The coveted Alaskan king crab is one of the most prized seafood delicacies in the world Known for its sweet, tender meat and impressive size, this crustacean is the highlight of many seafood lovers’ years. But with such high demand, you may wonder – how long is king crab season actually?
In this comprehensive guide we’ll break down everything you need to know about the brief Alaskan king crab harvesting season from start and end dates to why it’s so short. Whether you’re looking to indulge in fresh king crab legs or just curious about this fascinating fishery, read on to satisfy your crustacean cravings!
What is King Crab?
Let’s start with the basics – king crab refers to several large species of crab that inhabit the cold, deep waters of the Bering Sea near Alaska The most prized and commercially fished species is the red king crab, known for its bright red shell, massive claws, and delectable meat
Other king crab species include blue, golden, and scarlet, but the red king crab makes up the bulk of the commercial harvest in Alaska. These colossal crabs can reach up to 25 pounds in size, making them a challenging catch for even the most seasoned fishermen.
When is King Crab Season in Alaska?
The Alaskan king crab season is understandably short due to the difficult harvesting conditions and preservation of the crab population. Here are the key facts:
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King crab season typically runs from October through January annually.
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The peak months for harvest are October and November – this is when fresh king crab is most abundant.
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The season opens earlier for golden and blue king crab – starting in August or September.
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Red king crab season has the shortest window – only open from October to November.
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Quotas and exact dates vary year to year based on crab population estimates.
So if you want to enjoy ultra-fresh king crab, mark your calendars for October and November! For other varieties, September through January are your best chances for fresh crab.
Why is King Crab Season so Short?
A mere 3-4 months may seem like a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it harvesting period for the famous Alaskan king crab. But several factors contribute to the brevity of king crab season:
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Preserving crab populations – Strict yearly quotas prevent overfishing and ensure future generations can thrive.
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Harsh weather conditions – Frigid temperatures and turbulent seas make winter crab fishing extremely dangerous.
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Difficult harvesting – Traps must be deployed in very deep, distant waters – expanding the season would be unfeasible.
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High demand – Low supply coupled with incredible demand makes fresh king crab a luxury item.
In short, the risky fishing required to catch these giants of the sea combined with their delicate population dynamics necessitates a short season. This rarity adds to the mystique of savoring peak-fresh Alaskan king crab!
Where is King Crab Caught in Alaska?
During their winter migration, king crabs converge on a few highly productive fishing grounds in the Bering Sea off Alaska’s Aleutian Islands. Here are the prime king crab harvesting areas:
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Bristol Bay – The most bountiful king crab fishery in Alaska, known for huge catches of red king crab.
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Pribilof Islands – Another hotspot for red king crab located 200 miles off mainland Alaska.
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Norton Sound – Home to Alaska’s blue king crab fishery.
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Aleutian Islands – Where golden king crabs are sustainably caught.
Fishermen brave harsh, frigid conditions in these remote waters during the brief winter season to catch coveted king crabs as they congregate. The result is some of the highest-quality, best-tasting king crab in the world!
How to Enjoy King Crab Fresh from Alaska
Want to indulge in king crab at its absolute freshest? Here are some tips:
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Purchase crab in October/November – Crab caught during peak season will be the freshest.
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Check tags – Ensure “Alaskan” and “King” are on the label or tag.
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Look for color – Bright red shells indicate fresher crab.
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Ask about harvest date – Some retailers can provide the exact date of catch.
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Order online – Online seafood markets ship crabs overnight at their freshest.
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Cook simply – Steaming, grilling or light seasoning are best to let the crab’s flavor shine.
Following these guidelines will help you source and prepare extraordinarily fresh, delicious king crab straight from the frigid Alaskan waters!
Why is Alaskan King Crab Sustainable?
Not only is king crab season strictly limited, but the Alaskan king crab fishery is regarded worldwide as one of the best examples of sustainable fishing practices. Here’s why:
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Science-based quotas – Limits are set each season by marine biologists to prevent overfishing.
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Protection of females – Harvesting only male crabs allows the population to recover.
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Required bycatch reduction – Minimizing non-target species caught protects the ecosystem.
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Ongoing monitoring – Surveys assess crab stocks to maintain population levels.
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Industry collaboration – Fishermen work together to preserve king crab populations.
When you choose Alaskan king crab, you can feel good knowing that strict regulations ensure the long-term health of king crab populations and marine habitats.
Final Thoughts
During the brief king crab season from October to January, seafood aficionados eagerly await the arrival of fresh Alaskan king crab. Though the harvesting period is short, the nimble and regulated Alaskan king crab fishery produces some of the most succulent, sustainable crab in the world. With some preparation and timing, you too can enjoy king crab in its freshest form harvested from the wild Alaska seas.
Tips for setting crab traps and not losing your gear
Crab fishing seasons and regulations and Dungeness crab reporting requirements may vary by area. Click the link below for the marine area you plan to harvest from and youll find details on daily limits, minimum size, etc. Note that Puget Sound recreational crab season details are typically announced each June (for summer season) and September (for winter season)–so be sure to check back here for details.
Learn more about recreational crabbing in Puget Sound and on the Washington Coast, including tips, catch reporting requirements, and more in the sections below.
The Puget Sound recreational crab management area includes Washington marine areas 5 through 13 (including the Strait of Juan de Fuca, San Juan Islands, Puget Sound, and Hood Canal) and marine area 4 (Neah Bay) east of the Bonilla-Tatoosh line. The Dungeness crab catch record card is required for this area.
Puget Sound area crab fishers must return their catch record cards or report online even if they did not go crabbing or catch any crab. The deadline for returning summer and winter catch cards is printed on each catch card. If crabbers fail to return their catch card they will be required to pay a $10 fine before they can purchase another crab endorsement .
Before you go crabbing
Make sure you have the proper license (and if youre crabbing in the Puget Sound area the Dungeness crab catch record card), and learn more about each of the types of crab you can catch and keep in Washington waters:
All other crab species are closed to harvest. See the Washington sportfishing rules for more information. Refer to WDFWs Crabs of Washington one-pager (PDF) for tips on identifying native and invasive crab species.
For information on invasive European green crabs, and what to do if you encounter one, visit wdfw.wa.gov/greencrab.
Crabbers must release all soft-shelled crabs and all Dungeness crab females to support population health. Learn how to identify soft-shelled crabs.
Crab may be harvested using pots, by hand, or with a dipnet. Hand-operated instruments may not penetrate the shell. Additional rules for pot use apply. Recreational crabbers should review the detailed statewide gear rules available online and in the sport fishing rules pamphlet under Shellfishing Rules.
Crabbers are required to mark all unattended crab gear with a half-red, half-white buoy with the owner’s first and last name and permanent address (phone number is voluntary). Buoys must be constructed of durable material. It is unlawful to use bleach, antifreeze, or detergent bottles, paint cans, or any other container in place of a buoy.
All crab, shrimp, and crawfish pots must be equipped with a biodegradable device (rot/escape cord) which must be affixed to the pot; see sport fishing rules for additional details.
Learn how to avoid losing your crab gear in this video series from Northwest Straits Foundation.
Or learn more about the derelict fishing gear removal project.
When Is Alaskan King Crab Season? – United States Revealed
FAQ
How long is a typical king crab season?
In contrast, the king crab season is much shorter and normally kicks off in late October and ends in early January.
How long is the crab season on Deadliest Catch?
The crab fishing seasons shown on “Deadliest Catch” are actually just a small part of the overall fishing season, which can last for a few months. The show typically focuses on the intense, shorter periods when king crab and snow crab are harvested, which are often around a couple of weeks to a few months long.
Why is king crab season so short?
King crab season is short due to a combination of factors including strict regulations to protect crab populations, the limited time window for safe fishing in harsh Alaskan waters, and the high demand for this delicacy.
Why did Alaska stop king crab season?
In October 2022, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game canceled all snow crab, red king crab, and blue king crab seasons for 2022-2023, after trawl surveys showed a continuing crash in abundance.