Now booking October, November, and December 2026 Astoria crabbing trips. Join Marvin’s Guide Service for a guided Dungeness crab trip aboard my 27-foot covered and heated Alumaweld boat. Most Astoria-area trips depart from Hammond Marina. Trips start at $150 per person.
Call or text me at 503-314-5087 or ask about available crabbing dates. Tell me how many people are coming and whether you want a dedicated crab trip or a fishing and crabbing combination.
Astoria Crabbing Charter at a Glance
- Departure: Usually Hammond Marina, near Astoria and Warrenton, Oregon
- Season: October through December 2026 dates now booking
- Price: Starting at $150 per person; confirm your trip price when booking
- Boat: 27-foot covered and heated Alumaweld Intruder
- Provided: Crab pots, bait, measuring equipment, safety gear, and instruction
- Experience: Beginners, families, and groups welcome
Guided Dungeness Crabbing From Hammond Marina
Hammond Marina gives us access to the lower Columbia River estuary and crabbing grounds near Astoria. I choose where to set our pots based on the tide, current, recent catches, weather, rainfall, and safe access. Depending on the conditions, a trip may take place elsewhere along the north Oregon Coast, including Tillamook Bay. I’ll confirm the meeting place and departure time before your trip.
You can help bait and set the pots, pull the gear, and sort the catch. I’ll show you how to identify male Dungeness crab, measure them correctly, and release females and undersized crab. You do not need previous crabbing experience, and the catch is never guaranteed.
See my Astoria fishing guide page and meeting locations for more on the area.
2026 Crabbing Update: What to Expect This Fall
In early September 2026, I was seeing plenty of crab in the lower Columbia near Astoria and Hammond. Some crab were still light after molting, and I expect their meat fill to improve as fall progresses. That’s a field observation, not a promise about what a future trip will catch.
October can bring productive crabbing and pleasant weather windows, though some crab may still be lighter. Late November and December often bring harder-shelled crab that are fuller of meat. Tides, heavy rain, freshwater runoff, and weather can change the fishing quickly. For newer observations, see my Oregon crabbing report.
Watch a Crabbing Trip With Marvin
See what setting and pulling the pots looks like on a guided Oregon Coast crabbing trip:
Where We Crab: Astoria, the Columbia Estuary, and Tillamook Bay
Most Astoria crabbing trips begin at Hammond Marina, with access to the lower Columbia River estuary. I also guide north Oregon Coast crab trips when conditions and schedules allow. Tillamook Bay can be another option, especially when its tides, salinity, and weather make it the better choice. Heavy rain can push crab toward saltier water, so I consider recent conditions before recommending a location.
Learn about Tillamook Bay fishing and crabbing trips.
Oregon Crabbing Seasons, Limits, and Licenses
Under the current Oregon recreational rules, the daily Dungeness limit is 12 male crab per person, and each keeper must measure at least 5¾ inches across the shell in front of the points. Each person age 12 or older who harvests crab generally needs a valid Oregon shellfish license. I provide a crab measuring device and help check the catch.
Oregon’s ocean recreational crab fishery is closed October 16 through November 30. Crabbing in bays and estuaries may remain open during that period, subject to current rules and any temporary closure. I plan fall trips around the waters that are actually open and safe on the trip date.
Before leaving, check ODFW’s Columbia River crabbing rules, northwest Oregon crabbing rules, and shellfish license information. For shellfish safety advisories, check the Oregon Department of Agriculture closure page or call 1-800-448-2474 close to your trip.
Covered and Heated Boat, Gear, and What to Bring
My 27-foot Alumaweld Intruder has a covered and heated cabin, which makes late-fall and winter trips more comfortable. I provide the crab pots, bait, measuring equipment, required boat safety gear, and hands-on instruction. Read more about the guide boat.
Bring your shellfish license if required, warm layers, rain gear, waterproof shoes, food and drinks, and a cooler to leave in your vehicle for your crab. I’ll let you know the expected trip length and weather before we meet. I can sometimes help clean the catch afterward when time and facilities allow; ask when booking. Cooking services at a marina or seafood business, when available, are arranged separately.
Salmon Fishing and Crabbing Combination Trips
When salmon seasons and conditions line up, we may set crab pots, fish for salmon while the gear soaks, and pull the pots on our way back. Availability depends on the open season, tides, weather, and location. Ask me what is possible for your dates, or see my Buoy 10 salmon trips.
Why Crab With Marvin’s Guide Service?
I’ve guided fishing and crabbing trips for more than 27 years. I know the Astoria and lower Columbia waters, provide the gear and instruction, and work with the day’s conditions to choose a sensible plan. The covered and heated boat is especially welcome when November and December weather turns cold.
Book Your 2026 Astoria Crabbing Charter
October, November, and December dates are available to inquire about now. Guided trips start at $150 per person. Your final price depends on the location, trip length, group size, and whether you add fishing. I’ll confirm the details before you book.
Call or text Marvin: 503-314-5087
Online: Send a crabbing trip inquiry
Astoria Crabbing Charter FAQs
Where do the trips depart?
Most Astoria-area trips depart from Hammond Marina. I’ll confirm your exact meeting place and time before the trip.
When is the best time to go crabbing?
October can offer good action, while late November and December often produce harder-shelled crab with better meat fill. Conditions and catches vary.
Do I need a license or crabbing experience?
Crabbers age 12 or older generally need an Oregon shellfish license. Beginners are welcome; I provide the gear and show you what to do.
How much does a trip cost?
Trips start at $150 per person. Contact me for the price for your date, group, location, and trip type.
Can we combine salmon fishing with crabbing?
Sometimes. It depends on the salmon season, tides, weather, and the day’s fishing and crabbing conditions.
