Dungeness Crab (Cancer magister)

The Dungeness crab is one of the most prized and recognizable species in Washington State’s marine waters. Highly valued for its sweet, delicate meat, the Dungeness crab supports a strong commercial and recreational fishery and is a favorite harvest for many Puget Sound anglers. This hard-shelled crustacean ranges from the Aleutian Islands in Alaska all the way down to central California, thriving in cold, nutrient-rich Pacific waters.

Dungeness crab are crustaceans, meaning they have a hard exterior shell (exoskeleton) that they must shed and regrow as they grow. Adults typically measure 6–7 inches across the carapace, though some can reach up to 10 inches. Their shells are usually purple-tinged, gray, or brown, with the characteristic white-tipped claws that make them easy to identify. Males grow larger than females and are the primary target of the recreational fishery due to regulations designed to protect breeding populations.

In Puget Sound, Dungeness crab are most abundant north of Seattle, throughout Hood Canal, and near the outer Pacific coast. They prefer sandy or muddy substrates, often settling near eelgrass beds that offer protection and food. Because they move with tides and seasonal cycles, abundance can vary depending on the time of year. Recreational crabbing typically involves crab pots, though ring nets, dip nets, and wading in shallow water are also used during summer months.

Dungeness crab play an important role in the marine ecosystem, feeding on clams, small fish, shrimp, worms, and other bottom-dwelling organisms. Their movements, population strength, and legal harvest seasons are closely monitored by the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife (WDFW). When open, recreational crabbing is a popular summer activity, especially in areas accessible from Everett, Edmonds, and Seattle.

Red Rock Crab (Cancer productus)

Red rock crab are another common crustacean found throughout Washington’s marine waters, often encountered by crabbers targeting Dungeness. Although they are smaller and less abundant than Dungeness crab, red rock crab are aggressive, strong, and strikingly colorful, making them a memorable catch for both recreational fishers and wildlife observers.