BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Summer crabbing season is upon us as the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife announces rules and regulations for this summer.
The season officially opens on July 18 for Bellingham and the San Juan Islands, lasting through Sept. 30 and crabbing is only allowed Thursdays through Mondays. Tuesdays and Wednesdays will be closed for all recreational crabbing.
Crabbers must have a catch record card and are limited to five male Dungeness crabs per day. These crabs have to be at least six and a quarter inch long, and female and undersized Dungeness crabs have to be released.
Red Rock and Tanner crabs each have a daily limit of six catches for either males or females. All soft-shell crabs of any species have to be released.
Fish and Wildlife is also reminding crabbers that their gear cannot remain in the water on closed days.
