Dungeness Crab
Metacarcinus magister
FR Crabe dormeur · ES C. de Dungeness · PT Caranguejo-Dungeness
Also known as: Californian CrabPacific CrabCangrejo DungenessCrabe DormeurC. de DungenessCrabe dormeurCaranguejo-Dungeness
BenthicBoat
Crustacean
Score
—
Prime time
Year-round in season
Depth
10–200m
Platform
Boat
Season
JanMarJunSepDec
Peak Jan–DecGood Feb–Nov
Depth range
10–200mDeep
Best fishing techniques
Bottom fishing / ledgering60%
Preferred seabed
Mixed
Findr bio
Night crawler on sandy/muddy bottom. Fish carcasses work — the stinkier the better...
How to catch
Favourite hangouts
Estuary
Recommended baits
Fish baitsSquidShellfish
Diet
BivalvesPolychaete wormsShrimpSmall fishCarrion
Effective techniques
Bottom Fishing
Gear
Best times
NightDuskSlack water
So iconic I get my own West Coast “season opener” celebration every November.
Field notes
Where to find them
NE Pacific sand and mixed bottom
Where they hang out
Nearshore to moderate depth
Prime time
Year-round in season
Tide game
Low
What they're into
Baited pots/traps with fish bait
Temperature vibe
Prefers 6–12°C
Fave weather
Calm seas needed for pot work
Fun fact about me
So iconic I get my own West Coast “season opener” celebration every November.
Dinner material?
10/10Excellent eating
Play by the rules
Strict size/sex/season rules — check state rulesState fisheries agency (e.g. WDFW, ODFW, CDFW)
Looking after them
Not Evaluated