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Article

Where to crab & clam in Nestucca Bay

You'll find crab areas and softshell clamming opportunities in the southern part of the bay.

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Where crab and clam in the Siuslaw River

The Siuslaw River runs past the city of Florence and then flows for 4 miles before reaching‌ the Pacific ocean. Areas west of the 101 bridge feature excellent seasonal crabbing and even some good diving.

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Where to crab & clam in Yaquina Bay

Lower Yaquina Bay is “marine dominated”, meaning there is little freshwater influence, and offers many shellfishing oppurtunities.

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Where to crab & clam in Netarts Bay

Clamming is the main attraction in Netarts Bay. The bay is also one of five major crabbing bays in Oregon with good populations of both Dungeness and redrock crab.

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Where to crab & clam in Siletz Bay

Siletz Bay, located at the south end of Lincoln City, is a very popular destination for beach-goers and clam diggers. Some of the highest density purple varnish clam beds are easily accessed here. Its proximity to the ocean also makes it a very productive seasonal crabbing area

Article

Where to crab & clam in Alsea Bay

Just a few miles south of Newport, the town of Waldport is on the shores of Alsea Bay. It is one of Oregon’s estuaries that does not have jetties at the ocean entrance. Strong outgoing tides and ocean swell can make boating near the mouth of the bay more dangerous. Use caution and be prepared if you crab in this area.

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Where to crab & clam in Tillamook Bay

Crabbing can be good year-round but the best catches are in the winter. Tidal flats throughout the bay produce lots of gapers, cockles and softshell clams.

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Where to crab & clam in Coos Bay

Coos Bay is Oregon’s largest bay. The lower bay (areas from the ocean entrance to the airport) is “marine dominated”, meaning there is little freshwater influence, and offers some of Oregon’s most productive shellfishing opportunities.

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Where to crab & clam in Nehalem Bay

Nehalem Bay offers both beach and boat access to softshell and purple varnish clam beds.

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Where to crab & clam in the Coquille River

The areas around Bandon, on the Coquille River, have productive softshell beds. The areas near Bandon Marsh National Wildlife Refuge tend to be the most popular. Populations of other bay clams may be found close to the jettys but are mostly subtidal.

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Where to crab & clam in the Umpqua River estuary

Umpqua River is one of Oregon's largest estuaries; however, high freshwater influence makes the bay seasonal for crabbing. Softshell clam populations in the Umpqua River are among the highest in the state, and they are large clams. Razor clams can be dug at the North Jetty of the Umpqua, though its a long drive down Sparrow Park Rd. (just north of Gardiner), then South along the beach about‌ 8 miles.

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Start crabbing

If you love Dungeness crab, you’ll love that you can harvest them yourself.

crabber holding up two nice Dungeness crab

Article

Start clamming

Digging for razor and bay clams is fun, easy and tasty.

razor clammers in the surf at Ft Stevens State Park

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Where to crab in Oregon

Love the taste of crab and want to try harvesting your own? Already at the beach and looking for a family-friendly activity? Here are some areas‌ to find your favorite seafood and have a fun day on the coast.

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Where to bay clam in Oregon

In nearly every Oregon estuary, some species of bay clams can be found. However, abundances and variety of species is different for each bay depending on a number of factors. Size and shape of the bay are the most critical factors. Tidal exchange, salinity, species ranges, and substrates also weigh heavily.

Recreation Report

Crabbing & Clamming Report - Marine Zone

Crabbing and Clamming April 23, 2026 Regulation updates as of Nov. 21, 2025 These are in-season regulation changes adopted on a temporary or emergency basis. Please see e-regulations for permanent regulations. Before clamming or crabbing, call ODA's shellfish safety information hotline at (800) 448-2474 or visit the ODA shellfish safety closures web page at: http://ODA.direct/ShellfishClosures Mussels: OPEN coastwide. Razor clams: OPEN from the WA border to Cape Blanco. CLOSED from Cape Blanco to the CA border. Bay clams: OPEN coastwide. Crabs: OPEN coastwide. Sport crab harvest: Status map Sport seasons and licensing rules: Visit the Oregon Department of Fish and…

September 21, 2017

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Crabbing & Clamming

Species and Subspecies

Crabs

Species and Subspecies

Gaper clam

Features: Gaper clams have large "neck" housing the two siphons that protrude above the substrate surface when feeding. Protective leathery plates are found just below the siphon tips and feel rough to the touch. Gapers are unable to retract‌ their neck entirely into the shell, producing a "gape" in the shell. It is common for algae to grow on their necks and gaper pea crabs to dwell inside the shell with the gaper clam.‌ Habitat: Gapers can be found in high salinity sandy and/or muddy areas in most of Oregon's larger estuaries. Tillamook, Netarts, Yaquina, and Coos‌ are favorite bays…

Species and Subspecies