OLYMPIA – Sport crabbers have until Feb. 1 to submit their winter Catch Record Card (CRC) for the recent Puget Sound crab season, which wrapped up Dec. 31.
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) fishing rules require all recreational crabbers licensed to fish for Dungeness crab in Puget Sound and Hood Canal to report their winter harvest, even if they didn’t fish for or keep any crab between Sept. 1 to Dec. 31, 2025. Crabbers who obtained only the summer CRC do not need to submit a winter report.
Crabbers who fail to report their CRC must pay a $10 fee before buying a 2026 Puget Sound crab endorsement as part of their license.
“Reporting crab catch on winter CRCs is crucial for the sustainable management of Dungeness crab in Puget Sound,” said Don Velasquez, WDFW shellfish manager. “Your CRC needs to be returned, even if you didn’t catch or keep any crab this winter.”
Online catch reporting is available through the WILD System. New crabbers reporting online should plan for a few extra minutes to set up an account by creating a username, password, and providing an email address. Crabbers may also mail their cards to WDFW CRC Unit, PO Box 43142, Olympia, WA 98504. For questions about returning a CRC, email WDFW's Licensing Division or call 360-902-2464.
Since 2007, the Puget Sound recreational crab fishery has relied on CRCs to estimate the number of Dungeness crab caught and kept. Estimates from CRCs contribute to determining catch quotas and seasons for the various marine areas of Puget Sound.
To learn more about crabbing in Puget Sound, take our Crabber Knowledge Quiz and visit WDFW’s website.
WDFW works to preserve, protect, and perpetuate fish, wildlife and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities.
