For an iconic Pacific Northwest adventure, crabbing in Washington State is hard to beat. Whether you’re a seasoned crabber or new trawler, you better shellieve that the region’s beaches, bays, and islands—including our iconic San Juan Islands—set the stage for a perfect day on the water. (And, with a little luck, a bucket full of fresh Dungeness!)
Crabbing Seasons in Washington State
One of the best things about crab fishing in Washington is how easy it is to get started. But before you hit the water, make sure you know the rules. Guidelines from the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife allow for recreational crabbing in the Puget Sound crab management area in two distinct seasons: a summer season (usually July through early September) and a winter season (quota-dependent, but typically October through December).
Head out to the coast, and crabbing seasons become a bit more flexible. Some spots, like the Columbia River, allow year-round crabbing for all gear types, while other locations have more specific regulations. Grays Harbor and Marine Areas 1-3 and 4 (west of the Tatoosh-Bonilla line) are open December 1 through September 15 for pot gear and year-round for other gear types. Willapa Bay follows a similar pattern: November 15 to September 15 for pots and year-round for everything else.
Crabbing in the San Juan Islands (officially, “Marine Area 7 North”) is typically open in August and September, though exact dates can shift each year to protect molting crabs. During these long summer and early fall days, you’ll spot folks tossing rings from docks, kayakers paddling out with pots, and that signature PNW magic settling in. There’s something oh-so-satisfying about parking yourself by the water, listening to the sea, and letting the tide do all the hard work!
Timing the Tides
As with most things in life, timing is everything—and crabbing is no exception. The best time of day for crabbing typically corresponds with the tides. Slack tide (the period around both high and low tide) is often considered prime time for crabbing because the currents calm down, and crabs can move around and forage for food more freely.
Pro tip: No matter what time of day you go crabbing, make sure to get your claws on the proper gear and label it appropriately!
Crabbing Licenses and Essential Gear
Speaking of gear, all crab fishers ages 16 and older need to first obtain a crab license in Washington State, as well as a catch record card for Puget Sound Dungeness crab. Kids under 16 can crab for free—although they’re also required to log their haul using the catch card. Once again, the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife lays out everything you need to know before heading for the water, so it’s worth a quick look.
When you are ready to get started, a pot, ring, or net is essential to your crab fishing excursion. And whatever you do, don’t forget a crab gauge! (Because, as it turns out, size does matter when it comes to keeping your catch legal.)
The Skinny on Washington Crabs
Washington’s waters are bursting with an array of marine life, and crabs are no exception. No matter if you’re dropping a pot or working with a ring, you’re likely to encounter several species while crabbing in Washington State.
- Dungeness crab: The main attraction for most recreational crabbers, the Dungeness crab is the primary species harvested in Puget Sound. With its purple-tinged gray or brown shell and white-tipped claws, you’ll know a Dungeness crab when you see it!
- Red rock crab: Similar in shape to the Dungeness crab but smaller and less meaty, the red rock crab is easily identified by the black tips on its beefy claws.
- Box crab and king crab: Occasionally found in Puget Sound but more at home in offshore waters, these crabs are covered in wart-like bumps and spines. Because they prefer the deep, divers see these species more often than crabbers soaking pots.
- Shore crabs: Ranging from fingertip-sized to half-dollar, these small (and, we should note, hairy) crustaceans are frequently found on Puget Sound.
If you go crab fishing in Washington, proper identification is key, and one of the most important things to keep in mind is whether your crab is hard- or soft-shelled. Most can be identified by giving the shell a gentle squeeze. If it feels soft or gives under pressure, or if the underside is bright white, it’s a soft-shell crab. Handle your shelled friend with care and release it back into the water so it can finish hardening up.
You may also be wondering about the sex of the crab you caught. While male crabs (keepers) tend to be larger than female crabs, size can vary by species. A more reliable indicator is a crab’s “apron,” which refers to the shape of its abdomen. Male crabs have a narrow, more triangular-shaped apron, while females sport a wider, rounded apron to help protect their eggs. Pincers up for these fierce femmes!
Get Out of Your Shell at Lakedale
Whether you’re crabbing from a boat, a dock, or on shore, Washington’s waters offer some of the best recreational crabbing in the country. If you’re looking to turn your outing into a truly clawsome adventure, Lakedale Resort is the perfect home base. A stay here is the kind of “pinch me” moment that you’ll be talking about long after you leave. Reserve your spot by calling 800-617-2267 or book your stay online!
