Deception Pass and the waters around Whidbey Island cross Washington marine-area boundaries, so a useful guide must pair each access point with the current WDFW map and open days. Never assume that last summer’s schedule applies.
Cornet Bay Fishing Pier
Access: public pier and nearby launch at Deception Pass State Park. WDFW pier sampling has documented both Dungeness and red rock crab here.
Cornet Bay and Skagit Bay by boat
Access: protected launch access relative to the pass itself. Check depth, marine-area boundary and current before setting gear.
Admiralty Inlet alternatives
Fort Flagler and other public marine access across Admiralty Inlet can be useful alternatives only when their applicable marine area is open. Ferry lanes and shipping traffic require conservative gear placement.
Important current status
Bowman Bay’s pier is closed indefinitely, so do not plan a shore-crabbing trip around it. WDFW identified Admiralty Inlet and Deception Pass among stronger northern opportunities in its 2026 outlook, but an outlook is not a catch guarantee.
License and reporting
Puget Sound crabbers generally need a fishing license, Puget Sound crab endorsement and catch record card. Record retained Dungeness immediately as required. Open days, hours, gear limits and sex/size rules are marine-area specific.
Deception Pass State Park status and facilities · WDFW current crab seasons · Puget Sound crabbing requirements
Official access checked August 13, 2026. See the Washington report.