As a seafood lover and angler in Washington, you may be wondering – when is crab season here? Washington’s waters offer outstanding crabbing opportunities, but crab seasons and regulations vary by species, area, and month. This complete guide provides everything you need to know about harvesting crab recreationally in Washington.
Overview of Recreational Crab Seasons in Washington
There are two main recreational crab seasons in Washington:
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Summer: Typically open only in July and August in Puget Sound. Dates vary annually.
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Winter: Typically October through December in Puget Sound when quota is available. Open year-round on the coastal areas. Dates vary annually.
The Puget Sound crab season is limited to control harvest and ensure sustainability of the crab populations. The coastal areas are open year-round for most gear types, with seasonal pot closures.
Recreational crabbers need a current Washington fishing license and catch record cards for Dungeness crab in Puget Sound. No catch cards are required for the coastal areas.
The three main crab species targeted by recreational fishers in Washington are:
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Dungeness Crab: Most popular. Found in Puget Sound and coastal areas.
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Red Rock Crab Open year-round coastwide
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Tanner Crab: Limited open seasons in Puget Sound.
Dungeness Crab Seasons by Location
Dungeness crab seasons vary by specific marine area in Washington. Here are some key details:
Puget Sound
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Requires crab endorsement and catch record card.
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Summer season open only in July and August Dates announced in June,
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Winter seasons open by area from October through December when quota allows, Dates announced in September
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Closed January through June except for limited tribal, commercial, and test fisheries.
Coastal Marine Areas (Grays Harbor, Willapa Bay, Columbia River)
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No catch card required.
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Open year-round for most gear types.
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Seasonal pot closures from mid-September through November to protect soft-shell crab.
Columbia River
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Open year-round.
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No catch card required.
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Must follow Oregon rules when fishing the Oregon side.
Recreational Crab Regulations and Licensing
All crab fishers age 15 and up need a current Washington fishing license. There are also special requirements for Dungeness crab:
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Puget Sound: Crab endorsement plus summer and winter catch record cards. Fee: $3.70 for endorsement, cards are free.
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Coastal: No catch card required.
Size and Sex Restrictions
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Minimum size: 6.25 inches across the shell.
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Only male Dungeness crab may be retained. Females must be released.
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All soft-shell crab must be released.
Daily Limit
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Puget Sound: 5 male Dungeness crab per day.
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Coastal: 12 male Dungeness crab per day.
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No limit for red rock crab.
Gear Rules
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Maximum of 2 pots per person, maximum 60 pots per vessel.
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Buoys must be marked with fisher’s name and contact info.
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Escape cord required on pots to avoid ghost fishing.
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Crab pots must be pulled and emptied at least once every 168 hours.
When and Where to Go Crabbing in Washington
The best crabbing opportunities depend on your location:
Puget Sound
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Best months: Peak of summer and winter seasons.
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Look for openings in Marine Areas 7, 8-1, 8-2, 9, and 12 for best access.
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Avoid obstructing marina or ferry lanes with gear.
Coastal Areas
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Open year-round coastwide.
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Best months: April through September.
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Top spots: Willapa Bay, Grays Harbor, Westport, Ocean Shores, Columbia River.
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Avoid setting pots in navigational channels and tow lanes.
Columbia River
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Open year-round.
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Follow Washington rules on Washington side, Oregon rules on Oregon side.
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Fish near mouths of tributaries for best success.
Tips for Recreational Crab Fishing
Follow these tips to have a successful, sustainable, and safe crabbing trip in Washington:
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Check WDFW recreational fishing regulations online for current season info.
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Make sure to have proper licensing and report Dungeness crab catches.
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Use rigged circular nets or crab pots with bait to target crab.
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Bring a tape measure to check size and sex.
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Return any female or soft-shell Dungeness crab to the water.
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Attach buoys and escape cord properly on crab pots.
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Set pots in short, sandy or muddy areas not heavily covered in eelgrass.
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Keep an eye on the tides and weather. Avoid setting pots before a heavy rain that will flood tributaries and bays.
So get out there and put this guide to use for an epic crab fishing adventure in Washington! Let us know how your crabbing goes this season.
Saratoga Passage & Skagit Bay – Marine Area 8-1 Season
Crabbing will be open July 3 to September 1, 5 days a week, Thursdays through Mondays. WDFW Area 8-1 Crab Season
South Puget Sound – Marine Area 13 Season
No crab season has been announced for Deep South Puget Sound this year, due to lack of abundance. WDFW Area 13 Crab Season
Dungeness Crab are the prized catch in Puget Sound.
CATCHING CRABS WITHOUT LEAVING THE SHORE (unbelievable crabbing in Washington)
FAQ
What months can you crab in Washington?
Recreational crabbing is open year-round on the Washington Coast, but pot gear season closes in several areas for a portion of September, October, and November to reduce soft-shell crab mortality. Crab snares and foldable traps are legal during this time, as are ring nets that lie completely flat on the bottom.
What months are best for Dungeness crab?
Dungeness Crab Leg (Clusters) Season The commercial season for Dungeness crab legs typically runs from December to July. You can expect to find the cheapest price in the winter and spring months, when crabs are being caught by the boat load.
Is Dungeness crab season open now?
Dungeness crab season typically runs from December to April.
What is Dungeness crab season?
The Dungeness crab season on the West Coast generally runs from late fall to the following summer, but specific dates vary by state and even by region within a state due to fisheries management and environmental conditions. For example, in California, the commercial season typically opens around November or December and can extend to June or July, but delays are common due to whale migration and meat quality testing.