The Puget Sound recreational crab management area includes Washington marine areas 5 through 13 (including the Strait of Juan de Fuca, San Juan Islands, Puget Sound, and Hood Canal) and marine area 4 (Neah Bay) east of the Bonilla-Tatoosh line.

Crabbing is one of Puget Sound’s most popular recreational fisheries. Each year, sport fishers catch more than 1.5 million pounds of Dungeness crab, using pots, ring nets, and – in the case of wade and dive fishers – their bare hands.

Aug 30, 2024 · OLYMPIA – Most areas of Puget Sound will close to recreational crab fishing after Sept. 2, which means it’s time to submit your summer Puget Sound Dungeness crab catch record cards (CRC).

Statewide gear rules (crab, shrimp, crawfish) Report derelict fishing gear NOTE: All crab fishing gear must be removed from the water by one hour after sunset on the last day of any fishing period.

Sep 27, 2024 · The portion of Marine Area 12 (Hood Canal) south of Ayock Point and Marine Area 13 (South Puget Sound) will remain closed for the winter season due to the ongoing conservation closure of all crab harvest.

Statewide gear rules (crab, shrimp, crawfish) Report derelict fishing gear. NOTE: All crab fishing gear must be removed from the water by one hour after sunset on the last day of any fishing period. Crab fishing gear may not remain in the water on closed days.

Jun 12, 2024 · Puget Sound crabbers are required to record their harvest of Dungeness crab on their catch record cards (CRC) immediately after retaining the crab and before re-deploying the trap. Anglers who crab in Marine Area 7 North and South after Labor Day …

Jan 9, 2025 · The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) requires all recreational crabbers licensed to fish for Dungeness crab in Puget Sound and Hood Canal to report their winter harvest, even if they didn’t fish for or keep any crab between Sept. 3 and Dec. 31, 2024.

See the regulations and learn about the history of the Puget Sound commercial crab fishery. Maps and charts Puget Sound Management Regions, Marine Protected Areas, Non-commercial and Limited Commercial Crab Areas.

Fishery managers rely on catch information provided by fishers to manage the Puget Sound Dungeness crab fishery and plan future seasons. Reporting catch CRCs must be reported online or returned to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife by mailing it …