Crab Rules

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. Refer to CRC rules on page 8. 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/wa/crabreport) by the deadline printed on each card. 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 has a daily limit of 5 Dungeness Crab, 6 1/4" minimum size, males only, and in hardshell condition.
Puget Sound has a daily limit of 6 Tanner Crab, 4 1/2" minimum size, of either sex, and in hardshelled condition. Measure at the widest portion of the shell.
Columbia River has a daily limit of 12 Dungeness Crab, 5 3/4" minimum size, males only, and in hardshell condition. Pacific Ocean has a daily limit of 6 Dungeness Crab 6" minimum size, males only, and in hardshell condition.
All Areas have a daily limit of 6 Red Rock Crab, 5" minimum size, of either sex.

Prior to harvesting, see additional crab gear rules on page 135, check the Shellfish Rule Change toll-free hotline, (866) 880-5431, or visit wdfw.wa.gov for season openings, closures, and restrictions.

DUNGENESS, RED ROCK and TANNER CRAB

AREA

PUGET SOUND - Marine Areas 4 (east of the Bonilla-Tatoosh line), 5, 6, 7 South, 7 North, 8-1, 8-2, 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13

SEASON

For seasons go to: wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/shellfish/crab or refer to the toll-free shellfish rule change hotline (866) 880-5431. The season dates will be announced and available in May/June for the summer season, and October 1 for the winter season.

RULES

All DUNGENESS crab kept must be immediately recorded on a catch record card in ink (see page 8).

DUNGENESS and RED ROCK CRAB

AREA

COLUMBIA RIVER - East of a line from exposed end of north and south jetty upstream to a line between Tongue Point and Rocky Point

SEASON

Open year-round to all gear.

RULES

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.

DUNGENESS and RED ROCK CRAB

AREA

PACIFIC OCEAN - Grays Harbor, Willapa Bay, and Marine Areas 1-3 and 4 (west of Bonilla-Tatoosh line)

SEASON

Open December 1 to September 15 for Pot Gear. Open year-round to other gear.

RULES

N/A