Alaska is a prime destination for crab fishing, known for its variety of crabs that thrive in its cold, nutrient-rich waters. This list covers 10 species of Alaska crabs you can catch using a crab pot, perfect for recreational crabbers, commercial fishers, and seafood enthusiasts alike. Each species offers unique flavors, sizes, and challenges, making crab pot fishing in Alaska a rewarding experience.
1. Red King Crab (Paralithodes camtschaticus)
The Red King Crab is the most famous and valuable crab species in Alaska. It has a bright red shell and can weigh up to 24 pounds, though most caught are smaller. Known for its sweet, tender meat, it’s highly sought after commercially and recreationally. Red King Crabs inhabit deep waters and require heavy crab pots, making them a prized catch during Alaska’s crab fishing seasons.
2. Blue King Crab (Paralithodes platypus)
Blue King Crabs are slightly smaller and less abundant than Reds but are prized for their delicate flavor and firm texture. They have a bluish shell and prefer deeper, colder waters near the Bering Sea. Blue King Crab populations have been under strict management due to past declines, so catching them requires adherence to regulations and sometimes special permits.
3. Tanner Crab (Chionoecetes bairdi)
Tanner Crabs, also known as Snow Crabs, have a reddish-brown shell and long, slender legs. They are found in shallower waters compared to King Crabs and are abundant in the Gulf of Alaska and Bering Sea. Tanner Crabs provide sweet, delicate meat and are popular among both commercial fisheries and sport crabbers due to their availability and flavor.
4. Dungeness Crab (Metacarcinus magister)
Dungeness Crabs are more commonly associated with the Pacific Northwest but can also be found in Southeast Alaska. They have a distinctive purplish-brown shell and are known for their sweet, tender meat and large claws. They inhabit sandy or muddy bottoms and are caught using baited crab pots close to shorelines and estuaries.
5. Hair Crab (Erimacrus isenbeckii)
Hair Crabs, also called Horsehair Crabs, are smaller with a dense covering of fine hairs on their shells. They thrive in colder waters and are a delicacy in parts of Alaska and Russia. Their meat is sweet and less fibrous than some other species, and they are typically caught with smaller crab pots due to their size.
6. Opilio Crab (Chionoecetes opilio)
The Opilio Crab is another species of snow crab, often called the “golden crab” due to its yellowish-brown shell. They are smaller than Tanner Crabs, with thinner legs and a more delicate flavor. Opilio Crabs inhabit shallower waters and are caught widely in the Bering Sea, often targeted for their sweet meat and easier handling.
7. Box Crab (Lopholithodes mandtii)
Box Crabs, sometimes called the Puget Sound King Crab, have a boxy, spiny carapace and are less well-known commercially. They inhabit rocky bottoms and are often caught incidentally in crab pots set for other species. Though smaller and less meaty, they are prized by some for their unique flavor and are a good catch for adventurous crabbers.
8. Spider Crab (Hyas coarctatus)
Spider Crabs have long, spindly legs and a relatively small body, resembling a spider. They are found in deeper waters around Alaska and have a mild, sweet taste. Spider Crabs are less targeted commercially but can be caught with crab pots, offering an interesting alternative for crab pot fishers looking to diversify their catch.
9. Brown King Crab (Paralithodes platypus variant)
Sometimes considered a variant of the Blue King Crab, Brown King Crabs have a darker, brownish shell. They are found mainly in the Aleutian Islands and Bering Sea. Their meat is dense and flavorful, similar to Red King Crabs, but they are less abundant and thus less commonly caught, making them a prized find.
10. Spot Prawn Crab (Pandalus platyceros bycatch)
While Spot Prawns are not crabs, crab pots often catch juvenile or incidental crabs in prawn fishing areas. Occasionally, smaller crabs like juvenile Tanner or Opilio can be found in pots set for Spot Prawns in Alaska’s coastal waters. These smaller crabs offer a unique catch for those using crab pots in multi-species fisheries.
How to Choose
When choosing which Alaska crab to target with a crab pot, consider your location, season, and fishing licenses. Red and Blue King Crabs require deeper waters and heavier gear, while Tanner and Opilio Crabs are more accessible in shallower zones. Size limits and quotas are strictly regulated, so always check current Alaska Department of Fish and Game rules. Additionally, bait choice and pot design can influence which species you catch; for example, larger pots with strong mesh are better for King Crabs, while smaller pots can be effective for Hair or Opilio Crabs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What bait works best for Alaska crab pots? Fresh bait like herring, salmon heads, or squid are commonly used to attract a variety of crab species.
When is the best season to crab in Alaska? Crab seasons vary by species and region but typically run from fall through early spring, with Red King Crab season often starting in October.
Do I need a license to catch crabs in Alaska? Yes, a valid Alaska fishing license is required for recreational and commercial crab fishing, along with species-specific permits where applicable.
How deep should I set my crab pot? Depth depends on the crab species; King Crabs are usually found between 90 to 300 feet, while Tanner and Opilio Crabs often inhabit 30 to 150 feet.
Can I keep undersized crabs? No, Alaska law requires releasing crabs that do not meet the minimum size limits to protect populations.
Are there any safety concerns when crab pot fishing in Alaska? Yes, cold water, weather changes, and rough seas pose risks; always prepare with proper gear and check local conditions.
Final Thoughts
Catching Alaska crabs with a crab pot is both a challenging and rewarding experience that connects you with one of the state’s most iconic fisheries. From the giant Red King Crab to the delicate Hair Crab, each species offers a unique taste of Alaska’s marine bounty. Understanding the habitats, regulations, and gear requirements will help you maximize your catch while ensuring sustainability for future seasons. Whether you’re a seasoned fisher or a first-timer, Alaska’s crab pot fishing delivers unforgettable adventure and delicious rewards.
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