Where to crab in Oregon

In every Oregon estuary, some crab can be found. Tillamook, Yaquina and Coos‌ normally provide the best year-round opportunities. Smaller estuaries and those with more freshwater influence may be good during the late summer through the early winter.

Before heading out, be sure to have your shellfish license, a copy of the regulations (either paper or online), and check the tides.

For your safety, call the Oregon Department of Agriculture Shellfish Safety Hotline before harvesting any shellfish at 1-800-448-2474 or check their website.

Go to our How to crab article to learn about different crabbing equipment and techniques. 

Species availability by area

• Columbia River: Dungeness
• Necanicum: Dungeness
• Nehalem Bay: Dungeness
• Tillamook: Dungeness, red rock
• Netarts Bay: Dungeness, red rock
• Nestucca Bay: Dungeness
• Siletz Bay: Dungeness
• Yaquina Bay: Dungeness, red rock
• Alsea Bay: Dungeness
• Siuslaw River: Dungeness
• Umpqua River: Dungeness
• Coos Bay: Dungeness, red rock
• Coquille River: Dungeness
• Port Orford: Dock crabbing can be found year round from the Port docks. Ocean (boat) crabbing areas are easily accessible.
• Gold Beach (Rogue River) and Brookings (Chetco River): Crabbing in these estuaries may only be successful in the driest parts of the summer when the freshwater influence is minimal. Ocean (boat) crabbing areas are easily accessible.