Washington crabbing cannot be summarized by one statewide season. Puget Sound is divided into marine areas with different opening days, while coastal bays follow separate rules. Plan from the current WDFW marine-area page first, then choose access.
Deception Pass and Whidbey
Cornet Bay provides a public pier and launch. WDFW has documented Dungeness and red rock crab there, but Bowman Bay pier is closed indefinitely.
Admiralty Inlet
Fort Flagler and nearby public marine access can serve pier and boat users only when the applicable marine area is open. Keep gear clear of ferry and shipping lanes.
Mukilteo, Edmonds and Port Susan
WDFW pier sampling has documented crab at Mukilteo and Edmonds. Check each facility’s current status and the applicable marine-area harvest rules before traveling.
Westport and Grays Harbor
Westport Marina includes public access docks and a fishing boardwalk. Coastal seasons and ocean conditions differ from Puget Sound.
License, catch card and open days
Puget Sound crabbers generally need a fishing license, Puget Sound crab endorsement and catch record card. Retained Dungeness must be recorded as required. Legal days, hours, pot limits, minimum size and sex rules depend on the marine area.
WDFW current crab seasons · Puget Sound crabbing requirements
Rules checked August 13, 2026. See the Washington report.