Dungeness Crab in California
Limits, records and where CDFW flags Dungeness crab.
- 10 a daydaily bag
Dungeness crab in California
Dungeness crab (Metacarcinus magister) is one of the invertebrates species CDFW covers on salt water. Under the Del Norte, Humboldt and Mendocino counties rule, the bag is 10 a day with a size of 5.75 in minimum.
Its range on the Marine Species Portal covers the north and central coast.
CDFW on Dungeness crab
“Dungeness crab are found in nearshore and estuarine waters from the eastern Aleutian Islands, Alaska, to Santa Barbara, California, although they are rarely found south of Point Conception, California.”
“Dungeness crab inhabit a wide variety of ocean floor habitats, but they generally prefer sandy- or soft-bottom areas and are commonly found at depths ranging from the intertidal to 300 feet (91.4 meters) but may occupy depths as deep as 750 feet.”
- SizeHigh fishing pressure on males makes it difficult to estimate maximum size for males since most are harvested by age 4, however male Dungeness crab have been observed to reach a maximum size of over 229 millimeters (9 inches), with an estim
- SeasonThe commercial fishery is closed from July 16 to November 30 in the Northern Management Area and from July 1 to November 14 in the Central Management Area. The recreational fishery is closed from July 31 through the first Friday in November
- GearThe primary gear type utilized by the commercial fishery is a rigid, round steel mesh trap. Crab traps are also used in the recreational fishery, but they are not as large as commercial traps, can be rectangular in shape and typically weigh
- Where fishedDungeness Crab are harvested from Point Conception to the Oregon border. Fishing effort in the north is concentrated between Crescent City and Eureka and north of Fort Bragg. In the central coast region, fishing occurs near Morro Bay, Monte
- Other namesMarket crab, common edible crab
Quoted from CDFW, checked October 2026.
California limits on Dungeness crab
| Where | Daily bag | Size | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Del Norte, Humboldt and Mendocino counties | 10 a day | 5.75 in minimum | First Saturday in November through July 30 (2026-27 season: Saturday November 7, 2026 – Friday July 30, 2027) |
| All other counties | 10 a day | 5.75 in minimum | First Saturday in November through June 30 (2026-27 season: Saturday November 7, 2026 – Wednesday June 30, 2027) |
CDFW 2026 Freshwater and Ocean Sport Fishing Regulations. All California limits.
Charters catching Dungeness crab
- Bodega Bay Sportfishing Centersportfishing landing / party boat, Bodega Bay
- Fish Emeryvillesportfishing landing / party boat, Emeryville, (510) 652-3403
- Half Moon Bay Sportfishingsportfishing landing / party boat, Half Moon Bay, (650) 728-3377
- Big Cs Charterscharter boat operator, Sausalito
- California Dawn Sportfishingcharter boat operator, Berkeley
- Full Throttle Sportfishingcharter boat operator, Eureka
- Happy Hooker Sportfishingcharter boat operator, Berkeley
- J&M Sportfishingcharter boat operator, Monterey
Top species in sportfishingreport.com dock totals, October 2025 to October 2026.
Species near Dungeness crab
- California MusselInvertebrates
- California Spiny LobsterInvertebrates
- California Two-Spot OctopusInvertebrates
- Kellet’s WhelkInvertebrates
- Pacific Gaper Clam and Fat Gaper ClamInvertebrates
- Pacific Geoduck ClamInvertebrates
- Pacific Razor ClamInvertebrates
- Pismo ClamInvertebrates
- Red Sea UrchinInvertebrates
- Rock CrabsInvertebrates
- Sheep CrabInvertebrates
- Slender CrabInvertebrates
California Dungeness crab, answered
How many Dungeness crab can I keep in California?
10 a day (Del Norte, Humboldt and Mendocino counties), size 5.75 in minimum.
What does the California record Dungeness crab weigh?
CDFW shows no record.
Where can I catch Dungeness crab in California?
Dungeness Crab are harvested from Point Conception to the Oregon border. Fishing effort in the north is concentrated between Crescent City and Eureka and north of Fort Bragg. In the central coast region, fishing occurs n
Do hatcheries raise Dungeness crab?
No.
What does Dungeness crab look like?
High fishing pressure on males makes it difficult to estimate maximum size for males since most are harvested by age 4, however male Dungeness crab have been observed to reach a maximum size of over 229 millimeters (9 in
What months can I keep Dungeness crab?
First Saturday in November through July 30 (2026-27 season: Saturday November 7, 2026 – Friday July 30, 2027)
Do I need a report card for Dungeness crab?
The $64.54 resident license covers it; sturgeon, steelhead and lobster need cards.
Do party boats target Dungeness crab?
8 operators list it in their counts, including Bodega Bay Sportfishing Center.
Find Dungeness crab near you
Open a water above for launches and limits.