Inshore

Dungeness Crab

Metacarcinus magister

Avg. Weight

2.0 lbs

World Record

4.0 lbs

Found In

35 Destinations

About Dungeness Crab

Dungeness Crab are the signature crustacean of the Pacific Northwest, named after the small fishing village of Dungeness on Washington's Olympic Peninsula. These sweet-flavored crabs are found in sandy bays, estuaries, and nearshore waters from Central California to Alaska, where they are caught commercially and recreationally in enormous numbers. Dungeness have a wide, fan-shaped carapace that is purplish-brown on top and cream-yellow underneath. They are considered the finest-eating crab species in North America, with sweet, tender white meat that requires minimal seasoning.

Identification & Appearance

Wide, fan-shaped carapace that is widest at the 10th lateral spine. Upper shell is purplish-brown to gray, with lighter edges. Underside and legs are cream to yellowish-white. Five pairs of legs, the front pair bearing sharp, powerful claws. Claws are light-colored with dark tips. Adults can reach 10+ inches across the carapace.

Male vs. Female

Males have a narrow, pointed abdominal flap (apron) on the underside. Females have a wide, rounded apron. Only males above minimum size may be retained in most states — females must be released to protect breeding stock. Males are generally larger.

Size, Weight & Records

Legal size is typically 5.75-6.25 inches across the widest part of the carapace (males only in most states). Average legal crab weighs 1.5-2.5 lbs. Large crabs reach 3-4 lbs. The typical recreational catch yields about 25% of body weight in picked meat.

Seasonal Availability

Peak Season Good Fair Off Season

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Popular Bait & Fishing Methods

Best Techniques

Recreational crabbing with ring nets or collapsible crab pots baited with chicken, fish carcasses, or turkey legs is the most popular method. Deploy pots in sandy bays, eelgrass beds, and channels in 10-60 feet of water. Check pots every 20-30 minutes for ring nets or every few hours for enclosed pots. Pier and dock crabbing with hoop nets is accessible from shore in many bays. Some anglers catch Dungeness by hand while snorkeling or wading at low tide. Kayak crabbing is growing in popularity.

Recommended Tackle

Crab ring nets, hoop nets, or collapsible crab pots with proper state tags. Heavy line (80-200 lb) for retrieving pots from depth. Crab gauge for measuring legal-size crabs (minimum 5.75-6.25 inches across the carapace depending on state). Bait: chicken legs, fish carcasses, clams. Rubber bands for handling — Dungeness have powerful pinching claws.

Regulations & Bag Limits

Regulations vary by state. Most require a recreational crab license or shellfish endorsement. Only male crabs above the minimum carapace width may be retained. Daily limits range from 6-12 crabs depending on state. Seasons vary: California opens in November, Oregon/Washington in December, Alaska varies by area. Pot limits, gear requirements, and closed areas apply. Check specific state regulations.

Regulations change frequently. Always verify current rules with your charter captain or state wildlife agency before fishing.