Marine Area 10 (Seattle-Bremerton Area) reopens Dec. 6 for late-winter crab fishing season

OLYMPIA – Marine Area 10 (Seattle-Bremerton Area) will reopen to recreational crab fishing seven days per week from Dec. 6 through Dec. 31, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) shellfish managers announced today.

The decision to reopen Marine Area 10 comes after WDFW and treaty co-managers reached agreement to increase the initial 2024 quota. The increase provided additional pounds for this limited winter opportunity through Dec. 31. 

"Test fishing catches this fall were greater than anticipated, supporting a quota increase,” said Katelyn Bosley, WDFW Puget Sound crustacean lead. “We are pleased to offer this late season harvest opportunity to crabbers in Marine Area 10.”

Recreational crab fishing is also open seven days a week through Dec. 31 in Marine Areas 4 (Neah Bay, east of the Bonilla-Tatoosh line); 5 (Sekiu and Pillar Point); 6 (East Juan de Fuca Strait); 7 (San Juan Islands); 8-1 (Deception Pass, Hope Island, and Skagit Bay); 8-2 (Port Susan and Port Gardner); 9 (Admiralty Inlet); 11 (Tacoma-Vashon Island); and 12 (Hood Canal) in a portion north of Ayock Point only.

A portion of Marine Area 12 (Hood Canal) south of Ayock Point; and 13 (South Puget Sound) will remain closed during the winter season. Refer to the WDFW website for a list of all marine area locations.

The daily limit in Puget Sound is five Dungeness crabs, males only, in hard-shell condition with a minimum carapace width of 6 1/4 inches. Crabbers may also keep six red rock crabs of either sex per day with a minimum carapace width of five inches, and six Tanner crabs of either sex with a minimum carapace of 4 1/2 inches.

All recreational crabbers must record their catch on a winter Catch Record Card (CRC) for Puget Sound Dungeness crab and crabbers 15 years or older must carry a current Washington fishing license. Options range from an annual shellfish/seaweed license to combination fishing licenses, valid for a single day or up to a year.

Crabbers must have a Puget Sound Dungeness crab endorsement to harvest all Dungeness crab from Puget Sound. Winter CRCs are valid through Dec. 31 and are free to those with crab endorsements and available at license vendors across the state. All winter season CRC’s must be returned to WDFW or reported online by Feb.1, 2025. Refer to the WDFW website for more information about CRCs.

Crabbers can test their skills at identifying different types of crab in Puget Sound and their understanding of regulations and best practices by taking the crabber knowledge quiz. Refer to the WDFW recreational crabbing seasons and areas page to learn more.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife works to preserve, protect, and perpetuate fish, wildlife and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities.