It should come as no surprise that crabs are best enjoyed when they’re fresh and in season. The good news is that, depending on the type of crab, you can get freshly caught crab almost any time of the year. You can even do it yourself with very little experience.
You can find and enjoy the freshest options whether you buy them at the fish market or order them at a restaurant if you know when each type is in season. Many bait and tackle shops or even Walmarts near you carry all the cages and rope you need. Crabbing is a great family activity fun for all ages. You can catch and release or even keep some for dinner.
Succulent crab is one of the tastiest treats from the sea. But when is the best time to catch these coveted crustaceans? Crab season dates vary across different regions and species. This guide will overview when crab seasons typically begin and end.
Why Do Crab Seasons Vary?
Several factors impact the timing of crab seasons:
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Reproduction – Most crabs spawn in early summer. Seasons often start after populations replenish
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Growth – Crabs molt and grow new shells. Seasons align with peaks in size from summer feeding.
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Migrations – Some crabs migrate seasonally to breeding or feeding grounds,
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Weather – Colder regions delay seasons until icy waters warm up.
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Legislation – Regulations manage harvests to prevent overfishing.
So crab lovers need to know what types of crabs live in their area and when they are in abundance! Let’s overview some of the most popular crabs and their harvesting seasons across the United States.
Dungeness Crab Seasons
This Pacific coast crab is a seafood favorite. Dungeness crab seasons generally run:
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Alaska: Early summer through fall
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California: Mid-November through June
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Oregon: December through August
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Washington: Varies by area, but winter through early summer
Some parts of the West Coast close Dungeness season from late summer into fall to protect molting and mating cycles.
Blue Crab Seasons
These crabs inhabit Atlantic and Gulf Coast waters. Blue crab seasons typically span:
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Gulf Coast: March through October
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Southern Atlantic Coast: March through December
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Mid-Atlantic: April through November
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New England: June through October
Blue crab seasonspeaks in the warm summer and fall months. Further north, seasons start later in spring and end earlier in fall.
Stone Crab Seasons
Florida and the Gulf Coast host these decadent crabs. Stone crab season ranges:
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Gulf Coast: Mid-October through May
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Florida Atlantic Coast: October 15 through May 15
Stone crab fisheries close during summer and part of fall to allow crabs to regrow harvested claws.
Snow Crab Seasons
Prized for their long legs, snow crab seasons center around:
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Alaska: January through mid-May
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Canada: April through August
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Maine: December through May
Snow crabs experience a more defined winter/early spring season in colder northern waters.
King Crab Seasons
The largest of edible crabs, king crab seasons generally run:
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Alaska: October through January
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West Coast: Winter through early spring
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East Coast: November through April
Later fall through early spring are peak king crab fishing months.
How Seasons Are Set
Fishery managers use science to establish crab harvest seasons, focusing on:
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Estimating population sizes
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Tracking migration and reproduction
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Monitoring crab growth cycles
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Assessing environmental impacts like temperature
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Reviewing harvest and effort data from prior seasons
Conservative seasons aligned with crab biology ensure stable populations into the future.
What Happens in the Off-Season?
During closed seasons, licensed commercial fishermen shift to other seafood. Recreational crabbers wait patiently for their next opportunity. Meanwhile, crabs focus on:
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Molting their shells to support growth
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Migrating to find mates and breed
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Foraging to store up fat and energy
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Replenishing their numbers after harvest periods
Proper off-seasons give crabs time to sustain healthy numbers.
When Are Crabs Best Eaten?
Crabs taste most succulent and meaty during peak harvest times outlined above. Why?
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They’ve been feeding heavily and growing all season.
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Cold weather fattens them up before dormancy.
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Fresher crabs have higher meat yields.
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Egg-laden females get protected from harvest.
In-season crabs provide the finest texture and flavor.
How to Know If It’s Crab Season
Here are signs crab season is open or closing in your area:
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Increased inventory, promotions, and prices at seafood markets
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More recreational crab boats out on the water
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Seafood restaurants advertising fresh, local crab
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Friends posting crab feasts on social media!
Following crab harvest calendars ensures you can take advantage of the tastiest in-season offerings.
Planning an In-Season Crab Feast
Craving a crab fest? Try these tips:
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Check regulations – size limits, bag numbers, licenses.
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Gather equipment – pots, nets, tackle, gloves, mallets.
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Prep big spaces – cover tables, lay down newspaper.
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Get messy tools – crackers, picks, hammers, bibs.
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Buy extras – butter, lemons, garlic, spices, sides.
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Chill wine, beer, and starters for long prep time.
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Share the work – have guests help prep and clean up.
Cracking into a pile of fresh, seasonal crab is worth the effort!
How to Find Crabs in the Off-Season
If you’re really craving crab out of season, you have options:
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Buy frozen – Many crabs are flash frozen at peak quality.
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Eat canned – Shelf-stable and budget-friendly.
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Order flown-in – Some restaurants ship live crabs.
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Substitute – Try sustainable crab alternatives like pollock.
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Travel – Visit crab regions in their open seasons.
With some flexibility, you can get your crab fix year-round!
Crab Seasons Support Sustainable Fishing
While crab lovers may be eager for year-round harvests, carefully regulated seasons are crucial. Open periods timed to crab biology prevent:
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Overfishing that can damage populations.
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Harvests of breeding females that skew ratios.
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Death of soft-shell crabs before re-hardening.
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Interruption of key life stages like migration and mating.
Adhering to crab seasons, size limits, and catch numbers keeps this beloved seafood sustainable.
Get Excited for Crab Season!
Now that you know when crab seasons start and end, you can anticipate the most delicious times for eating this sweet shellfish. Arm yourself with the right equipment, recipes, and plenty of napkins. Then crack open perfectly timed, freshly caught crabs with your lucky claws!
When Is Crab Season?
Every kind of crab has its main season from October to January. This is when they are usually at their biggest and when the population is highest after they spawn. Some regions even stretch the crabbing season into July.
Alaska and Maine, two of the states that catch the most crab, start their crab season in the fall, around October, and end it when the weather starts to warm up in early spring. In other states, like Florida and South Carolina, crab season is year-round.
Some states have crabbing seasons during warmer months instead of winter, when crabs are more dormant and inactive. For example, in Maryland, crabbing season starts April 1 and ends in November.
Know Your State’s Crab Season
Before you round up your nets, traps, and buoys, look into your state’s fishing season and requirements. On their fish and wildlife websites, most states list the times of year when you can fish for each type of fish. Opening and closing dates, as well as size limits and bag limits, are also listed.
California regulators delay start to Dungeness crab season
FAQ
Are Maryland crabs in season?
Is Dungeness crab in season now?
What month is best quality for crab?
When can you go crabbing in Washington state?
When is crabbing season?
Some regions even stretch crabbing season into July. It depends on the area and specific type of crab to know when the season is and when crabs will be their freshest. Some of the largest crab-producing states, like Alaska and Maine, start crab season in the fall, around October, and end it as temperatures start climbing in early spring.
When does crab season start & end?
Some of the largest crab-producing states, like Alaska and Maine, start crab season in the fall, around October, and end it as temperatures start climbing in early spring. Some Southern states, such as Florida and South Carolina, have a year-round crab season.
Which states have crabbing seasons?
Some Southern states, such as Florida and South Carolina, have a year-round crab season. Some states have crabbing seasons during warmer months instead of winter when crabs are more dormant and inactive. Maryland, for example, has a crabbing season that starts in April and ends in November.
When is the best time to eat crab?
Early fall is the best time of year to catch and eat hard shell crabs, particularly Maryland Blue Crabs. In September and October, crabs tend to be larger, so each crab contains more weight. Crab available in supermarkets or restaurants earlier in the season might be crab that did not migrate over the winter.