Clamming
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.
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 bay clam and How to razor clam articles to learn digging techniques that will increase your chances of success.
Summary of bay clam availability by area:
An image of the Oregon coast with bay clamming sites labeled
Necanicum Bay: softshells, purple varnish
Nehalem Bay: softshells, purple varnish
Tillamook Bay: gapers, butters, cockles, littlenecks, softshells, purple varnish
Netarts Bay: gapers, butters, cockles, littlenecks, softshells, purple varnish
Nestucca Bay: softshells, purple varnish
Siletz Bay: softshells, purple varnish
Yaquina Bay: gapers, butters, cockles, littlenecks, softshells, purple varnish
Alsea Bay: cockles, softshells, purple varnish
Siuslaw River: gapers, cockles, softshells
Umpqua River: gapers, softshells
Coos Bay: gapers, butters, cockles, littlenecks, softshells
Coquille River: softshells
Chetco and Rogue River basins have high freshwater influence, and therefore no accessible bay clams. In some of the south coast’s rocky nearshore areas, littleneck and butter clams can be found under rocks and amongst gravel. Due to the tough terrain, very few clammers harvest on the rocky nearshore of the south coast.
Crabbing
In every Oregon estuary, some crab can be found. Tillamook, Yaquina and Coos normally provide the best year-round opportunities. 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.
An image of the Oregon coast showing locations to go bay crabbing
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.