California Recreational Dungeness Crab Opens Nov. 7, but Traps Are Restricted and Commercial Season Is Delayed

California's recreational Dungeness crab season opens Nov. 7, 2026, in most areas, but crabbers will have to leave their traps at home for now, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) announced Oct. 30.

Recreational crab traps are restricted from the Oregon border to Point Conception (Fishing Zones 1 through 5) until at least Jan. 1, 2027, because of this year's confirmed humpback whale entanglements and the large number of whales on the crabbing grounds. Hoop nets and crab snares (loop traps) are still allowed, but hoop nets must be checked at least every two hours. A fleet advisory also asks crabbers to avoid setting gear wherever whales are present.

One stretch won't open at all on Nov. 7. State health officials found unhealthy levels of domoic acid, a natural algal toxin, in crab caught north of Fort Bragg, so CDFW Director Meghan Hertel delayed the sport season from Cape Mendocino to the Ten Mile State Marine Reserve. Taking or possessing Dungeness crab there is prohibited until health agencies say the risk has passed.

The commercial fishery is delayed statewide from the Oregon border to Point Conception until at least Jan. 1. CDFW expects its next whale risk assessment in mid-December, which could clear the way for a commercial opener and lift the trap limits around the new year.

This is a The Gillnet news desk summary, not a reprint.

Source: CDFW: Recreational Dungeness Crab Fishing Begins in Most Areas Nov. 7 with Trap Restrictions, Commercial Season Delayed (Oct. 30, 2026).