Most areas opening in Oct. for recreational crabbing in Puget Sound

October 4, 2016

Action: A portion of Marine Area 9 - the portion north of the Hood Canal Bridge to a line connecting Foulweather Bluff to Olele Point - and all of Marine Area 12 will open on Oct. 7 for winter crabbing. Crabbing will be allowed seven days a week through Dec. 31.

Marine Area 4 east of the Bonilla-Tatoosh line, Marine Area 5, Marine Area 6, Marine Area 7, Marine Area 8-1, Marine Area 8-2, the remainder of Marine Area 9, and Marine Area 10 will open on Oct. 15 for winter crabbing. Crabbing will be allowed seven days a week through Dec.31.

Effective dates: See above.

Species affected: Dungeness, red rock, and Tanner crab.

Location: Marine Area 4 east of the Tatoosh-Bonilla line, Marine Area 5, Marine Area 6, Marine Area 7, Marine Area 8-1, Marine Area 8-2, Marine Area 9, and Marine Area 10.

Reason for action: Preliminary summer harvest estimates indicate that these areas can open to recreational harvest on the dates indicated. The start dates will aid in achieving 50/50 harvest goal with the Treaty Tribes.

Other information: The daily limits in all Marine Areas will be five crabs per day for Dungeness crabs, six crabs per day for Red Rock crabs, and six crabs per day for Tanner crabs. All Dungeness crabs retained during this time must be recorded on a winter catch record card.

Contact: Don Velasquez, Mill Creek Regional Office, (425) 775-1311 ext. 112.


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. Check the WDFW Fishing hotline for the latest rule information at 360-902-2500, press 2 for recreational rules. For the Shellfish Rule Change hotline call toll free 866-880-5431.

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.