When Does Crab Season Start? A Complete Guide

Crab is one of the most popular and delicious types of seafood across the United States. From Maryland Blue Crabs to Dungeness Crabs from the Pacific Northwest, crab seasons vary widely based on location and species. If you’re wondering when you can get your hands on fresh locally caught crab this comprehensive guide will provide all the details on crab harvesting seasons in different parts of the U.S.

An Overview of Crab Seasons

The primary crab season for most species runs from October to January. This period coincides with peak spawning, when crab populations are at their highest. Some regions extend the crab harvest through July depending on the type of crab.

Crab seasons are determined by state wildlife agencies and vary based on factors like:

• Location and species of crab
• Ensuring sustainability of crab populations
• Times when crabs are most active and have filled out their shells.

Larger crab producers like Alaska, Oregon and Maine often start their seasons in October and end in early spring. Warmer southern states may have year-round crab seasons. Other states time their seasons for when crabs are more dormant in the colder months.

Regional Breakdowns of Crab Seasons by Species

Here’s a more detailed look at when you can expect fresh crab based on your location:

West Coast

Dungeness Crab – Found from California up to Alaska, Dungeness crab season typically runs from December through early spring. Peak season is December to February.

King Crab – The giant red king crab is found in Alaska’s cold Pacific waters. Most king crab is caught in October and November.

Gulf Coast

Blue Crab – From Texas to Florida, blue crab season peaks in the warmer months from April/May through August/September. Check local regulations for exact seasons.

East Coast

Blue Crab – Chesapeake Bay and Maryland blue crabs peak from April through December. September and October are prime months for larger crabs before they migrate south.

Stone Crab – In season October through May off Florida’s Atlantic coast. Only the claws are harvested from this crab.

Jonah Crab – Similar to Dungeness, the Jonah crab is found off the Northeast Atlantic coast. Its season runs fall through spring.

Rock Crab – Common off New England, rock crab seasons vary but run during warmer months from spring to early fall.

Alaska

King Crab – October and November are peak months for Alaska’s giant red king crab.

Snow Crab – Most snow crab is caught from late fall into early summer in Alaska’s cold North Pacific and Bering Sea waters.

Regulations to Know Before Crab Season

Check your state’s fish and wildlife website for exact crab seasons, size limits, and bag limits. This info will be specific to crab species and locations.

• A fishing license is required for crabbing in most states. Some may require additional crab endorsements.

• Gear like pots, nets, and rings must meet regulations. Buoys must be properly marked.

• Minimum size limits help ensure sustainability of crab populations.

• Crab season lengths are set carefully each year and may be shortened if populations drop.

When to Buy Different Types of Crab

Hard Shell Crabs – For blue crabs, Dungeness, and other hard shell varieties, aim for peak crab season in the fall and early winter. This is when they are most abundant and their shells are completely filled out. Hard shell crabs outside of peak season are likely holdovers that did not migrate.

Soft Shell Crabs – Soft shell crabs can only be harvested for a very brief period when they molt their outer shell. The soft shell crab season typically runs May through September. Buy soft shell crabs live or fresh, not frozen. Size ranges from mediums (3.5-4 inches) to jumbo and colossal varieties over 5.5 inches.

Tips for Purchasing Fresh Crab

• Buy live crabs same day as cooking. Make sure they are active and moving.

• Cooked crabs should smell fresh and be kept very cold.

• When buying whole cooked crabs, look for heavy crabs for their size, indicating they are full of meat.

• For live crabs, choose active, healthy crabs that are missing no legs or claws.

• Make sure shells are not cracked and legs are intact on cooked crabs.

• Frozen king and snow crab should be solidly frozen with no crystallization or thawing.

How to Cook Crabs at Home

From steaming and boiling to picking for crab cakes or dip, you have ample options for preparing fresh crabs at home. Here are some of our favorite crab recipes:

• Old Bay Boiled Crabs – The classic crab boil with beer, spices, and plenty of melted butter for dipping.

• Crab Cakes – Use fresh picked crabmeat and just enough filler to hold them together. Broil or pan fry.

• Creamy Crab Dip – A rich, cheesy blend of crabmeat, cream cheese, and Parmesan.

• Crab Salad Lettuce Wraps – Flavorful crab salad in refreshing lettuce cups for an easy appetizer.

• Steamed Dungeness Crab – Simple steaming lets the sweetness shine through.

• Soft Shell Crab Po’ Boys – Crispy fried soft shell crabs piled high on crusty bread.

State-by-State Crab Seasons

Here is a quick look at when crab seasons start in some of the major crab fishing states:

• Oregon – Dungeness season opens December 1.

• California – Dungeness season varies but typically opens mid-November.

• Washington – Coastal crab opens early December, Puget Sound varies.

• Alaska – Red king crab opens October 15, snow crab opens October 1.

• Maryland – Blue crab season April 1 – December 15.

• Virginia – Blue crab March 17 – November 30.

• Louisiana – Blue crab opens in April.

• Florida – Stone crab October 15 – May 15.

When Crab Season Starts, It’s Time to Enjoy Fresh Crab

From Dungeness crab in Oregon to blue crabs in Maryland, keep this guide handy to know when crab season starts in your area. Make sure to check updated regulations each year for exact dates, bag limits and other rules. And once crab season arrives, take advantage of these sweet, succulent shellfish. Follow our tips for choosing fresh crab and cook up a feast using your favorite recipes. Happy crabbing!