Razor clamming on the popular Clatsop County beaches reopens Oct. 1 after the annual conservation closure.

ODFW recommends people avoid harvesting and consuming softshell clams from the Alsea Bay estuary due to biotoxin risks.

a bunch of dungeness crab are submerged in a tank

Crabbing & Clamming

Oregon has 360 miles of coastline - that’s 360 miles of crabbing and clamming opportunity! Digging for razor or bay clams is a simple and affordable activity that can include the whole family. Dropping crab pots for Dungeness or red rock crab is often done by boat, but crabbing from a dock can be successful too. Many marinas and stores on the coast rent crab pots, and even small boats for crabbing in the bays.

Additional Resources

Incoming and outgoing tides can affect several marine fisheries. For example, clamming is best during low and negative tides.

Learn more about the biotoxins that occasionally shut down razor clamming, and sometimes crabbing, on the Oregon coast.

Fall and winter can be excellent times for crabbing and clamming. And shellfish licenses are quite affordable ($10) for youth and adults 12 and older.