Monday December 15, 2025
Active NorCal —
After a delayed start to the season, the recreational Dungeness crab fishery has officially opened in parts of Northern California, including Del Norte County, Mendocino County, and portions of Humboldt County. The opening comes after state health agencies determined crab in certain areas are safe to harvest, though restrictions and advisories remain in place.
The season was initially postponed due to elevated levels of domoic acid, a naturally occurring toxin that can accumulate in shellfish. While testing now allows recreational crabbing to resume in select waters, the California Department of Public Health has issued a health advisory for some areas.