Crab Rules
Crab
When harvesting Dungeness Crab in Puget Sound only, a catch record card (CRC) and a crab endorsement are required. Any harvest after Labor Day must be recorded on a winter CRC. Reporting your catch is critical for crab management. Refer to CRC rules on Catch Records & Codes. A $10.00 penalty will be added to the cost of your next Puget Sound crab endorsement if you fail to either return your cards by mail or report your catch information on the Internet (fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov) by the deadline printed on each card. Even if you did not catch any crab, report by the deadline. Must release all softshell crab (underside of shell flexes with finger pressure — see below). Fishing instruments must not penetrate the shell. It is unlawful to possess crab in the field without retaining the back shell. May not retain any species of crab other than Dungeness, Red Rock, and Tanner. See rules below.
Dungeness, Red Rock, and Tanner Crab Daily Limits and Rules:
Puget Sound Daily Limits/Rules
- Dungeness Crab: 5 crabs, 6¼" minimum size, males only, and in hardshell condition.
- Red Rock Crab: 6 crabs, 5" minimum size, of either sex, and in hardshell condition.
- Tanner Crab: 6 crabs, 4½" minimum size, of either sex, and in hardshell condition. Measure at the widest portion of the shell.
Pacific Ocean Daily Limits/Rules
- Dungeness Crab: 6 crabs, 6" minimum size, males only, and in hardshell condition.
- Red Rock Crab: 6 crabs, 5" minimum size, of either sex, and in hardshell condition.
Columbia River Daily Limits/Rules
- Dungeness Crab: 12 crabs, 5¾" minimum size, males only, and in hardshell condition.
- Red Rock Crab: 6 crabs, 5" minimum size, of either sex, and in hardshell condition.
Prior to harvesting, see additional crab gear rules on Statewide Gear Rules, check the Shellfish Rule Change toll-free Hotline, (866) 880-5431, or visit https://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/shellfishing-regulations/crab for season openings, closures, and restrictions. See also closures on Marine Preserves, Conservation Areas, and Shellfish Protection Zones.
Area |
Species |
Season / Opening Days And Times / Additional Rules |
Puget Sound |
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Marine Areas 4 (east of the Bonilla-Tatoosh line), 5, 6, 7 South, 7 North, 8-1, 8-2, 9, 10, 11 and 12 (North of Ayock Point). See the crab map for 7 North and 7 South. |
Dungeness, Red Rock, and Tanner Crab |
For seasons go to: https://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/shellfishing-regulations/crab or refer to the toll-free shellfish rule change hotline (866) 880-5431. The dates for the season will be available in late May or early June to accommodate co-management obligations and complete preseason test fishing and quota setting. All Dungeness crab kept must be immediately recorded on a catch record card in ink (Catch Records & Codes). |
Marine Areas 12 (south of Ayock Point), and 13 |
Dungeness, Red Rock, and Tanner Crab |
Closed to crab harvest in 2024. |
Columbia River |
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East of a line from exposed end of north and south jetty upstream to a line between Tongue Point and Rocky Point |
Dungeness and Red Rock Crab |
Open year-round to all gear. Crab fishers may fish for crab in Oregon waters under Oregon rules and land into Washington ports of the Columbia River. A resident license from either state is required. |
Pacific Ocean |
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Grays Harbor, and Marine Areas 1-3 and 4 (west of Bonilla-Tatoosh line) |
Dungeness and Red Rock Crab |
Open December 1 to September 15 for Pot Gear. Open year-round to other gear. |
Willapa Bay |
Dungeness and Red Rock Crab |
November 15 to September 15 for Pot Gear. Open year-round to other gear. |
Marine Area 7 Crab and Shrimp Maps
Please refer to marine preserve closure areas on Marine Preserves, Conservation Areas, and Shellfish Protection Zones.
Crab Map
1 Padilla Bay - crab fishing within 25 yards of the Burlington-Northern railroad trestles (located at the north end of the Swinomish Slough) is only allowed from one hour before official sunrise to one hour after official sunset.
Shrimp Map
Help Stop the Spread of Invasive European Green Crabs
The European green crab is a globally damaging invasive species that poses a threat to native shellfish, eelgrass, and estuary habitat critical for salmon and many other species. European green crabs are shore crabs and are found in shallow areas — typically less than 25 feet of water — including estuaries, mudflats, intertidal zones, and beaches.
How To Identify European Green Crabs
- 5 spines (marginal teeth) on the outside of each eye
- 3 rounded lobes between eyes
- Oval shaped carapace can reach up to 4 inches
- Not always green, can be mottled dark brown to dark green with small yellow patches
- Underside ranges from yellow/green to bright red
If caught please REPORT and RELEASE (it is illegal to retain or transport them alive)
European green crabs are classified as prohibited species and it is illegal to retain/harvest them. If you suspect you have found a green crab or molt, please leave the crab where you found it (you may keep a molt) and report a sighting.
How To Report
Take photos of the topside and underside of the crab and record the location. A coin or other object is useful to verify size.
Online form: wdfw.wa.gov/greencrab
Mobile app: WA Invasives
Phone: 1.888.WDFW.AIS (1.888.933.9247)
Email: [email protected]
Under Washington state regulations (WAC 220-640-120), prohibited invasive species may be killed and retained if the person is certain about species identification and assumes responsibility for correct identification and adherence to state rules and fishing regulations.
