When winter draws near, an excited anticipation falls across Oregon — one that coincides nicely with cold-weather outings and fun holiday events. Seafood lovers across the state get ready for one of Oregon’s most anticipated seasonal dishes: steamed Dungeness crab. Highlighted on restaurant menus and served at festive dining room tables across the state, crabs are caught off the Oregon Coast by local fishing families. Here is everything you need to know about Dungeness crab season in Seaside, including why it’s so special, where you can find it and how to catch some for yourself. 

Enjoy the Magic of Dungeness Crab Season 

Among the many seafood offerings of the Oregon Coast, Dungeness crab is revered for its tender, melt-in-your-mouth meat and rich, mildly sweet flavor. Because of its natural brininess, Dungeness crab is a dish many enjoy eating on its own or dipped in butter but without much seasoning. Its popularity among diners has made it the most valuable single-species fishery, according to the Oregon Dungeness Crab Commission. 

“Dungeness crab is special because it’s a critical component for supporting Oregon ports and fisheries,” says Troy Buell, state fishery management program leader for the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. “There’s the social aspect to it as well — Christmas crab is a tradition in a lot of Oregon households.”

The Christmas tradition, however, may need to wait in some years, since Dungeness crab season is tricky to time. The opening date for commercial-crabbing season can begin as early as December 1 but can be delayed for a number of reasons. The primary reason is that the crab’s fill-out rate — which is the percentage of its body weight that is edible meat — isn’t high enough. Because crabs molt, or shed their shells, officials need to test whether they’ve grown enough to fill out their new shells. To stay updated on official announcements regarding the season’s opening, check these weekly updates. Peak harvest generally lasts until April. 

Where to Buy and Taste Fresh Dungeness Crab 

Sample Dungeness crab for yourself at some of Seaside’s outstanding restaurants and markets. Bell Buoy — a local cannery that prides itself on sourcing seafood close to home — sells fresh Dungeness directly from the boat at its fish market. Or head over to its fish hut next door and order one of its crab dishes. Some swear by the crab-roll melt, piled high with crab meat seasoned with celery and cilantro, and others go for a hot whole-crab dinner, which is served with clarified butter, cheese bread and cole slaw. 

Whole Dungeness crab, crab legs and crab cakes — made from a coveted family recipe — has earned Norma’s Seafood & Steak loyal patronage, while the open-faced Dungeness crab melt and crab fettucine are menu highlights at Finn’s Fish House. You can order your crab legs fried, sauteed or Cajun style at Dooger’s Seafood & Grill, in addition to crab cakes and crab cocktails. Add Dungeness crab to the artichoke dip at Twisted Fish Steakhouse, or elevate your meal by adding crab meat to any of its cuts of steaks for a crab surf and turf. Seafood boils are the go-to order at The Crabby Oyster, which you can order with Dungeness crab. 

Make Memories While Catching Your Own Crab Dinner 

Catching Dungeness crab for yourself is a special coastal outing where minimal effort can be deliciously rewarding — just one crab yields satisfying portions of meat for a snack for two people. To go crabbing in Seaside, you first need a shellfish license for everyone in your group over the age of 12, which you can get online. Next stop into Trucke’s 1-Stop, a popular convenience store on Highway 101, where you can rent gear, buy bait, and chat with local experts to learn tips and tricks. Make sure you know how to measure and identify crabs, as well as understand seasons and catch limits.Then head to the 12th Avenue Bridge, one of the best spots in Seaside to cast your crab pot or ring. Bring a chair to wait while taking in the Necanicum River, or venture to the nearby shops, restaurants or the beach for a few hours. When you return, pull up your pot to discover your haul. The only thing left to do is to clean and enjoy the tasty results of your hard work.