Where are Blue Crabs Running and What Pushes them up the Bay?

Type: Chesapeake
Region: Upper Bay
Location: Upper Bay

How could I find out where blue crabs are running. I live in the upper northeast part of the bay and would also like to know what factors help to push the crabs up the bay. Any info or other web based sites would help tremendously.

DNR's Response:

Dear Mike,
Thank you for your email asking about crabbing reports for the upper northeast part of the bay. You can find some information on the current crabbing conditions on our website in the MD DNR�s fishing report. You can also search on our angler�s log to see if there are any reports from your area.

There are many factors that influence crab movement. In the spring crabs will emerge from the mud and continue upstream in the bay and its tributaries in search of suitable habitat. Salinity, water temperature and access to food sources are all influential to the distribution of crabs throughout the bay. If you would like more information about the life cycle of blue crabs and their habitat requirements please feel free to read the following site:

www.dnr.state.md.us/fisheries/fishfacts/bluecrab.asp

www.dnr.state.md.us/fisheries/recreational/articles/bluecrablhmgt.html

I hope that these sites can help answer your questions concerning blue crabs. If you have more questions about blue crabs please email me for more information. Enjoy your time out on the water!

Thank you,
Kelly Webb
Blue Crab Program
MD DNR � Fisheries Service