Can I Keep?Blue Crab Regulations in Connecticut (2026)
Recreational blue crab rules in Connecticut saltwater, as published by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), Marine Fisheries Program. Last checked November 7, 2026.
Limits differ by area — the summary below is the first published rule; see every rule underneath.
Can I keep it today? Check your harbor & date
Recreational Blue Crab rules in Connecticut
- Where
- Statewide
- Size limit
- Minimum shell width (spike tip to spike tip): 5 inches - Hard shell
- Bag limit
- Daily creel limit: None
- Season
- Open Season: May 1 - November 30
- No License Required
- Prohibition on egg-bearing females
- Applies to hard shell crabs
- Where
- Statewide
- Size limit
- Minimum shell width (spike tip to spike tip): 3 1/2 inches - Soft shell
- Bag limit
- Daily creel limit: None
- Season
- Open Season: May 1 - November 30
- No License Required
- Prohibition on egg-bearing females
- Applies to soft shell crabs
Commercial rules
Show 2 commercial rules
- Where
- Statewide
- Size limit
- Size limit is 5 inches for hard shell crabs and 3½ inches for soft-shell crabs.
- Season
- Closed season: December 1 through April 30.
- Possession of uncooked blue crabs without the body shell (carapace) attached is prohibited.
- A Commercial Blue Crab Fishing License is required for each individual involved in the taking of blue crabs for commercial purposes.
- Applies to hard shell crabs
- Where
- Statewide
- Size limit
- Size limit is 5 inches for hard shell crabs and 3½ inches for soft-shell crabs.
- Season
- Closed season: December 1 through April 30.
- Possession of uncooked blue crabs without the body shell (carapace) attached is prohibited.
- A Commercial Blue Crab Fishing License is required for each individual involved in the taking of blue crabs for commercial purposes.
- Applies to soft shell crabs
Quick answers
What is the blue crab size limit in Connecticut?
Minimum shell width (spike tip to spike tip): 5 inches - Hard shell (for the first listed area; other areas may differ — see above).
How many blue crab can I keep in Connecticut?
Daily creel limit: None (for the first listed area; other areas may differ — see above).
When is blue crab season in Connecticut?
Open Season: May 1 - November 30. Whether it is open on a specific day can change by emergency rule — check today's status in the app.
Compare Blue Crab limits in other states →
More crabs, lobster & shrimp in Connecticut
All Connecticut saltwater fishing regulations →
Source: Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), Marine Fisheries Program. Most anglers need a Connecticut saltwater license or registry: get one here.