Nov. 7 Dungeness Crab Opener Near Marshall Comes With Whale-Safety Trap Restrictions

MARSHALL, Marin County — October 31, 2026. People planning coastal crabbing trips from West Marin should review California’s new November 7 recreational Dungeness crab season opening carefully. State officials are allowing the season to begin in most eligible waters, but recreational crab traps will be prohibited across fishing zones 1–5 until at least January 1, 2027 to reduce the risk of whale entanglement.

Which gear is permitted?

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s October 30 notice says anglers may use lawful hoop nets, crab snares (loop traps) or their hands in areas where recreational harvest is open. All hoop nets must be serviced at least every two hours and may not be left unattended longer.

Why are conventional traps restricted?

CDFW cites humpback whale entanglements and high whale abundance along the coast. The agency also delayed the commercial Dungeness crab season until at least January 1, 2027. These are statewide marine management measures and not a claim that every boat departing Miller Boat Launch is fishing in legally open Dungeness crab waters.

How does this affect Tomales Bay boaters?

Marshall’s Miller Boat Launch provides access to Tomales Bay, but local bay waters, protected areas and offshore areas may have different species and gear restrictions. Before launching, fishers must check the CDFW San Francisco Region regulations and applicable marine protected areas. Opening a coastal season is not blanket authorization to take Dungeness crab anywhere inside Tomales Bay.

What about public health?

The state has separately delayed some northern coastal recreational crabbing due to domoic acid. Health advisories can change; consumers should follow official information about affected species and locations rather than rely on a general season announcement.

Primary source: CDFW October 30, 2026 Dungeness crab season announcement and current in-season restrictions.

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