Depoe Bay Dungeness Crab Fishing

Depoe Bay is known as the world’s smallest bay but it comes with a myriad of fishing opportunities. One of the most popular activities in the area is Depoe Bay Dungeness crab fishing, whether it’s with family, friends, or solo anglers. Not only is crabbing fairly easy, but Dungeness crabs are a hit with their delicious meat, making it worth the time and effort of catching them.

But how can you start Depoe Bay Dungeness crab fishing? Whether it’s your first time or you’ve been doing this for a long time, then read on! We share what you must know when targeting these popular crabs in the area.

Oregon Crabbing Regulations

Based on the state’s crabbing regulations, crabbers can use up to three crab rings, ports, or lines. State biologists also recommend sport crabbers use sinking lines, escape rings, untreated cotton lines, and durable buoys for safer crabbing.

Crabbers can also use baited lines for crabbing, or to use their hands, rakes, and dip nets. You can easily buy or rent bait and supplies along the crabbing spots of Depoe Bay.

Note that you must possess an Oregon shellfish license, which is separate from the angling license for adults. You can avail of an annual shellfish license as an Oregon resident adult for $10. Non-resident shellfish licenses are pricier, though the process of availing of one is similar. You can find information on shellfish license prices and how to avail of one on the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife website.

When to Go Crabbing in Depoe Bay

The timing of your Dungeness crabbing trip is more important compared to the exact place in Depoe Bay you’re going crabbing in.

Let’s first talk about the crabbing season. Under typical regulations, all bays are open year-round for recreational crabbing, though there may be occasional closures related to marine biotoxins that build up in crab meat. Stay updated on temporary closures on the official ODFW website.

If you plan to go recreational ocean crabbing from a boat, note that the season is closed from October 16 until November 30.

Most bays are primed with Dungeness crabs in the latter part of the year. The months of late September to November are usually the best, though you can still have decent crabbing from late summer to early winter. If you’re looking for an exact month to go Depoe Bay Dungeness crab fishing, then October is the best as you usually get nice weather conditions, crabs in peak conditions, and the fall rains aren’t heavy enough to fill rivers with fresh water to drive crabs out into the Pacific.

Summer is a popular time to go crabbing in Oregon, but this is because anything in the state is popular to do come summer thanks to the good weather and school vacations. However, it’s a very busy season in Depoe Bay, so if you want less competition and crowds, you’ll want to avoid summer. Plus, crabs are molting come summer, so you won’t get as many crabs with good-quality meat at this time.

Depoe Bay Dungeness Crab Fishing Tips

Now that you know more about when to go crabbing for Dungeness crabs and the rules behind it, how can you catch them successfully? Here are bonus tips for higher chances of catching a few juicy crabs in Depoe Bay:

• Many crabbers use open crab rings or closed crab pots. When using crab pots, use enough rope so it can get down to the bottom with some rope to spare. Crab rings are easy to use and empty, though crabs tend to come and go easily, plus sea lions can steal your bait. These are better used if you are more focused on crabbing without many sea mammals around Depoe Bay at the time.
• You can try to use traps, but it will take longer for crabs to go in. That said, they protect your bait from sea lions better and will keep crabs around during longer soaks, making it a suitable option if you plan to go crabbing while fishing.
• You can use various fish or fish carcasses as bait for your traps, like filleted salmon or American shad. You may want to use raw chicken or turkey, which attract crabs with less of a risk of sea lions stealing them.
• If you are boating, the crab rings and traps are tied to a rope with a buoy on top. You must ensure you have more rope than the water’s depth, taking into account the tide. We also recommend having a unique marking on your buoy so you can tell it apart from other crabbers’ gear.
• When using crab pots, drop them in moderately deep water outside deep shipping channels. You’ll want to go about 15-30 feet deep for bay crabbing. Go crabbing in lower bay areas and inland ends of jetties for safe and productive crabbing. We don’t suggest going to jetty ends as the waters are rougher there.
• Boat crabbing offers more success compared to crabbing by the docks, though this will require larger boats, higher skills, and good weather conditions. This is why it’s best to join fishing charters for Depoe Bay Dungeness crab fishing so a professional captain and crew are there to help you with the gear included in the price.

Wrapping It Up

While Depoe Bay Dungeness crab fishing sounds so intimidating, it isn’t as complicated as one would expect! As long as you are equipped with the proper knowledge and equipment, you’ll have a higher chance of returning home with many fresh Dungeness crabs to cook and feast on with your loved ones. Of course, a fishing charter can further increase your chances of catching crabs, leaving you further enjoying the trip while learning new things.

If you are interested in booking a charter for Depoe Bay Dungeness crab fishing, contact us now to set a date and learn more about our services!