2026/27 crayfish season dates: check back soon
DFFE has not published the 2026/27 recreational crayfish dates yet. They usually come out around November. We will add them to this page as soon as they are announced, so bookmark it and check back. If you don’t see dates here, they have not been published yet.
Last season’s dates do not allow you to harvest this season. The 2025/26 announcement is linked for reference only.
Do I need a separate crayfish permit?
Yes. Recreational West Coast rock lobster needs its own recreational rock lobster permit. An ordinary angling permit does not cover it.
Categories and rules can differ by region, so choose the correct activity and area when you apply.
How to buy a crayfish permit online
- Go to the DFFE eFishing portal.
- Register or sign in.
- Open a recreational permit application.
- Choose the West Coast Rock Lobster category for your area.
- Check the permit period, conditions and your details.
- Complete verification and pay when asked.
- Carry the issued permit whenever you harvest.
When is crayfish season in Cape Town?
The government publishes specific open days each season. They change from year to year and are not simply every summer weekend.
For 2025/26 the DFFE notice listed days from December 2025 to March 2026. That season has closed. For a closer look at how the season works, read our crayfishing season article and our Crayfishing Cape Town page.
How many crayfish may I keep?
Limits are set by regulation and each season’s notice. In 2025/26 the recreational daily limit was four per person, with a maximum per boat or vehicle and a minimum carapace length. Don’t assume the same limits carry over to the next season.
Sizes, methods and protected areas
Undersized lobster must go back. Rules also cover how you collect, possess and transport crayfish, and some marine protected areas are closed to harvesting.
The permit holder is responsible for following the conditions, even on a charter with an experienced skipper.
Can I harvest on a closed day?
No. A valid permit only applies on the official open days. Always check the current gazetted notice.
How much does a crayfish permit cost?
Fees change. Check the price for your rock lobster category on the official eFishing system rather than an old fee list.
Can I sell crayfish I caught recreationally?
No. Recreational harvesting is for personal use within the permit conditions. It is not a commercial right.
Can I book a crayfishing charter?
Yes, on open days and subject to boat availability, sea conditions and the operator’s arrangements. Holding a permit alone does not confirm a trip: the season must be open and all conditions met.
Official government references
Permits, fees, regulations and season dates change. Check current government notices and your operator’s requirements before you fish.