Can I Keep?Blue King Crab Regulations in Alaska (2026)
Recreational blue king crab rules in Alaska saltwater, as published by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. Last checked November 7, 2026.
Can I keep it today? Check your harbor & date
Recreational Blue King Crab rules in Alaska
- Where
- Northwestern and Kuskokwim-Goodnews Areas
- Size limit
- Northwestern and Kuskokwim-Goodnews Areas Only: 6 per day, 6 in possession, 5½ inches or more, and 5 inches or more in the Northwestern area.
- Bag limit
- • Northwestern and Kuskokwim-Goodnews Areas Only: 6 per day, 6 in possession, 5½ inches or more, and 5 inches or more in the Northwestern area.
- Possession
- Northwestern and Kuskokwim-Goodnews Areas Only: 6 per day, 6 in possession, 5½ inches or more, and 5 inches or more in the Northwestern area.
- Season
- In the waters south of 60°N. Latitude, male king crab may be taken only from June 1 through January 1.
- Males Only
Commercial rules
Show 3 commercial rules
- Where
- Yakutat Area (Registration Area D) (ocean)
- Size limit
- In Registration Area A, only male king crab seven inches or greater in width of shell may be taken or possessed
- Season
- (c) Male blue king crab may be taken only from 12:00 noon October 24 through December 31.
- 5 AAC 34.180. Size limits for Registration Area D. The size limits for king crab in Registration Area D are the same as those described for king crab in Registration Area A in 5 AAC 34.120.
- Where
- Bering Sea (Registration Area Q) – Pribilof District (ocean)
- Size limit
- (a) In the Pribilof District, only male red and blue king crab six and one-half inches or greater, and male golden king crab five and one-half inches or greater, in width of shell, may be taken or possessed.
- Season
- (b) In the Pribilof District, (1) male red and blue king crab may be taken only from 12:00 noon October 15 through 11:59 p.m. January 15;
- Where
- Bering Sea (Registration Area Q) – Saint Matthew Island Section (ocean)
- Size limit
- (b) In the Saint Matthew Island Section, only male blue and golden king crab five and one-half inches or greater in width of shell may be taken or possessed.
- Season
- (c) In the Saint Matthew Island Section, (1) male blue king crab may be taken only from 12:00 noon October 15 through 11:59 p.m. February 1;
Quick answers
What is the blue king crab size limit in Alaska?
Northwestern and Kuskokwim-Goodnews Areas Only: 6 per day, 6 in possession, 5½ inches or more, and 5 inches or more in the Northwestern area..
How many blue king crab can I keep in Alaska?
• Northwestern and Kuskokwim-Goodnews Areas Only: 6 per day, 6 in possession, 5½ inches or more, and 5 inches or more in the Northwestern area..
When is blue king crab season in Alaska?
In the waters south of 60°N. Latitude, male king crab may be taken only from June 1 through January 1.. Whether it is open on a specific day can change by emergency rule — check today's status in the app.
More crabs, lobster & shrimp in Alaska
All Alaska saltwater fishing regulations →
Source: Alaska Department of Fish and Game. Most anglers need a Alaska saltwater license or registry: get one here.