Dungeness crab, also known as Metacarcinus magister or “dungies”, are a popular target for recreational and commercial crab fishermen along the West Coast These large crabs are prized for their sweet, tender meat and are an iconic part of California’s seafood cuisine. But where are the best places to catch Dungeness crab in California?
Overview of Dungeness Crab
Dungeness crab live in coastal waters from Alaska to Point Conception north of Santa Barbara, California. They prefer sandy or muddy seafloors at depths of up to 300 feet. The crabs grow slowly, reaching harvest size (6.25 inches across the shell) after 2-4 years.
The Dungeness crab fishery is carefully managed with size, sex, and season restrictions to prevent overfishing. The recreational season generally runs November – June, but can vary by location. There is a daily limit of 10 crabs per person.
Top Spots for Dungeness Crab Fishing in California
San Francisco Bay Area
The waters in and around San Francisco Bay offer prime crabbing The North Bay is home to shallow fishing grounds teeming with crab Popular spots include
- Rodeo Beach Pier in Marin County
- Paradise Beach Pier in Tiburon
- Berkeley Pier in Berkeley
- Pier 7 in San Francisco
Further south, Half Moon Bay and Pillar Point Harbor in San Mateo County are go-to spots for launching crab boats or throwing out traps from the pier.
Central Coast
The scenic central coast of California is crab country. Good places to launch boats or fish from shore include:
- Pismo Beach Pier in Pismo Beach
- Morro Bay State Park in Morro Bay
- Cayucos Pier in Cayucos
- Avila Beach Pier in Avila Beach
Morro Bay and Avila Beach are known for having crab so thick you can catch them with dip nets at high tide.
Southern California
The further south you go, the fewer crabs you’ll encounter But you can still find Dungeness crab in southern California Try fishing from
- Ventura Pier in Ventura
- Stearns Wharf in Santa Barbara
- Goleta Pier at UC Santa Barbara
- Marina Del Rey Breakwater in Los Angeles County
Your best chance is during winter or after storms stir up nutrients.
North Coast
The more remote, rugged north coast also holds crab, though fewer recreational anglers make the trek. Spots worth trying include:
- Trinidad Pier in Humboldt County
- Shelter Cove Pier in Humboldt County
- Noyo Harbor in Fort Bragg
Tips for Catching Dungeness Crab
- Use proper bait like rock crab, fresh fish, or squid.
- Add weight to sink traps faster.
- Set traps just before or on a flooding high tide.
- Let traps soak for at least 1 hour.
- Bring a hoop net to scoop up surface crabs.
- Look for sandy or muddy areas 10-100 feet deep.
- Fish during winter when crabs are most active.
- Check regulations – some piers prohibit crab traps.
With thousands of miles of coastline, California offers endless options for catching tasty Dungeness crab. Do your research, get the proper licenses, and try some of these prime crabbing spots for your best shot at hauling in a fresh seafood feast.
Press Releases, Memos/Notices, Blog Posts
- Dungeness Crab Task Force Link to the California Ocean Protection Council (OPC) website of the DCTF, the group that reviews and evaluates Dungeness crab fishery management
- Dungeness Crab Fishing Gear Working Group Collaborative effort between commercial and recreational fishermen, environmental organization representatives, members of the disentanglement network, and state and federal agencies to reduce the risk of whale entanglements with Dungeness crab fishing gear
Top 5 Southern California Crabbing Locations
FAQ
Where is the best place to catch Dungeness crab in California?
Bodega Bay, located about an hour north of San Francisco, is another top spot for crabbing in California. The bay is home to a variety of crab species, including Dungeness, rock, and red crabs. The best time to go crabbing in Bodega Bay is during the winter months when the crabs are most abundant.
Do you need a license to catch Dungeness crab in California?
Crab with care
Inside of the bay is a breeding ground for Dungeness and as such it is a protected estuary for them. Fishing along the coast is allowed with a fishing license but any man-made structure such as a pier, dock or jetty does not require a license and is open to public use.
Is CA Dungeness crab season open?
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.
Where is the most Dungeness crab caught?
Currently, Dungeness crab is fished from Avila (San Luis Obispo County) to the California-Oregon border, with commercial and recreational seasons beginning in …