Several Puget Sound Marine Areas reopening for winter recreational crab fishing beginning on October 1

September 28, 2022

Action:  Opens recreational crab fishing seven days a week.

Effective date:  Oct. 1 through Dec. 31, 2022.

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

Locations:  Marine Areas 4 East of the Bonilla-Tatoosh line, 5, 6, 7, 8-1, 8-2, 9, and 12 north of a line projected true east from Ayock Point.

 Reason for action:  Preliminary summer harvest estimates indicate that sufficient harvestable crab are available to open recreational seasons as indicated.

Additional information:  Marine Areas 10, 11, 12 (south of Ayock Point), and 13 will remain closed. Dependent on final assessment of summer harvest, Marine areas 10 and 11 may open for a portion of the winter season.

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.

Information 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.