Red Rock Crab
Cancer productus
Also known as: Rock Crab; Red Crab
Size & Weight
Average Length
6.0"
Max Length
10.0"
Average Weight
0.5 lbs
Max Weight
3.0 lbs
Lifespan
8 years
Habitat
Depth Range
0 - 260 ft
Water Temp
45-60°F
Rocky areas; jetties; around structure; tide pools to moderate depth
Behavior
Spawning Season
Spring-summer mating; eggs carried overwinter
Migration: Generally residential; found in rockier habitat than Dungeness
Diet: Mussels; barnacles; smaller crabs; dead fish; algae
Fishing Tips
PNW Season
Year-round (no closed season typically)
Techniques: Crab pots/traps; hoop nets; by hand at low tide
Best Bait: Fish carcasses; chicken; clams
Eating Quality
Edibility
Good
Sweet; slightly stronger flavor than Dungeness; smaller yield
Fun Facts
No sex or size limits most areas; can be taken by hand at low tide; rockier habitat than Dungeness; tasty
How to Identify
Red coloring; found tide pools and rocky areas; hermit crabs and predators prey on it
Official Resources
Sources: WDFW; ODFW; CDFW
Change History (Last updated Feb 02, 2026 at 10:33 AM)
| Date | Change | Old Value | New Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 02, 2026 10:33 AM | Updated Max Length | — | 10.0 |
| Feb 02, 2026 10:33 AM | Updated Avg Length | — | 6.0 |