Where Can You Catch King Crab? A Guide to Top King Crab Fishing Spots

King crab is one of the most prized catches for commercial and recreational fishermen alike. With their sweet, succulent meat and impressively large claws, it’s no wonder king crab is a coveted crustacean. But where can you find these tasty decapods? Here’s a guide to some of the top king crab fishing locations around the world.

Alaska

Alaska is perhaps the most famous location for king crab fishing in the world The frigid waters off Alaska’s coast are home to three main species that are caught commercially

• Red king crab – The most valuable and largest species found in places like Bristol Bay, Norton Sound, and the Kodiak Archipelago. They live between 120-600 feet deep

• Blue king crab – A smaller species found around St. Matthew Island and the Pribilof Islands. They live between the intertidal zone and 600 feet deep.

• Golden king crab – The smallest but sweetest species, found in the Aleutian Islands between 600-2400 feet deep.

Commercial king crab fishing in Alaska takes place during the fall and winter months, when the crabs are most active. Crab pots are deployed along strings, baited, and left for 1-2 days before being hauled up. Strict regulations are in place for size, sex, and season length.

Recreational fishermen can also try their luck catching king crab in Alaska. A sport fishing license and pots are required, and limits are set on the number and size of crab that can be kept. Good spots include near Kodiak Island, Cook Inlet, and around the Aleutian Islands.

Pacific Northwest

While not as abundant as in Alaska, king crab can also be found in the chilly waters off the Pacific Northwest coast from Oregon up to British Columbia. The main species here is the red rock crab, a smaller cousin of the Alaskan king crab.

Prime red rock crab fishing takes place in the summer months close to shore and in bays and estuaries. Good spots include around Vancouver Island, the west coast of Vancouver, and Puget Sound. Recreational fishermen use ring nets or pots to catch them. Size and catch limits are regulated.

Russia and International Waters

Russia also has valuable king crab fisheries especially in the Barents Sea near Siberia. Red king crabs were introduced here in the 1950s and have flourished. The Russian commercial king crab fishery has impacted the market for Alaska crab with large imports of crab caught at lower prices.

King crabs are also present in smaller numbers in waters near Japan, Norway, and even in the Atlantic Ocean off Greenland and Canada. Most of these fisheries are relatively small scale and regulated.

Tips for Catching King Crab

The best way for recreational fishermen to catch king crab is through the use of pots (also called crab traps). These are cube shaped cages made of steel frames covered with wire mesh, with bait placed inside. Pots are dropped to the seafloor in likely crab areas and marked with a buoy. After 1-3 days they are hauled up to check for crabs.

• Look for rocky or sandy bottom areas 60-150 feet deep. Steep drop-offs are good crab hangouts.

• Bait pots with fresh fish, chicken, or turkey. Stinky bait works best to lure them in.

• Keep an eye on tides, currents, and weather. Pick calm days with weaker currents.

• Set pots 20-30 feet apart. Leave them for at least 24 hours before hauling.

• Check local regulations on seasons, size limits, and catch numbers. Get proper licensing.

With some luck and the right approach, you can land some tasty king crab for a seafood feast from the waters where they live. Just be sure to respect catch limits so these spectacular crustaceans remain sustainable.

Top King Crab Fishing Spots in the US

While Alaska and Russia may be king crab capitals, you can find great king crab fishing in many coastal states across the US. Here are some top spots to try your hand at landing these sought-after crustaceans:

Oregon

Prime spots along the Oregon coast include Newport, Waldport, Lincoln City, Garibaldi, and Reedsport. Target Dungeness and red rock crabs from shore, bays, and ocean beaches.

Washington

The Puget Sound area offers king crab fishing opportunities, especially around Port Susan, Birch Bay, and Discovery Bay. Head to ocean beaches or launch from a boat.

California

Catch tasty Dungeness crab from piers and bays around San Francisco, Half Moon Bay, Bodega Bay, and Point Reyes. Peak season is November to June.

Alaska

In addition to the commercial fishery, try casting from shore around Kodiak, Cook Inlet, Kachemak Bay, and the Aleutian Islands. Follow regulations closely.

Maine

The southern Maine coastline yields tasty rock crabs and Jonah crabs. Cape Porpoise, Kennebunkport, and the York River are fruitful spots to try.

Maryland & Virginia

The Chesapeake Bay offers great recreational crabbing for blue crabs. Look for public piers, beaches, and boat launches to access the best areas.

Florida

Blue crabs and stone crabs can be caught along both Florida coasts. Tampa Bay, the Gulf Islands, and the Keys are prime locations.

Texas

The Gulf Coast bays around Galveston, Port Aransas, and Port Isabel provide blue crab fishing from piers, jetties, and bridges.

Hawaii

Catch small Samoan crabs from sandy beaches and rock outcroppings around Oahu, Maui, Molokai, and Kauai. No license required.

With the right gear, bait, and local knowledge, landing a tasty king crab dinner is possible without heading to the far reaches of Alaska. Just be sure to verify seasons, limits, and licensing based on your location. With some preparation and persistence, you may be feasting on sweet crab catches sooner than you think.