Dungeness Crab

Oceans & Range: Eastern Pacific Ocean — from the Aleutian Islands south to Santa Barbara, California. Most abundant from Washington State south to Central California. Found on sandy and muddy bottom in bays, estuaries, and coastal waters from the intertidal zone to 750 feet. Supports the most valuable commercial crab fishery on the West Coast.

Preferred Water Temperature: 40°F–55°F. A cold-water Pacific species found on sandy bottom near the low tide line and in nearshore coastal waters. Very common in Washington, Oregon, and Northern California bays and coastal areas.

Size & Weight: Legal size varies by state — typically 5.75–6.25 inch carapace width. Adults commonly weigh 2–4 lbs. The largest Dungeness on record exceeded 4 lbs. The finest-tasting crab in North America — sweet, delicate meat prized worldwide.

Best Lures: N/A — taken with traps, rings, and pots.

Best Baits: Fresh fish carcasses and fish heads are the top trap bait. Whole fresh chicken works well. Squid produces good results. Dungeness Crab are typically caught with ring nets (easy to use for recreational anglers) or commercial-style pots. Always check current regulations — seasons, sizes, and permit requirements vary by state and area.

Eastern Pacific Ocean — from the Aleutian Islands south to Santa Barbara, California. Most abundant from Washington State south to Central California. Found on sandy and muddy bottom in bays, estuaries, and coastal waters from the intertidal zone to 750 feet. Supports the most valuable commercial crab fishery on the West Coast.

40°F–55°F. A cold-water Pacific species found on sandy bottom near the low tide line and in nearshore coastal waters. Very common in Washington, Oregon, and Northern California bays and coastal areas.

Best Lures: N/A — taken with traps, rings, and pots. Best Baits: Fresh fish carcasses and fish heads are the top trap bait. Whole fresh chicken works well. Squid produces good results. Dungeness Crab are typically caught with ring nets (easy to use for recreational anglers) or commercial-style pots. Always check current regulations — seasons, sizes, and permit requirements vary by state and area.

4 fishing locations where you can catch Dungeness Crab

Legal size varies by state — typically 5.75–6.25 inch carapace width. Adults commonly weigh 2–4 lbs. The largest Dungeness on record exceeded 4 lbs. The finest-tasting crab in North America — sweet, delicate meat prized worldwide.