Columbia River crab fishery to remain closed

May 6, 2020

Action: Closes all crabbing in the Columbia River.

Effective date: Immediately, until further notice.

Species affected: Dungeness crab

Location: Columbia River

Reason for action: Due to ongoing COVID-19 concerns, crab fisheries in the Columbia River remain closed in consultation with local health authorities regarding the potential health impact to their communities from outside visitors.

Additional information: While coastal fish and shellfish fisheries remain closed, regularly scheduled freshwater fisheries as well as Puget Sound saltwater fisheries resume May 5, 2020.

WDFW urges anglers to recreate within their own communities and to follow physical distancing guidelines, keeping 6 feet between themselves and others and not traveling by car or boat with anyone outside of their immediate household.

Anglers should consult the Washington Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet at wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/regulations/ or Fish Washington mobile app, as well as the emergency rule changes webpage at fortress.wa.gov/dfw/erules/efishrules/, before heading out.

Information contact: Fish Program, 360-902-2700

Fishers must have a current Washington fishing license, appropriate to the fishery. Check the WDFW "Fishing in Washington" rules pamphlet for details on definitions and regulations. Fishing rules are subject to change. Visit wdfw.wa.gov/fishing-hotlines to find a list of mobile, web, print, or customer service phone options for the latest rule information.

Request this information in an alternative format or language at wdfw.wa.gov/accessibility/requests-accommodation, 833-885-1012, TTY (711), or CivilRightsTeam@dfw.wa.gov.