Now booking October and November 2026 Astoria crabbing trips, starting at $160 per person. 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.
Call or text me at 503-314-5087 or ask about available crabbing dates. Tell me your preferred date and how many people are coming, and I’ll help you plan your trip.
Astoria Crabbing Charter at a Glance
- Departure: Usually Hammond Marina, near Astoria and Warrenton, Oregon
- Season: October and November 2026 dates now booking; ask about other dates
- Price: Starting at $160 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.
Latest Astoria Crabbing Update — September 28, 2026
Crabbing is definitely improving around Astoria and Hammond. On Monday, September 28, we set crab pots near Buoy 20 during my final Buoy 10 salmon trip of the season. We finished our shortened day with three coho and about 20 Dungeness crab.
I would estimate the crab we kept were about 60% full. They are getting harder and filling out with more meat compared with what I was seeing earlier in September. This is my observation from that trip; catches and meat fill vary with the conditions.
October and November crabbing trips are now booking. Come enjoy a fall day on the lower Columbia aboard my covered and heated boat. Call or text 503-314-5087 or ask about a crabbing date.
What to Expect From Fall Crabbing
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 conditions quickly. For more 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 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. Bring the appropriate shellfish license for your trip; check ODFW’s license requirements before purchasing. I provide a crab measuring device and help check the catch.
Oregon’s ocean recreational crab fishery is closed October 16 through November 30. Bays and estuaries are generally open to crabbing year-round, subject to temporary closures. My fall trips use waters that are 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 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
My 2026 Buoy 10 salmon guiding season finished on September 28, and I’m now booking fall crabbing trips and taking inquiries for 2027 Buoy 10 dates. During an open salmon season, we may set crab pots, fish while the gear soaks, and pull the pots on our way back. Combination trips depend on the season, tides, weather, and location.
Ask what is possible for your preferred dates, or see my Buoy 10 salmon trips and final 2026 Buoy 10 fishing report.
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. Whether you have crabbed before or are trying it for the first time, I’ll show you what to do. The covered and heated boat is especially welcome when fall weather turns cold.
Book Your October or November Astoria Crabbing Trip
Guided Astoria crabbing trips start at $160 per person. Bring your friends or family and join me aboard the covered and heated boat. Send me your preferred October or November date and group size so we can discuss availability.
Your final price depends on the location, trip length, group size, and whether you add fishing. I’ll confirm the price, departure location, and trip details before you book. Ask about availability for other dates.
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. Contact me about available dates.
Do I need a license or crabbing experience?
Check ODFW’s shellfish license requirements for everyone in your group before the trip. Beginners are welcome; I provide the gear and show you what to do.
How much does a trip cost?
Trips start at $160 per person. Contact me for the price for your date, group, location, and trip type.
Is the boat covered and heated?
Yes. My 27-foot Alumaweld Intruder has a covered and heated cabin. Bring warm layers and rain gear for time spent outside helping with the pots.
Can we combine salmon fishing with crabbing?
Combination trips may be possible during an open salmon season, depending on tides, weather, and location. My 2026 Buoy 10 salmon guiding season is finished; contact me about other trip options or planning for 2027.
