Dungeness Crab (ocean) regulations
Oregon · Curated reference from cited public sources · listings, not permission to fish or retain a catch · This selected Oregon marine reference subset is not a complete rulebook.
SPECIES LINKS
FIELD GUIDE
Metacarcinus magister
speciesBASICOne of the most important seafood species of the North American west coast, ranging from the Aleutians to Point Conception, California. Named for Dungeness Spit in the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
HABITAT
Eelgrass beds and sandy bottoms.
SIZE
6–7 in wide, males up to 9 in
TEXT CONDENSED FROM WIKIPEDIA, AVAILABLE UNDER CC BY-SA 4.0
Dungeness Crab (ocean) identification is educational; species identification does not establish legal applicability for Oregon.
- LAST LISTED/REFERENCE LIMITS
- 12 male crabs per day; minimum size 5.75 inches. · minimum 5.75 inches
- LISTED SEASON WINDOWS
- Dec 1, 2026 through Oct 15, 2027 · 12 fish listed
- APPLICABILITY
- Columbia Zone ocean waters: closed Oct. 16-Nov. 30; bays, beaches, estuaries, tide pools, piers, and jetties are open year-round, 24 hours/day. Only males may be kept; up to 3 rings/lines/pots per person.
- SOURCE AUTHORITY
- Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife, “Columbia Zone” shellfish regulation highlights and Aug. 13, 2026 “Crabbing & Clamming Report - Marine Zone.”
UPDATED August 13, 2026 · CHECKED Aug 17, 2026, 12:00 PM UTC · EFFECTIVE YEAR 2026
ODFW marine zone regulations ↗The ODFW page is an informational summary; the applicable administrative rules and in-season actions are authoritative.
LAUNCH SITES
Curated launch sites in Oregon (5)
This reference does not grant permission to fish or retain a catch. Location, method, vessel, species identification, and emergency closures can change what applies. Verify the applicable official rules.