Dungeness crab (recreational)

Family clamming at Tillamook Bay. Photo by Leigh Darrah Crabbing and Clamming October 15, 2026 Announcements Always check for closures at the ODA Shellfish Safety page before harvesting shellfish, which includes clams, crabs and mussels. Reminder Ocean waters are closed for crabbing Oct 16 – Nov 30. Bays, beaches, estuaries, tide pools, piers and jetties are open for crabbing all year unless closed for toxins. Check ODA Shellfish Safety page before harvesting. Advisory ODFW has issued a bay clam harvest advisory for Alsea Bay estuary. Read the news release for more information. 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 visit the ODA shellfish closures website before harvesting, for the most current information about shellfish safety closures. During fall and winter, negative low tides suitable for clamming occur in the evenings. Clammers should be mindful of safety while clamming in the dark. Safety measures include not clamming in unfamiliar areas, bringing a reliable light source and avoiding clamming alone. Check out the Where to Clam articles for places to find bay clams. You can also get 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 Currently the entire Oregon coast is closed from the Washington border to the California border. See ODA (above) for more information. 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. Crabs Reminder: Ocean waters are closed for crabbing Oct 16 – Nov 30. Bays, beaches, estuaries, tide pools, piers and jetties are open for crabbing all year unless closed for toxins or the areas is closed by permanent rule. Check ODA Shellfish Safety page before harvesting. Port by port reports: All ports are seeing some soft, recently molted, male crab that should be filling with meat and hardening their shells as we enter fall. With the changing weather, lots of rain will cause a surge of fresh water from the rivers, forcing crabs to retreat to the saltier water of the ocean, meaning bay crabbing may not be as successful at times. Tillamook: Crabbing has been slow from a boat and slow from the dock. Netarts: Crabbing has been fair from a boat and fair from the dock. Newport: Crabbing has been fair from a boat and good for red rock crab from the dock. Waldport: Crabbing has been fair from a boat and fair from the dock. Charleston : Crabbing has been slow from a boat and fair 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

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.

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 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 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 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 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 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)

Department of Fish and Wildlife Marine Resources Program 2040 SE Marine Science Drive Newport, OR 97365 (541) 867-4741 FAX (541) 867-0311 www.dfw.state.or.us/mrp/ December 19, 2025 Oregon Ocean Commercial Dungeness Crab Permit Holders and Interested Persons, In consultation with the crab industry, Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) and California and Washington fishery managers, based on meat recovery and domoic acid results from preseason testing, ODFW is opening a portion of the Oregon ocean commercial Dungeness crab season as follows: Cape Falcon (45° 46’ 00” N. Lat.) to Oregon/Washington border (46° 15’ 00” N. Lat.) 73 hr presoak begins (setting gear): December 28, 8:00 a.m. Hold Inspections: December 30, see schedule on back Start date (pulling gear): December 31, 9:00 a.m. Fair start provision reminders: Fair start provisions will be in place for any delayed areas in the Tri-State area (from Klipsan Beach, WA south to Point Arena, CA). Any vessel that started fishing in the area from the OR/CA border to Cape Falcon, OR prior to December 31, 9:00 am will not be allowed to fish in the area from Cape Falcon to Klipsan Beach (46° 28’ 00”) until 9:00 am on January 30, 2026. Fishing includes setting gear. For details on fair start provisions north of Klipsan Beach, see the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Industry Notice. Vessel Hold Inspections reminders: Vessels must obtain a hold inspection prior to participating in the fishery for the first 30 days after opening. The vessel operator or owner must declare on the pre-season hold inspection certificate the zone in which the vessel will start fishing. Each inspection certificate must be signed by the vessel operator or owner, not by a crewman. Closed area transit reminders: Vessels with an activated Vessel Monitoring System or Electronic Monitoring system and registered with ODFW may possess and land Dungeness crab in an area that is otherwise closed to take of Dungeness crab for commercial purposes under certain conditions. Review the full requirements and register for closed area transit in Oregon here. We would like to thank everyone involved with preseason meat recovery and domoic acid testing efforts this year to help us ensure that Oregon Dungeness crab are of excellent quality and ready for harvest. Please contact us if you have any questions. Troy Buell Justin Ainsworth State Fishery Manager Marine Resources Program Manager 541-961-8135 541-609-1134 OregonTina Kotek, Governor 2025-26 Commercial Dungeness Crab Cape Falcon (45º 46' 00" N. Lat.) to OR/CA border Season Opening Schedule 73 hr presoak begins (setting gear): December 28, 8:00 a.m. Hold Inspections: December 30, see schedule below Start date (pulling gear): December 31, 9:00 a.m. Hold Inspection Schedule After hours or for other locations: call (800)-452-7888 or *OSP from a cellphone After-hours appointments may be limited and could be delayed based on availability. LOCATION TIME Columbia River Deep Sea Basin Warrenton Boat Basin Astoria West End/Pier 2 12 - 4 PM

Department of Fish and Wildlife Marine Resources Program 2040 SE Marine Science Drive Newport, OR 97365 (541) 867-4741 FAX (541) 867-0311 www.dfw.state.or.us/mrp/ December 5, 2025 In consultation with the crab industry, Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) and California and Washington fishery managers, based on meat recovery and domoic acid results from preseason testing, ODFW is opening the Oregon ocean commercial Dungeness crab season as follows: Cape Falcon (45° 46’ 00” N. Lat.) southward to Oregon/California border (42° 00’ 00” N. Lat.) 73 hr presoak begins (setting gear): December 13, 8:00 a.m. Hold Inspections: December 15, see schedule on back Start date (pulling gear): December 16, 9:00 a.m. The commercial Dungeness crab fishery will remain closed in the Pacific Ocean and Columbia River from Cape Falcon northward to the Oregon/Washington border. The continued delay in this area will allow completion of additional testing for meat recovery in the Long Beach, WA area that did not meet recovery criteria. Fair start provision reminders: Fair start provisions will be in place for any delayed areas in the Tri-State area (from Klipsan Beach, WA south to Point Arena, CA). A vessel used for fishing crab in any open zone within these areas may not be used for fishing crab in any other zone within the Tri- State area that opens at a later date until 30 days after the later opening date. Vessel Hold Inspections reminders: Vessels must obtain a hold inspection prior to participating in the fishery for the first 30 days after opening. The vessel operator or owner must declare on the pre-season hold inspection certificate the zone in which the vessel will start fishing. Each inspection certificate must be signed by the vessel operator or owner, not by a crewman. Closed area transit reminders: Vessels with an activated Vessel Monitoring System or Electronic Monitoring system and registered with ODFW may possess and land Dungeness crab in an area that is otherwise closed to take of Dungeness crab for commercial purposes under certain conditions. Review the full requirements and register for closed area transit here. We would like to thank everyone involved with preseason meat recovery and domoic acid testing efforts this year to help us ensure that Oregon Dungeness crab are of excellent quality and ready for harvest. Please contact us if you have any questions. Troy Buell Justin Ainsworth State Fishery Manager Marine Resources Program Manager 541-961-8135 541-609-1134 OregonTina Kotek, Governor Page 2 of 2 2025-26 Commercial Dungeness Crab Cape Falcon (45º 46' 00" N. Lat.) to OR/CA border Season Opening Schedule 73 hr presoak begins (setting gear): December 13, 8:00AM Hold Inspections: December 15, see schedule below Start date (pulling gear): December 16, 9:00AM Hold Inspection Schedule After hours or for other locations: (800) 452-7888 or *OSP from a cellphone After-hours appointments may be limited and could be delayed based on availability. LOCATION TIME Columbia River Deep Sea Basin Hammond Boat Basin Warrenton Boat Basin Astoria West End/Pier 2 12-1 PM Garibaldi Boat Basin 12-2 PM Pacific City By appointment Depoe Bay By appointment Newport South Beach Marina Seafood Proc. Docks- Bay Blvd. Port Dock 3, 5 & 7 12-4 PM Florence By appointment Winchester Bay Boat Basin 12-1 PM Charleston Small Boat Basin Charleston Boat Basin Hallmark Fisheries 12-4 PM Bandon By appointment Port Orford 12-2:30 PM Brookings Boat Basin Port Docks 12-4 PM

Department of Fish and Wildlife Marine Resources Program 2040 SE Marine Science Drive Newport, OR 97365 (541) 867-4741 FAX (541) 867-0311 www.dfw.state.or.us/mrp/ November 21, 2025 Oregon Ocean Commercial Dungeness Crab Permit Holders and Interested Persons, In partnership with the Oregon Dungeness Crab Commission (ODCC), Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) and the commercial crabbing industry, the first round of Oregon preseason Dungeness crab quality and domoic acid testing was conducted coastwide during November 8-9 and results are posted here. The minimum meat recovery rates to be met in each test area are 23% north of Cascade Head and 24% south of Cascade Head (no rounding allowed in any area). In round 1, all Oregon meat recovery areas met meat recovery criteria, but the area off Long Beach, Washington, did not. Domoic acid results from crab collected in all 12 crab harvest areas are posted on ODA’s website here. There are no elevated crab viscera results at this time. Based on these results and consultations with industry advisors, ODA, and Washington and California Departments of Fish and Wildlife, there was Tri-State agreement to delay the ocean commercial Dungeness crab season in Oregon until at least December 16. This delay will allow completion of additional meat recovery testing off Washington and avoid disrupting traditional fishing patterns. If Long Beach meets criteria on the next round of testing, the Oregon fishery will open December 16. If not, we will reinitiate consultations to decide on a season opening structure, with announcement targeted for December 7. We thank everyone involved with testing this preseason and appreciate upcoming testing efforts to help us ensure that Oregon Dungeness crab are of excellent quality and safe to consume. Please contact us if you have any questions. Troy Buell Justin Ainsworth State Fishery Manager Marine Resources Program Manager 541-961-8135 541-609-1134 OregonTina Kotek, Governor

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 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 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