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Press Release

Oregon's north coast opens to commercial crab fishing Dec. 31

NEWPORT, Ore. – The commercial Dungeness crab fishery opens Dec. 31 from Cape Falcon to the Washington border. Fishermen can begin the presoak period – setting baited crab pots in the water – on Dec. 28 in this area. ODFW delayed opening the north coast until crab in Long Beach…

December 19, 2025

Zones or Areas

Columbia Zone

Shellfish regulations only apply to Columbia River downstream of Tongue Point/Rocky Point line at the mouth of the Columbia River.

Press Release

ODFW issues bay clam harvest advisory for Alsea Bay estuary

NEWPORT, Ore. – The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife recommends people avoid harvesting and consuming softshell and bay clams from Alsea Bay estuary after the Oregon Health Authority issued a recreational use advisory for Eckman Lake in Lincoln County. The OHA issued a July 31 advisory due to the…

August 18, 2025

Press Release

Commercial crab season begins Dec. 16 from Cape Falcon to the California border

Newport, Ore. – Oregon's commercial Dungeness crab season opens Dec. 16 from Cape Falcon to the California border, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife announced today. Crab will be available in time for the holiday season. Oregon will open the north coast to align with Washington once Long Beach…

December 5, 2025

Press Release

Commission meeting Feb 20 in Springfield will consider a petition to modify commercial Dungeness crab fishery rules

Public comment period open; comment via online form SALEM, Ore.—Oregon's Fish and Wildlife Commission will meet Feb. 20 at the Lane County Armed Forces Readiness Center, 3106 Pierce Parkway in Springfield. The meeting starts at 8 am and will be livestreamed on the meeting agenda page and at ODFW's YouTube…

January 29, 2026

Article

How to buy an Oregon fishing license

You can purchase an Oregon fishing license online or at an ODFW licensed vendor. Here are step-by-step directions for purchasing online.

December 18, 2025

image of an angler holding a 32-inch rainbow trout

Article

How to fish for surfperch

Surf fishing is one of Oregon’s most underutilized fisheries. There are hundreds of places to fish along Oregon’s sandy beaches, and there are plenty of fish within an easy cast from shore.

Article

How to recognize and report poaching on the water

Each year, thousands of fish are harvested illegally in Oregon. Anglers who wait all year for their favorite salmon or steelhead run shouldn’t face reduced opportunity because of poaching. To report poaching call *OSP or 1-800-452-7888

July 31, 2020

photo of oversize sturgeon with head and tail removed

Article

How to buy a license or tag

Directions for purchasing a license or tag online or from a license vendor, for redeeming your Sports Pac voucher, and purchasing a tag after the sale deadline. Buy Online

November 14, 2025

Article

Start fishing, hunting and wildlife watching

Article

Shellfish and biotoxins

Razor clams and other bivalves are filter feeders that eat single celled plants called phytoplankton. Some species of phytoplankton manufacture biological toxins that, if ingested by bivalves, will be stored in their flesh. Though the biotoxins do not make the shellfish sick, they will make humans sick if a person consumes an affected animal.

September 2, 2025

Article

Oregon shellfish regulations

Oregon has over 360 miles of coastline -- that's a big sandbox in which to take the family clamming and crabbing. They're open throughout the year and are suitable for everyone in the family. It's fun, it's easy, it's delicious.

January 5, 2024

photo of three smiling women each holding a Dungeness crab

Article

How to harvest bait shrimp

Mud and ghost shrimp are popular baits for salmon, sturgeon and other marine fish. Learn how simple it is to harvest your own.

Article

How to make a group purchase in ELS

Creating a purchase group allows you to buy licenses, tags and other documents for family and friends, both online and with agents. After a customer has verified their account, they can be added to a purchase group using their ODFW ID# and the product catalog will reflect the correct products and pricing for each customer in the group. It is important to use customer group purchases as the attestation and acknowledgment is only being made by the customer that is present. Purchase now

November 18, 2025

Press Release

Mussel harvest reopens coastwide

NEWPORT, Ore – Mussel harvesting is now open coastwide from the Washington border to the California border the Oregon Department of Agriculture and Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife announced today. Marine biotoxin levels tested below the alert level. People should always call the Shellfish Safety Hotline at 1-800-448-2474 before…

November 7, 2025

Press Release

Mussel harvest reopens Cape Blanco to California border

SALEM, Ore. – Mussel harvesting is now open from Cape Blanco to the California border the Oregon Department of Agriculture and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife announced today. Marine biotoxin levels in this area tested below the alert level. People should always call the Shellfish Safety Hotline at…

January 9, 2026

Press Release

Mussel harvest closure Tillamook Head to the north Jetty of the Siuslaw River

SALEM, Ore – Mussel harvesting is now closed from Tillamook Head (south of Seaside) to the north Jetty of the Siuslaw River (Florence) the Oregon Department of Agriculture and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife announced today. Recent mussel samples indicate levels of Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) – a…

June 27, 2025

Press Release

Mussel harvest closure Tillamook Head to the north Jetty of the Siuslaw River

June 27, 2025

Article

How to report poaching

An experienced hunter witnessed a mule deer being poached. He was so rattled he forgot who to call and how to report the crime. Here are tips for what to do when you see poaching, then read on for this hunter’s story that bagged him a reward.

November 24, 2020

Article

Free fishing weekend Feb 14-15

Now is a great time to learn how to fish, with free fishing opportunities across the state. No licenses or tags required to fish, clam, or crab.

February 9, 2026