Dungeness crab (recreational)

"Not too crabby!" Dungeness crab, Siletz Bay -Photo by Ben Watts- Crabbing and Clamming September 3, 2026 Announcements Always check for closures at the ODA Shellfish Safety page before harvesting shellfish, which includes clams, crabs and mussels. Reminder: Annual conservation closure for razor clams north of Tillamook Head (Clatsop Beaches) began July 15 and runs through September 30. The season will reopen October 1 unless there is a closure for toxin levels. Report commercial derelict crab pots If you are out on the ocean or in the Columbia River from now through the beginning of October, please report coordinates of any commercial derelict crab pots you see by emailing Jill.M.Smith@odfw.oregon.gov . These reports are distributed to derelict gear recovery permitted participants, enabling them to target gear recovery efforts now that the commercial crab season is closed in the ocean. Prohibited line markings in effect Recreational crabbers are not required to mark their line but are prohibited from using certain line markings that are required in other fisheries. To read more about why and what is prohibited, visit our Marine Life Entanglement page . Bay clams Always call the ODA shellfish safety hotline at 1-800-448-2474 or check the ODA shellfish closures website before harvesting for the most current information about shellfish safety closures. Grab a shovel or rake and your shellfish license. Butter, cockle and gaper clams are waiting to be dug. With the arrival of spring, bay clamming opportunities increase with early morning low tides. As negative tides switch from night to daytime, clammers should use caution when visibility is low. Monitor the weather forecast and the swell and surf advisories before going out to make sure you can safely clam. Check out the Where to Clam articles for places to find bay clams. You can also find more clamming maps here . Beaver State Podcast: Bay clamming with Mitch Vance Learn about different clams and some of the challenges to be ready for when you clam. Mussels Always call the ODA shellfish safety hotline at 1-800-448-2474 or check the ODA shellfish closures website before harvesting for the most current information about shellfish safety closures. Mussels, like clams, are filter feeders and those who like eating clams are likely to find mussels just as delicious. Mussels attach to rocks and other permanent habitats in the intertidal zone, so it is best to go looking for them during a low tide. When harvesting, wear gloves and use a twisting motion to pull mussels off rocks. Be careful when harvesting by the ocean and watch for sneaker waves. Each harvester will need a shellfish license and their own bucket. Learn more here . Razor clams Always call the ODA shellfish safety hotline at 1-800-448-2474 or check the ODA shellfish closures website before harvesting for the most current information about shellfish safety closures. Spring and summer harvesting of razor clams can be a rewarding endeavor. Unlike fall and winter, low tides are in the mornings and visibility is much better. Typical to the Oregon coast, the spring and summer brings better weather, which allows harvesters to see razor clams "showing" more readily. Harvesters will still need to make sure to monitor swell and surf advisories as well as predicted wind prior to harvesting. Combined seas greater than 10 feet and winds greater than 20 mph will make harvesting difficult for all, including the most experienced harvester. Spring and summer harvesting can be greatly improved if harvesters actively "pound" to make clams show. Clammers should plan to be on the beach at least two hours before low tide to ensure plenty of time for a successful harvest. Any low tide that is negative (the bigger the better) is sufficient to harvest clams if the seas are less than 10 feet. Clammers need to remember to keep the first 15 they dig, regardless of size or condition. See this article for more information on razor clams, including how to harvest. Clatsop beach Annual conservation closure for razor clams north of Tillamook Head (Clatsop Beaches) begins July 15 and goes through September 30. The season will reopen October 1 unless there is a closure for toxin levels. Other beaches Other areas such as Indian Beach (Cannon Beach); Cannon Beach; Cape Meares Beach (Tillamook); Agate Beach (North of Newport); North Beach and South Beach (Newport); Waldport Beach; North Umpqua Spit (Winchester Bay); Bastendorff Beach and North Spit (Coos Bay); Whiskey Run (Bandon); and Meyers Creek Beach (Gold Beach) will also have razor clams. Oregon State Parks have tide tables posted on their website . Crabs Always call the ODA shellfish safety hotline at 1-800-448-2474 or check the ODA shellfish closures website before harvesting for the most current information about shellfish safety closures. Port by port reports: All ports are seeing soft, recently molted, male crab. While these are legal to keep, it is worth noting that they will not be as full of meat or the meat may not be as high quality. Tillamook: Crabbing has been fair from a boat and slow from the dock. Netarts: Crabbing has been fair from a boat and slow from the dock. Newport: Crabbing has been fair from a boat and slow from the dock. Waldport: Crabbing has been fair from a boat and slow from the dock. Charleston : Crabbing has been fair from a boat and slow from the dock. Shore and dock crabbing can be a great year-round activity. A good tool to try is the "castable folding crab trap." Usually attached to a fishing pole, these traps are great for kids because they are lightweight and can catch crab within minutes. No heavy pulling or long wait times! They are available for purchase at most local stores. Happy crabbing! Some crabbers in estuaries may also encounter non-native European green crab in their catch. While they look similar to Oregon's native shore crabs, identify them by the three prominent bumps between the eyes and five spines down each side of their body (carapace). Color is not a good identifying feature as they are not always green. The daily catch limit for European green crab is 35 per person per day. European green crab can be any size or sex. Learn more about this species . Want to know more about the invasive green crab and how you can help? Check out Invasive European green crabs threaten Northwest shellfish industries produced by the Oregon Field Guide on PBS. <div class="field

The Director of CDFW conducted a risk assessment on June 18, 2026, and is continuing the management actions currently in place, including the 15% Gear Reduction and 30-fathom Depth Constraint in Fishing Zones 1-2 for the commercial fishery, and the Crab Trap Prohibition in Fishing Zones 3-5 for the recreational fishery. These management actions will remain in place for the remainder of the statutory season. CDFW Final Assessment and Management Recommendation (PDF) June 18, 2026 Working Group Recommendation (PDF) June 16, 2026 CDFW Preliminary Assessment and Available Data (PDF) June 12, 2026

In Fishing Zone 3 (Sonoma/Mendocino county line, 38°46.125' N. Latitude to Pigeon Point, 37°11' N. Latitude), a recreational trap prohibition will go into effect at 6 p.m. on May 22, 2026. CDFW anticipates the next risk assessment will take place in early June 2026.

The Director of CDFW conducted a risk assessment on May 15, 2026, and is implementing a Crab Trap Prohibition for the recreational fishery in Fishing Zone 3 and continuing the Crab Trap Prohibition in Fishing Zones 4-5. A Fleet Advisory will remain in place for all Fishing Zones. The Director is also continuing the 15% Gear Reduction and 30-fathom Depth Constraint in Fishing Zones 1-2 for the commercial fishery. Fishing Zones 3-5 are closed for the remainder of the season, with Alternative Gear authorized for use. Director’s Declaration (PDF) May 15, 2026 CDFW Final Assessment and Management Recommendation (PDF) May 15, 2026 CDFW Preliminary Assessment and Available Data (PDF) May 12, 2026

A 30-fathom depth restriction will be implemented in the commercial Dungeness crab fishery effective 6 p.m. on April 30, 2026 in Fishing Zones 1 and 2 (California/Oregon border to the Sonoma/Mendocino county line). In Fishing Zone 3 (Sonoma/Mendocino county line to Pigeon Point), the commercial Dungeness crab fishery will close at 6 p.m. on April 30, 2026, at which time the commercial take and possession of Dungeness crab from those waters is prohibited unless using alternative gear, the use of which is authorized to begin at 7 a.m. on May 7, 2026. Permitted commercial Dungeness crab vessels are conditionally authorized to retrieve lost, damaged, abandoned, or otherwise derelict commercial Dungeness crab traps. Read the press release for details and conditions. There are no changes to the current recreational crab fishing regulations or seasons.

The Director of CDFW conducted a risk assessment on April 17, 2026 and is continuing the 15% Gear Reduction in Fishing Zones 1-2 and implementing a 30-fathom Depth Constraint effective April 30, 2026, at 6p.m. For Fishing Zone 3, a Fishery Zone Closure will be effective April 30, 2026, at 6p.m. and the authorization of Alternative Gear effective May 7, 2026, at 7a.m. For the recreational fishery, the Crab Trap Prohibition will continue in Fishing Zones 4-5 and a Fleet Advisory for all Fishing Zones. Director’s Declaration (PDF) April 17, 2026 CDFW Final Assessment and Management Recommendation (PDF) April 17, 2026 Working Group Recommendation (PDF) April 15, 2026 CDFW Preliminary Assessment and Available Data (PDF) April 14, 2026

The Director of CDFW conducted a risk assessment on April 3, 2026 and is continuing the 15% Gear Reduction in Fishing Zones 1-2 and 40% Gear Reduction in Fishing Zone 3. Fishing Zones 4 and 5 closed for the season on March 27, 2026, and Alternative Gear is authorized for use effective April 3, 2026, for the remainder of the statutory season. For the recreational fishery, the Crab Trap Prohibition in Fishing Zones 4-5 will continue as well as the Fleet Advisory for all Fishing Zones. CDFW Final Assessment and Management Recommendation (PDF) April 3, 2026 Working Group Recommendation (PDF) April 1, 2026 CDFW Preliminary Assessment and Available Data (PDF) March 30, 2026

The Director of CDFW conducted a risk assessment on March 13, 2026, and announced the season closure for the commercial fishery in Fishing Zones 4 and 5, effective March 27, 2026, at 6:00 p.m., and a continuation of the existing 15% Gear Reduction in Fishing Zones 1 and 2 and 40% Gear Reduction in Fishing Zone 3. Alternative Gear is authorized for use on April 3, 2026, at 7:00 a.m. for Fishing Zones 4 and 5. The Director also announced a recreational Crab Trap Prohibition for Fishing Zones 4 and 5, effective March 27, 2026, at 6:00p.m. A Fleet Advisory remains for all Fishing Zones. Director’s Declaration (PDF) March 13, 2026 CDFW Final Assessment and Management Recommendation (PDF) March 13, 2026 Working Group Recommendation (PDF) March 11, 2026 CDFW Preliminary Assessment and Available Data (PDF) March 10, 2026

The commercial Dungeness crab fishery will close on March 27, 2026, at 6 p.m. in Fishing Zones 4 and 5 (Pigeon Point, 37°11' N Latitude to Point Conception, 34°27' N Latitude) at which time the commercial take and possession of Dungeness crab from those waters is prohibited unless using alternative gear, the use of which is authorized beginning April 3, 2026. This is the first time CDFW has authorized the use of alternative gear, or pop-up fishing gear, in the commercial Dungeness crab fishery. The use of approved alternative gear in Fishing Zones 4 and 5 will be allowed beginning April 3, 2026, at 7 a.m. The commercial fishery will remain open in Fishing Zones 1, 2, and 3 (California/Oregon border to Pigeon Point) under existing crab trap reductions. A recreational crab trap restriction will go into effect on March 27, 2026, at 6 p.m., in Fishing Zones 4 and 5. Recreational crabbers may not use crab traps in those fishing zones for the rest of the season, but take of Dungeness crab by other methods (including hoop nets and crab snares) will be allowed. The next risk assessment will take place in early April 2026.

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has lifted the shellfish safety notification to not consume the internal organs of sport-harvested Dungeness Crab caught in state waters located at: Reading Rock State Marine Reserve (41° 17.6’ N. Latitude) to Cape Mendocino (40⁰ 10' N. Latitude)

The waters off Humboldt County from the southern boundary of the Reading Rock state marine protected areas (41° 17.6' N. latitude) to Cape Mendocino (40° 10.0’ N. latitude) will open for commercial Dungeness crab fishing on Jan. 30, preceded by a 64-hour gear setting period beginning at 8:01 a.m. on Jan. 27 under a 15 percent gear reduction.

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is warning consumers to not eat the internal organs (viscera) of Sport-Harvested Dungeness crab caught along one coastal area of Northern California.

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has lifted the shellfish safety notification to not consume the internal organs of any sport-harvested Dungeness Crab caught in state waters located at: Ten Mile State Marine Reserve (39⁰ 33.30' N. Latitude) to Sonoma/Mendocino County Line (38° 46.125' N. Latitude)

The commercial Dungeness crab fishery will open at 12:01 a.m., Jan. 15, 2026 under a 15 percent gear reduction in the following areas: California/Oregon border (42° 0.0’ N. latitude) to the southern boundary of the Reading Rock state marine protected areas (41° 17.6' N. latitude) Cape Mendocino (40° 10.0’ N. latitude) to the Sonoma/Mendocino county line (38° 46.125’ N. latitude). From the southern boundary of the Reading Rock state marine protected areas (41° 17.6' N. latitude) to Cape Mendocino (40° 10.0’ N. latitude) the commercial Dungeness crab fishery will remain closed due to unhealthy levels of domoic acid in the crab. Commercial Dungeness crab fishing in this area will reopen when state health officials determine that domoic acid no longer poses a significant risk to public health. <h2

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is warning consumers to not eat the internal organs (viscera) of sport-harvested Dungeness crab caught along the coastal areas of Northern California.

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has lifted the shellfish safety notification to not consume the internal organs of any sport-harvested Dungeness Crab caught in state waters located at: CA/OR border (42⁰ 0.00' N. Latitude) to Reading Rock State Marine Reserve (41° 17.6’ N. Latitude)

The Director of CDFW conducted a risk assessment on December 19, 2025, and will open the Fishing Season for the commercial fishery in Fishing Zones 3, 4, and 5 on January 5, 2026, at 12:01am, under a 40% Gear Reduction. A gear setting period for Fishing Zones 3-5 would begin on January 2, 2025, at 8:01am. Fishing Zones 1 and 2 will open with a 15% Gear Reduction once domoic acid and quality testing requirements are met. Currently, Fishing Zones 1 and 2 will be delayed until at least January 15, 2026, pending testing requirements. The Director is also lifting the Crab Trap Prohibition for the recreational fishery in Fishing Zones 1, 3, and 4, effective January 2, 2026, at 8:01am. Director's Declaration (PDF) December 19, 2025 CDFW Final Assessment and Management Recommendation (PDF) December 19, 2025 Working Group Recommendation (PDF) December 17, 2025 CDFW Preliminary Assessment and Available Data (PDF) December 15, 2025

December 19, 2025 Cape Falcon to OR/WA border opening notice (PDF: IndustryNoticeNOF_Open_121925.pdf) — dated 2025-12-19. ODFW commercial Dungeness crab season notice.

December 5, 2025 Cape Falcon to OR/CA border opening notice (PDF: IndustryNoticeOpenFacontoORCABorder_120525.pdf) — dated 2025-12-05. ODFW commercial Dungeness crab season notice.

November 21, 2025 Coastwide delay notice (PDF: IndustryNoticeDelayCoastwide_112025.pdf) — dated 2025-11-20. ODFW commercial Dungeness crab season notice.

The Director of CDFW conducted a risk assessment on October 24, 2025, and is implementing a season delay for Fishing Zones 1-6 for the commercial fishery and a crab trap prohibition for the recreational fishery in Fishing Zones 1, 3, and 4. A Fleet Advisory would also be implemented for all Fishing Zones for the recreational fishery. Note that high levels of domoic acid will delay the opening of the recreational fishery from the California/Oregon border south to the Sonoma/Mendocino County line. Recreational take and/or possession of Dungeness crab is prohibited in these closed waters. In the area between the Sonoma/Mendocino County line and Point Reyes, State health agencies are advising the public not to consume crab viscera (guts) to avoid potential domoic acid exposure. Director's Declaration (PDF) October 24, 2025 CDFW Final Assessment and Management Recommendation (PDF) October 24, 2025 Working Group Recommendation (PDF) October 22, 2025 CDFW Preliminary Assessment and Available Data UPDATED (PDF) October 22, 2025 CDFW Preliminary Assessment and Available Data (PDF) October 21, 2025 2024-25 Season

The Director of CDFW conducted a risk assessment on June 13, 2025, and is implementing a season closure of the commercial Dungeness crab fishery in Fishing Zones 1 and 2, effective June 20, 2025, at 6:00 pm. There is also a continuation of the temporary crab trap restriction in the recreational crab fishery in Fishing Zones 3 and 4 through the remainder of the statutory season. Director’s Declaration (PDF) June 13, 2025 CDFW Final Assessment and Management Recommendation (PDF) June 13, 2025 Working Group Recommendation (PDF) June 12, 2025 CDFW Preliminary Assessment and Available Data (PDF) June 10, 2025

The Director of CDFW conducted a risk assessment on May 19, 2025, and is continuing the 25% Gear Reduction and 30-Fathom Depth Constraint in Fishing Zones 1 and 2. The Crab Trap Prohibition in Fishing Zones 3 and 4 and Fleet Advisory for all open Fishing Zones for the recreational fishery will continue. CDFW Final Assessment and Management Recommendation (PDF) May 19, 2025 Working Group Recommendation (PDF) May 16, 2025 CDFW Preliminary Assessment and Available Data (PDF) May 14, 2025

The Director of CDFW conducted a risk assessment on April 21, 2025, and is closing the commercial fishery in Fishing Zone 3, effective May 1, 2025, at 6:00pm, and continuing the 25% Gear Reduction and 30-Fathom Depth Constraint in Fishing Zones 1 and 2. A Crab Trap Prohibition for the recreational fleet in Fishing Zone 3 will also be implemented, effective May 1, 2025, at 6:00pm. A Fleet Advisory remains for all Fishing Zones. Director's Declaration (PDF) April 21, 2025 CDFW Final Assessment and Management Recommendation (PDF) April 21, 2025 Working Group Recommendation (PDF) April 17, 2025 CDFW Preliminary Assessment and Available Data (PDF) April 15, 2025

The Director of CDFW continued the 25% Gear Reduction in Fishing Zones 1-2 and implemented a 30-fathom Depth Constraint. The 50% Gear Reduction was also continued along with an additional 30-fathom Depth Constraint in Fishing Zone 3. A Season Closure for the commercial fishery in Fishing Zones 4-6 and a crab trap prohibition for the recreational fishery in Fishing Zone 4 were also announced. These actions will be effective April 15, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. A Fleet Advisory will be maintained for all Fishing Zones for both the commercial and recreational fisheries. Director's Declaration (PDF) April 3, 2025 CDFW Final Assessment and Management Recommendation (PDF) April 3, 2025 Working Group Recommendation (PDF) April 2, 2025 CDFW Preliminary Assessment and Available Data Document (PDF) March 28, 2025

The Director of CDFW conducted a risk assessment on March 17, 2025, and will continue the current Gear Reductions for the commercial Dungeness crab fishery and Fleet Advisory for both the commercial and recreational fisheries. Fishing Zones 1 and 2 will continue the 25% Gear Reduction and Fishing Zones 3, 4, 5, and 6 will continue the 50% Gear Reduction. CDFW Final Assessment and Management Recommendation (PDF) March 17, 2027 Working Group Recommendation (PDF) March 14, 2025 CDFW Preliminary Assessment and Available Data (PDF) March 12, 2025

The Director of CDFW conducted a risk assessment on February 13, 2025, and will continue the current Gear Reductions for the commercial Dungeness crab fishery and Fleet Advisory for both the commercial and recreational fisheries. Fishing Zones 1 and 2 will continue the 25% Gear Reduction and Fishing Zones 3, 4, 5, and 6 will continue the 50% Gear Reduction. CDFW Final Assessment and Management Recommendation (PDF) February 13, 2025 Working Group Recommendation (PDF) February 11, 2025 CDFW Preliminary Assessment and Available Data (PDF) February 10, 2025

The Director of CDFW conducted a risk assessment on January 22, 2025, and will continue the current Gear Reductions for the commercial Dungeness crab fishery and Fleet Advisory for both the commercial and recreational fisheries. Fishing Zones 1 and 2 will continue the 25% Gear Reduction and Fishing Zones 3, 4, 5, and 6 will continue the 50% Gear Reduction. CDFW Final Assessment and Management Recommendation (PDF) January 16, 2025 Working Group Recommendation (PDF) January 15, 2025 CDFW Preliminary Assessment and Available Data (PDF) January 13, 2025

The Director of CDFW conducted a risk assessment on December 20, 2024 and announced the commercial Dungeness crab fishery will open in Fishing Zones 3-6 beginning on January 5, 2025, at 12:01 am with pre-soak to begin on January 2, 2025, at 8:01am. This area will be subject to a 50% Gear Reduction. Fishing Zones 1-2 will be further delayed due to the inability to conduct meat quality testing. The season will automatically open on January 15, 2025, at 12:01 am under a 25% Gear Reduction. The pre-soak period will begin on January 12, 2025, at 8:01am. The recreational crab trap restriction in Fishing Zones 3 and 4 will also be lifted effective 8:01am on January 2, 2025. The Fleet Advisory for both the recreational and commercial fisheries remains in effect. Director's Declaration (PDF) December 20, 2024 CDFW Final Assessment and Management Recommendation (PDF) December 19, 2024 Working Group Recommendation (PDF) December 18, 2024 CDFW Preliminary Assessment and Available Data (PDF) December 16, 2024

The Director of CDFW conducted a risk assessment on December 6, 2024 and delayed opening of the commercial Dungeness crab season in Fishing Zones 1-6. The crab trap prohibition in the recreational fishery will continue in Fishing Zones 3 and 4 along with a recreational Fleet Advisory for all Fishing Zones. CDFW Final Assessment and Management Recommendation (PDF) December 4, 2024 Working Group Recommendation (PDF) December 4, 2024 CDFW Preliminary Assessment and Available Data (PDF) December 3, 2024

The Director of CDFW conducted a risk assessment on November 21, 2024, and is delaying the opening of the commercial Dungeness crab season in Fishing Zones 1 and 2 and continuing the delay for Fishing Zones 3-6. The recreational crab trap prohibition in Fishing Zones 3 and 4, and the Fleet Advisory for Fishing Zones 1-6 remain in effect. Director's Declaration (PDF) November 21, 2024 CDFW Final Assessment and Management Recommendation (PDF) November 21, 2024 Working Group Recommendation (PDF) November 19, 2024 CDFW Preliminary Assessment and Available Data (PDF) November 15, 2024

The Director of CDFW conducted a risk assessment on October 25, 2024, and delayed the opening of the Dungeness crab season in Fishing Zones 3-6, implemented a recreational crab trap prohibition in Fishing Zones 3 and 4, and issued a Fleet Advisory for Fishing Zones 1-6 for the recreational fishery. Director’s Declaration (PDF) October 25, 2024 CDFW Final Assessment and Management Recommendation (PDF) October 25, 2024 CDFW Preliminary Assessment and Available Data UPDATED (PDF) October 22, 2024 CDFW Preliminary Assessment and Available Data (PDF) October 18, 2024 2023-24 Season

2025-26 Tri-State Meat Recovery Results (PDF: Tri-StatePreseasonCoastwideResults_2025_Rnd3.pdf). ODFW commercial Dungeness crab season notice.

Tri-State protocol (PDF: Pre-Season Testing Protocols 2024_FINAL.pdf). ODFW commercial Dungeness crab season notice.

Commercial Synopsis (PDF: 2025_Commercial_Synopsis.pdf). ODFW commercial Dungeness crab season notice.