When does the crabbing season start and when does it end?
The ocean crabbing season (the commercial season) is officially closed from Aug. 15 until around Dec. 1. In the fall they are likely to be light and stringy, as they fill in their new shells. By the winter, they are usually full and heavy. That being said, it is legal to crab in the bays and estuaries here year round. And I’ve seen people haul up quite a few, off the dock in September and October. I would wait to get your shellfish license, and first ask at the marina, to get the latest on bait, tides and the like. If the crabbing has been poor, then you won’t have wasted your money on licenses, traps, boat rental, etc. Good luck!
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David Johnson says…
During the winter months crabbing can be slow in the bays if three is a lot run-off from heavy rains. Sep-Nov is the best time go in the bays
Katherine Hoppe says…
Crabbing is one of my favorite activities, and one I enjoy year round. I go off the docks in Charleston and spring/summer crabbing is my favorite. If you’re an Oregonian, you can purchase a shellfish license for just $7 and its good the entire calendar year (so no need to wait) or if you’re from outside of Oregon, you can purchase a 3 day pass for $11.50
Victor. Jacobs says…
We did some crabbing last year in Bandon and liked it very much .Look forward doing this again. Mayby in oktober already, can’t wait.
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About Ask Oregon Expert Niki Price
Niki Price is the editor and co-owner of Oregon Coast Today, a weekly newspaper covering arts, entertainment and the environment on the central Oregon coast. She roams the shores of the Oregon coast, covering everything from pelican proliferation to proffered profiteroles, with two underage editorial assistants often in tow.
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