Dungeness crabbing in Willapa Bay near Raymond WA

How recreational Dungeness crabbing works in Willapa Bay, from licenses and gear rules to what to release and how to clean crab safely. Rules come from WDFW and the Department of Health. For current limits and sizes, use WDFW’s own pages.

Willapa Bay is in WDFW’s coastal crab management area (Marine Area 2, sub-area 2-1), which has different rules from Puget Sound. Seasons, limits, and emergency rules can change during the year. This page explains how the rules work in general and sends you to WDFW Crab seasons and areas for the current numbers. We don’t repeat daily limits or minimum sizes here because they can change; check them on WDFW’s page the day you go.

Licenses

WDFW requires every recreational crabber 16 or older to carry a current Washington fishing license, such as a shellfish/seaweed license or a combination license, sold in options from one day up to a year. The Puget Sound crab endorsement and catch record card apply only to the Puget Sound area. WDFW says catch reporting is not required for recreational crabbing in the coastal area, which includes Willapa Bay. Buy a license through WDFW fishing and shellfishing licenses.

Pot season vs. other gear in Willapa Bay

WDFW’s marine-area table (checked November 4, 2026) lists Willapa Bay, Area 2-1, as open every day. Crab pots are allowed from November 15 through September 15, and gear other than pots is allowed year-round. WDFW explains that coastal pot seasons close for part of the fall to reduce soft-shell crab mortality. During that closure, snares, foldable traps, and ring nets that lie completely flat on the bottom are legal. Hoop nets or dome pots that don’t lie flat are not. Don’t mix up zones: the same table lists crab pots in the South Coast/Pacific Ocean (Area 1), Westport/Ocean Shores (Area 2), and Grays Harbor (Area 2-2) as open December 1 through September 15. Confirm the current status in WDFW’s table before you set gear.

What you keep and what goes back

Release all female Dungeness crab and all soft-shelled crab, per WDFW. WDFW links a soft-shell identification guide from its crab page.
Only Dungeness, red rock, and Tanner crab may be kept in Washington; all other crab species are closed. WDFW also asks crabbers to learn and report invasive European green crab.
Daily limits and minimum sizes are listed by marine area on WDFW’s site. Use the Area 2 page rather than any number you remember from another year or area.

Gear rules worth knowing before you buy a pot

Legal methods include pots, traps (rings, snares, and nets), dip nets, and catching by hand. Hand-operated tools may not pierce the shell.
Unattended gear must have a half-red, half-white buoy marked with the owner’s first and last name and permanent address. Bleach, antifreeze, or detergent bottles and paint cans can’t be used as buoys.
Every crab pot must have a biodegradable rot cord or escape cord.
In coastal waters, don’t set pots in shipping lanes, navigation channels, or tow-boat lanes. WDFW links a Washington Sea Grant tow-lane map.

Where to crab from shore near Raymond

The Port of Willapa Harbor lists a public fishing pier, a high dock, and a boat ramp at its Tokeland Marina on the north side of Willapa Bay. Check posted port rules on site before you drop gear. Our Tokeland guide covers the drive and the area.

Cleaning crab safely

The Washington Department of Health explains that Dungeness crab can pick up domoic acid (amnesic shellfish poison) from what they eat. Even when the meat is safe, the toxin tends to collect in the guts and the “butter,” the white-yellow fat inside the back of the shell. DOH’s advice is to clean crab thoroughly by removing all the butter and discarding the guts. Cooking or freezing does not destroy the toxin. Source: WA DOH — Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning.

Crab nights at Hill Top Hideaway

Hill Top Hideaway is an updated 3-bedroom vacation rental in Raymond, WA, operated by Hope and Grace LLC. It sleeps 6 and has a full kitchen for a crab dinner, a washer and dryer for wet gear, and plenty of room to park a vehicle with gear in it. Make it a full shellfish trip with razor clams or South Bend oysters.

Stay nearby at Hill Top Hideaway

Looking for Raymond WA lodging for this trip? Hill Top Hideaway is an updated 3-bedroom home in Raymond, WA (Pacific County), operated by Hope and Grace LLC. It sleeps 6 and sits about a five-minute walk from the Willapa Hills Trail. Book on the platform you prefer.

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Sources

Last checked against official public sources on November 4, 2026 (America/Los_Angeles). Details change — always re-check the linked pages before you go.