The lucrative Dungeness crab season opens Tuesday, delayed from the usual December 1 start.

ASTORIA, Ore. (AP) — Fishery managers say commercial fisherman in parts of Oregon and Washington State will finally be able to set their Dungeness crab gear on Tuesday.

The Daily Astorian reports fisherman can begin pulling their gear on Friday.

The lucrative commercial fisheries traditionally starts Dec. 1.

But the fishery was delayed this year after tests showed crab had not filled out enough.

Crab are still below the meat quality criteria required by the state in Oregon between Cape Arago and Gold Beach. Those areas will remain closed.