Can I keep Dungeness crab from a Bay Area pier?
RG
Inside the Bay: no. Dungeness can't be taken or possessed from SF Bay or San Pablo Bay (Golden Gate Bridge to Carquinez Bridge), any time of year. CDFW ↗
On the coast: yes from Nov 7, 2026 (e.g. Pillar Point Harbor). Pacifica Pier is closed right now. Rock crab is legal in the Bay year-round (35/day, 4 in).
The rules (ocean waters south of Mendocino)
| Rule | 2026–27 | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Season | Sat Nov 7, 2026 – Jun 30, 2027 | CDFW summary |
| Daily bag / possession | 10 | CDFW summary |
| Minimum size | 5¾ in, shortest distance across the body in front of the points (lateral spines). Carry a measuring device. | CDFW summary |
| Gear right now | Hand, hoop net, or crab snare (loop trap). Crab traps prohibited Oregon border to Pt. Conception (Zones 1–5) until at least Jan 1, 2027 because of humpback whale entanglements. | CDFW Whale Safe Fisheries |
| Hoop nets | Must be serviced every 2 hours; don't leave unattended. | CDFW news |
| Crab trap validation | Required when using a trap (once traps are allowed), even on a pier where no license is needed. Not needed for hoop nets. | CDFW summary |
| SF & San Pablo bays | Closed to Dungeness all year. Traps also can't be set in the bays from Nov 7 (rock crab: hoop nets/snares OK). | CDFW SF Bay |
| North coast closure | Cape Mendocino to Ten Mile SMR delayed for domoic acid. | CDFW |
| License | Needed for 16+, except from a public ocean pier (2 crab nets/lines max per person). | CDFW piers |
Where to crab (Bay Area coast)
Pillar Point Harbor, Half Moon Bay: Johnson Pier and the outer breakwater. Spot card
Pacifica Pier: Closed since June 4, 2026. City of Pacifica
Recent reports: We don't make these up. Check the latest report on the Pier Fishing in California board and the CDFW gear status page (updated during the season).
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