Crab is a delicious shellfish that is enjoyed around the world. But crab season is limited due to regulations aimed at sustaining crab populations. So how long is crab season exactly? The answer depends on where you live and what type of crab you want to catch. In this article, we’ll take a detailed look at crab season lengths for major crab fisheries in the United States and abroad.
Crab Season in Washington State
For recreational crabbers in Washington state, the crab season in Puget Sound and Hood Canal areas is limited to summer (July-August) and winter (October-December) openings Exact season start and end dates vary yearly. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) announces the dates each year in June and September once population surveys are completed.
The coastal areas of Washington have an open crabbing season year-round for gear types other than crab pots, which have a limited season from December 1st to September 15th annually Specific regulations apply for Willapa Bay, Grays Harbor, and the Columbia River within coastal Washington
Recreational crabbers can harvest Dungeness, red rock, and tanner crab in Washington waters depending on location and season. Size, catch, and gender restrictions apply. WDFW has a crab seasons and regulations page with full details.
The Alaskan King Crab Season
The Alaska king crab fishery is one of the most famous crab fisheries due to its large scale, valuable yield, and dangerous conditions. The red king crab season takes place in the fall between October and January, with the exact dates set each year based on quotas and crab populations.
In the past, king crab season would start and end based on derby-style competitions between fishing crews. Today, an individual fishing quota (IFQ) system is used to regulate the total harvest. Under the IFQ system, the season lasts 2-4 weeks for most boats.
Alaska’s blue king crab fishing occurs around the Pribilof Islands and St. Matthew Island. The season for golden king crab takes place in the Aleutian Islands area.
Other Major Crab Fisheries
Like Alaska, Russia also has massive king crab fisheries in the Bering Sea and Sea of Okhotsk. The Russian crab fishing seasons align closely with Alaska’s seasons.
Canada’s Atlantic provinces and Quebec have significant snow crab fisheries. Seasons vary by location but generally run from April to August.
The Kamchatka red king crab is commercially harvested near Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula. The season lasts from November to January annually.
Crab fishing also takes place on a smaller scale in countries like China, Korea, Japan, and Norway. Seasons lengths differ based on local regulations.
Why Are Crab Seasons Limited?
Fisheries regulators limit crab fishing to certain seasons and quotas each year to prevent overharvesting. Without seasons, commercial and recreational crab fishermen could potentially fish year-round and deplete crab populations.
Full or partial crab fishing closures allow time for crabs to reproduce and allow immature crabs to grow to legal harvest sizes. Limited seasons also prevent disruption of molting and mating cycles.
Scientists analyze survey data each year to determine appropriate season dates and length. Historical harvest rates, pre-season population estimates, natural mortality rates, and other factors are used to set sustainable harvest quotas.
Crab season restrictions provide socioeconomic benefits as well, as limited supply helps maintain high crab prices for fishermen.
Crab Season Outlook for 2023
For 2023, crab fishing seasons in major fisheries are expected to be similar in length compared to 2022. Alaskan king crab quotas will be lower due to ongoing declines in red king crab numbers. However, snow crab quotas in Alaska and Canada may increase slightly based on recent surveys.
WDFW has not yet announced 2023 crab seasons for Washington waters. Check for updates in June and September.
While exact regulations evolve over time, the limited nature of most crab seasons will remain critical for the long-term health of global crab fisheries. Careful management helps ensure stable harvests can be maintained for generations to come.
What Is a Typical Crabbing Season on ‘Deadliest Catch’?
With over 300 episodes over the course of 20 seasons, Deadliest Catch is only able to capture a certain snapshot of the life of a Bering Sea fisherman. With a typical season of Deadliest Catch ranging anywhere from 10 to 23 episodes a year, its only a minimal look at the many months that the men and women are out at sea. Typically, the crabbing season lasts between October and January. Of course, weather conditions and the amount of resources in the seas can alter the total length. With fishing guidelines and quotas affecting the period, fishermen on Deadliest Catch have to work around the conditions they work in.
Additionally, depending on the fisherman, their time at sea can change. As conditions are ever-changing, the Alaskan King Crab website reveals that crews can typically be out for three to four weeks at a time before unloading and doing it all over again. They have to follow certain legal requirements, such as only keeping the male Alaska King Crab, and quota limits are strictly enforced. Its a race against time, and this game is extremely real.
In an interview with Gold Derby, cinematographer David Reichert stated fishermens journeys can last from a few weeks to a few extra months. As he stated, “Youre out there. Youre on the boats 24/7. Youll come in, offload your crab…and youre back out.” Nothing stops if the cameras stop rolling. The ability to understand the crabbing season allows viewers to comprehend just how devoted and brave the individuals are who put their lives at risk. Deadliest Catch has continued to attract the attention of the viewers who are eager to see what comes their way this October.
One of ‘Deadliest Catch’s most beloved fishing vessels has resurfaced in an unlikely place – Instagram.
How to Boil Snow Crab Legs
FAQ
How long is a crab season on Deadliest Catch?
The crab seasons featured on “Deadliest Catch” vary in length depending on the crab species and quota regulations, but generally last from a few weeks to a few months.
Is crab season open in California now?
The season for Dungeness crab(opens in new tab) (Metacarcinus magister) is closed as of July 1, 2025 south of Mendocino County. The season is scheduled to reopen in this area on November 7, 2025. Further information about Dungeness crab is available on the CDFW Crabs web page.
How long are crab fishermen out at sea?
How long do crab fishers stay out at sea? A crab fishing boat is typically out to sea for three to four weeks at a time, although it can be much longer depending on the capacity of the boat and the length of time it takes to capture crabs. That is a departure from the derby-style system of the past.
How long is Alaska crab fishing season?
The season typically runs from October to January, with the peak harvest happening in October and November.Oct 1, 2024