South Coast closed to crabbing

Recreational bay crabbing is closed from Cape Blanco to the CA border. Closure includes Dungeness crab and red rock crab harvested from bays and estuaries in this area.

Razor clamming closed Cascade Head to CA border

Razor clam harvesting is now closed from Cascade Head to the California border the Oregon Department of Agriculture and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife announced today.

Purple varnish clam

Purple varnish clams were introduced to Oregon, most likely from ballast waters from Asia. They can be a tasty addition to your pasta, chowder, or curries. 

a cluster of purple varnish clams are laid out on a wet log

Features: The purple varnish clam is named for the purple hue found inside the clam and the shiny varnish over the brown color outside the shell. It is oval in shape and is relatively flat with a prominent ligament near the hinge. 

Habitat: These clams can be found in cobble to muddy substrate. 

Technique: Purple varnish clams are found in very high densities. Limits are 72 a day.‌

Learn more here before getting started clamming. ‌‌

See Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations for information on the daily catch limits for bay clams.‌

How to dig purple varnish clams (video)

Family clamming

Check out the current Recreation Report

Current conditions and opportunities to crab and clam. Updated weekly by shellfish biologists.

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