38°57.5 N. Latitude (Point Arena in Mendocino County) to 37°11 N. Latitude (Pigeon Point in San Mateo County)
It includes a part of Mendocino County, the Pacific Ocean-side parts of Sonoma, Marin, and San Francisco counties, and most of San Mateo County.
Regulations for some species may differ inside San Francisco Bay; view regulations applicable to San Francisco Bay.
See California ocean sport fishing regulations for complete regulation information, including regulations for species not covered here.
Dungeness crab is a popular shellfish found along the west coast of North America. Its sweet, delicious meat makes it a coveted prize for recreational and commercial fishermen alike. But when can you actually harvest Dungeness crab? The answer depends on where you are fishing and the regulations in place. In this article, we’ll provide a complete guide to Dungeness crab season timing along the Pacific coast.
An Overview of Dungeness Crab
First, let’s cover some basics about Dungeness crab itself. This species (Metacarcinus magister) is named after Dungeness, Washington where it was first scientifically documented. It ranges from the Aleutian Islands in Alaska down to Santa Barbara, California.
Dungeness crab have a round, ten-legged body enclosed in a hard shell. Their shell spans around 6-10 inches across in adulthood. They prefer sandy or muddy seabeds and eelgrass beds in depths up to 300 feet. Dungeness crab are omnivorous, feeding on clams, fish, crustaceans and more.
This species supports valuable commercial, tribal, and recreational fisheries. In fact, Dungeness crab is the most economically important shellfish species along the west coast. Annual landings exceed 60 million pounds with an ex-vessel value over $200 million.
Dungeness Crab Season in Washington
In Washington state, the Dungeness crab season runs from October 1st through September 15th for pots and year-round for other gear like ring nets, snares, and diving. Check current regulations from the WDFW as small changes can occur each year.
The Puget Sound area (Marine Areas 4 through 13) tends to open for summer fishing starting July 1st or later. Exact summer openings are announced in early June each year.
For the winter season in Puget Sound openings occur between December 1st and January 1st. WDFW announces the start date during the first week of October. Crab fishing here requires a summer or winter endorsement on your license.
In coastal areas (Marine Areas 1-3), the season opens earlier, usually by mid-October Dungeness crab is open year-round in the Columbia River area (Marine Area 1)
Dungeness Crab Seasons in Oregon
In Oregon, Dungeness crab seasons are structured into ocean and bay fisheries. The ocean fishery runs from December 1st through August 14th. Permanent bays like Coos Bay, Winchester Bay, and Yaquina Bay are open for crabbing year-round.
Seasons for the popular temporary recreational bay fishery such as Tillamook Bay, Netarts Bay, etc. open December 1st as well. They remain open for crabbing until August 14th or until catch limits are reached.
Dungeness Crab Seasons in California
The Dungeness crab season in California runs from November 15th to June 30th south of the Mendocino/Sonoma county line and November 15th to July 30th to the north.
However, the commercial season typically gets delayed into December north of Point Arena due to soft-shell crabs. Recreational crabbers should verify season start dates before dropping pots.
Within San Francisco Bay, the Dungeness crab season is narrower. It runs from the Saturday before Thanksgiving through June 30th.
No matter where you fish in California, you’ll need a valid fishing license and ocean enhancement stamp. Review CDFW regulations for exact recreational crabbing rules in your region.
How Fishery Managers Determine Dungeness Seasons
Fishery managers with state agencies like WDFW, ODFW, and CDFW determine Dungeness crab seasons annually based on crab biology and other factors.
They schedule seasons to avoid the critical molting period when crabs shed their shells to grow. Crabs are vulnerable and produce inferior meat during this time. Opening the fishery too early wastes soft-shell crabs.
Managers must also account for domoic acid levels, winter whale migration, and agreements with tribal nations who retain treaty rights to harvest crab.
By tailoring Dungeness crab seasons carefully around these constraints, fishery agencies ensure sustainable harvests for years to come.
Purchasing Dungeness Crab When Not in Season
Of course, your appetite for Dungeness crab doesn’t always align with fishing seasons! Thankfully, you can still enjoy fresh crab in and out of season by purchasing it from markets and restaurants.
Commercial fishermen from Alaska to California harvest Dungeness nearly year-round. This production helps supply consumers with a steady crab supply.
Many vendors source live crab in-season then freeze or process excess meat for selling during closed periods. Just make sure to ask how and when they harvest their crab.
Savor the Seasonality of Dungeness Crab
Part of what makes Dungeness crab such a treasure is its seasonality. Crabbing during an open fishery connects you to the natural rhythms of this iconic west coast species.
With this guide, you’ll be prepared to take advantage of Washington, Oregon, and California’s Dungeness crab seasons. Just be sure to verify current regulations and opening dates before heading out!
Mussels
NOTE: The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has issued its annual quarantine on the collection of mussels (opens in new tab) intended for human consumption. The quarantine is usually in effect from May 1 through October 31 each year. For the latest advisory information, call CDPHs toll-free Shellfish Information Line at (800) 553-4133 or check CDPHs recreational bivalve shellfish advisory interactive map(opens in new tab).
There is no set end date for the recreational season for California sea mussel (Mytilus californianus) and bay mussel (Mytilus trossulus). Currently, mussels should only be collected for non-consumptive uses (for example, fish bait). The daily limit for both bagged and owned California sea mussels and bay mussels is 10 pounds (in the shell).
Keep in mind that the California Department of Public Health keeps an eye on mussels and quarantines them once a year to make sure that no one gets paralytic shellfish poisoning or domoic acid poisoning. However, warnings can be sent out at any time telling people not to eat shellfish they caught for fun. The annual quarantine is usually in place from May to October, and it only affects mussels caught for sport that are meant to be eaten by humans. You can call CDPH’s toll-free Shellfish Information Line at (800) 553-4133 or look at CDPH’s recreational bivalve shellfish advisory interactive map to get the most up-to-date information on warnings, advisories, and quarantines related to naturally occurring shellfish toxins. You can also review CDFWs Finfish and Shellfish Health Advisories web page.
Sharks (State-managed)
The recreational fishery for surfperch (PDF)(opens in new tab) (family Embiotocidae) is open year-round. Every day, you can only catch and keep 20 fish of any species (except shiner perch), but no more than 10 of any one species. Shiner perch(opens in new tab) (Cymatogaster aggregata) have a separate bag and possession limit of 20 fish. Redtail surfperch(opens in new tab) (Amphistichus rhodoterus) have a minimum size limit of 10½ inches total length.
Dungeness crab season officially opens in San Francisco
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