2022 Puget Sound Crab Season Announced!
One of the great highlights during our Puget Sound summer is the Dungeness Crab feast. Whether you are dropping pots as a bonus catch on your way out to the fishing grounds, or spending the day with family to work crabbing gear, the haul of fresh crab is a reward that very few other areas of the country get to enjoy.
As I publish this post, we are still awaiting the official Puget Sound Dungeness Crab season.
I’m eagerly anticipating the final word, but we should see an announcement soon! And as soon as the seasons are set, this post will be updated with the Puget Sound, Hood Canal and San Juan Islands 2022 Summer Crab Season!
This post is meant to be informative and encourage everyone to get out crabbing this summer, for the most updated seasons and regulations, scroll to the bottom of this post for the official WDFW Crabbing Seasons page link.
Puget Sound 2022 Dungeness Crab Season
Marine Area 8-1 near La Conner and Oak Harbor, Washington – Skagit Bay, East Whidbey and Camano Island are protected waters that offer up great hauls of Dungeness Crab throughout the summer. July 1 – September 5, Open Thursdays through Mondays, Closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Marine Area 8-2 near Everett, Washington – Easy access via the Port of Everett Marina and Boat Launch, areas around Hat Island, East Whidbey, Port Gardner and Mukilteo make for a great crabbing day trip! July 1 – September 5, Open Thursdays through Mondays, Closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Marine Area 9 near Port Townsend and Edmonds, Washington – Protected bays around Admiralty Inlet, West Whidbey Island, North Kitsap and Edmonds make this a popular crabbing area for many in the Central Puget Sound. July 1 – September 5, Open Thursdays through Mondays, Closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Marine Area 10 near Seattle and Bainbridge, Washington – Crabbing can be great within view of the Seattle skyline around Shilshole Bay, Richmond Beach, Bainbridge Island, Alki and around Agate Pass. July 3 – September 5, Open Sundays and Mondays Only
Marine Area 11 near Vashon and Tacoma, Washington – Vashon Island has more shoreline to shake a stick at and plenty of places to crab, as well as near Gig Harbor, Tacoma, Des Moines and Burien. July 3 – August 29, Open Sundays and Mondays Only
Marine Area 13 near Fox Island and Olympia, Washington – South Puget Sound has many islands and passageways that have ample areas to crab. Closed until further notice.
Hood Canal 2022 Dungeness Crab Season
Marine Area 12 near Hoodsport and Seabeck, Washington – Hood Canal’s calm summer waters offer plenty of areas to soak crab pots, anywhere from Union and Lilliwaup, up to Hoodsport, Seabeck, Dabob Bay and Quilcene. North of Ayock Point: July 1 – September 5, Open Thursdays through Mondays, Closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Closed South of Ayock Point until further notice.
San Juan Island 2022 Dungeness Crab Season
Marine Area 7 South near Friday Harbor and Bellingham, Washington – This area encompases most of the San Juan Islands as well as Bellingham Bay and is a Dungeness Crabbing hot spot. July 14 -September 30, Open Thursdays through Mondays, Closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Marine Area 7 North near Blaine and Point Roberts, Washington – The northern San Juan Islands that face the Strait of Georgia and Blaine are a perfect summer crabbing zone. August 18 – September 30, Open Thursdays through Mondays Only, Closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Strait of Juan de Fuca 2022 Dungeness Crab Season
Marine Area 5 near Sekiu, Washington – Way west, and a popular fishing destination. July 1 – September 5, Open Thursdays through Mondays Only, Closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Marine Area 6 near Port Angeles and Sequim, Washington – Eastern Straits in the rain-shadow of the Olympic Mountain Range. July 1 – September 5, Open Thursdays through Mondays Only, Closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Learn how to Catch and Cook Puget Sound Dungeness Crab
- Learn the basics on soaking pots, bait, locations and tides with our post on Puget Sound Dungeness Crabbing
- Our suggestions on making sure your crabbing gear is effective with our post Rigging and Setup for Dungeness Crab in Puget Sound
- Impress your family in friends with a crab boil! Check out our cooking tips with How to Cook Dungeness Crab
- Stay updated on the official regulations and in-season changes with WDFW Crabbing Seasons and Areas
- Initial WDFW 2022 Puget Sound Crabbing Season Announcement
Seattle and Washington State Fishing Report – June 2022
