scalloping is officially reopened.
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NEW REVIEW!
Our first fishing trip with Captain Jason definitely won't be our last! We asked for the charter to focus on helping us catch #Redfish. Capt J knew some great spots to go to, had a simple plan that worked, and gave us exactly what we asked for - with both my son and I each catching our biggest reds ever!
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New Port Richey, FL, Pasco County
Captain Jason Cochran
443-282-4291
