Elliott Bay / Seattle
About Dungeness Crab
Dungeness crab is the premier shellfish target in Puget Sound. A fresh crab dinner is one of the great rewards of fishing these waters. Crabbing requires pots or ring nets and is accessible from both boats and shore locations. The season split between summer and winter provides nearly year-round opportunity.
Regulations
Open today. Summer season Jul 5 – Sep 7, open Sun–Mon only.Reduced to 2 days/week for lower Dungeness abundance. Dungeness: 5/day, males only, hard-shell, 6.25" min carapace. Red rock: 6/day either sex, 5" min. Puget Sound Crab Endorsement + catch record card required. Check for in-season biotoxin (PSP/domoic acid) closures at wdfw.wa.gov before harvesting or eating.
Dungeness: males only, hard-shell, min 6.25" carapace width, daily limit 5. Red rock crab: either sex, hard-shell, min 5", daily limit 6. Puget Sound Crab Endorsement + catch record card required; record each Dungeness immediately. Summer and winter seasons are set per marine area by WDFW (summer announced in June, winter in September) — the exact open dates and days for your area are shown in the season status above.
Techniques
- Crab pots from boat (30-60 ft)
- Ring nets from piers and docks
- Snorkeling/wading at low tide (rare)
Where to Fish
Top Crab Spots
Redondo Beach · Des Moines Pier · Saltwater State Park · Seacrest Park · Alki Point
Frequently Asked Questions
When is crab season in Puget Sound?
Crab seasons are set each year by WDFW emergency rule — typically a summer opening (often around July) and a winter opening (fall into spring), with closed gaps to protect molting crabs. Exact dates vary by area and year, so verify the current season at wdfw.wa.gov before setting pots.
Where is the best crabbing in Puget Sound?
Hood Canal (Area 12) — Hoodsport and Potlatch State Park have the highest catch rates. In central Sound, Redondo Beach and Des Moines (Area 10) are productive. Titlow Beach (Area 11) is good from shore.
What bait do I use for crab pots?
Chicken legs/backs, turkey legs, or fish carcasses (salmon heads work great). Secure bait in the bait container — crabs should not be able to reach it directly. The smell attracts them into the pot.
Do I need a boat to go crabbing?
No. Many piers and docks allow crabbing with ring nets. Redondo Beach, Des Moines Pier, Seacrest Park (Area 10), Les Davis Pier, Titlow Beach (Area 11) all have shore crabbing access.