Looking for the best spots to go crabbing at the Oregon coast? You’ve come to the right place. I’m a lifelong Oregonian that has spent her fair share of time at the coast, and one of my favorite activities is crabbing!
Oregon is home to a healthy population of Dungeness crab that are ripe from the picking (if you know where to look). I’m not one for small talk, so allow me to share the best spots for crabbing at the Oregon coast. Let’s jump in!
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Oregon Coast Crabbing (Things to Know)
When to go crabbing at the coast
The general rule of thumb is that the best time to go crabbing at the Oregon coast is during months that end with “r.” With that said, September-November tend to be the best months for crabbing at the Oregon coast.
But based on personal experience, I tend to prefer crabbing in September because that’s when the crabs are at their fattest. Also, I don’t really crab past November because the weather gets miserable in the winter, but to each their own!
NOTE: The Oregon coast is CLOSED to crabbing from October 16, 2024 – November 30, 2024.
Knowing the difference between high tide & low tide
Understanding tides will greatly improve your success of catching crabs at the Oregon coast. The best time to go crabbing is two hours before or after “slack tide.” Slack tide is when the water is calm as the tide shifts from outgoing to ingoing (or vice versa).
The reason? The lack of current makes it easier for crabs to forage for food. Since they prefer calmer waters, you’re likely to find them most active during this time. So, check the tide charts and plan your visit either 2 hours before (or 2 hours after) peak low or high tide.
Here’s the handy tide chart I use whenever I go crabbing at the Oregon coast.
There’s 2 Options for Crabbing in Oregon
Option I: Boat Rental from a Marina
Arguably the best way to succeed while crabbing at the Oregon coast is by renting a boat from a marina. (I’ll highlight my favorite marinas in a second). Boat rentals typically come equipped with gear and a helpful map for prime crabbing areas.
Option II: Crabbing from a Public Dock
The second best option is crabbing from a public dock. I’ve done this plenty of times and have had mixed results (mostly good catches though!). You’ll need to bring your own gear or rent a cage from a nearby marina.
I’ve had success using both methods but renting a boat is a lot more fun, especially if you’re going crabbing in Oregon with friends.
My Opinion: If it’s your first time crabbing at the Oregon coast then I suggest opting for a boat rental. The folks at the marina can give you helpful tips and provide maps that tell you where your highest chance of success will be.
Check current health advisories
Learn from my mistake — I once ate oysters at the coast only to catch a terrible stomach bug. A day later the Oregon Department of Agriculture released a health advisory discouraging the consumption of oysters because of elevated levels of biotoxins.
Alas, I never go crabbing at the Oregon coast without checking on current health advisories and closures first.
Laws for Crabbing in Oregon
You’ll Need an Oregon Shellfish License
Acquiring a license to go crabbing at the Oregon Coast is non-negotiable, it’s also very simply. The fee is $10 for Oregon residents and $28 for non-residents. You can buy your crabbing license here. If you’re the last minute sort, fret not. You can pick up a license are most hardware and sporting goods stores along the coast.
You cannot keep female crabs
Female crabs lay the eggs (up to 2.5 million eggs at a time, imagine!) so they’re treated like the queens they are. As such, it’s illegal to keep female Dungeness crabs. If you can’t a female crab, you must release her.
You can tell female crabs by the shapes of the stomach. Female crabs have an oval-shaped stomach while male crabs have triangular stomachs. The photos below may be helpful.
The daily limit for Dungeness crabs is 12 males
Oregon is all about sustainability, so the state is keen to keep the crab population thriving. As such, there’s a daily limit of 12 crabs per person. Don’t take more than your daily limit otherwise you will be subject to a steep penalty.
Essential Crabbing Gear
- Crab measuring tool (non-negotiable): In Oregon it’s illegal to keep crabs smaller than 5 3/4 inches (crabs are measured across the back shell, not including the spikes). You’ll get a gnarly penalty if you don’t abide by the rules, so make sure to purchase this handy crab measure before heading out.
- Crab rings or cages: Most local marinas rent crab rings and cages. Since we’re avid crabbers, we’ve purchased a handful of crab rings over the past few years, here’s the best we found. But honestly, if it’s your first time crabbing at the coast, I suggest renting gear instead of purchasing, just in case you realize it’s not your thing (it happens!).
- Gloves: You’ll need gloves for pulling the crab ring up and for checking the sex of the crab. These are the gloves I use.
- Cooler: Make sure to bring a cooler to store your crabs. Grab ice at a convenience store before you start crabbing to keep them cool on the drive home. If helpful, here’s the exact cooler I use. It’s cheap and easy to bleach.
- Best crab bait = raw chicken: If you’re going crabbing at the Oregon Coast off a dock, swing by Safeway or Grocery Outlet (or any grocery store, really) for some raw chicken to use as bait. If you’re renting a boat then you can purchase cheap bait directly from the marina (typically frozen fish heads).
- Bucket: You’ll need to store your catch while crabbing, it’s helpful to have a large bucket. Any large bucket should do, I use the handy one from Home Depot. Nothing fancy needed, just something that will hold your crabs until you can cook them and store them in the cooler.
Best Spots for Crabbing at the Oregon Coast
(Table of Contents: Oregon Coast Crabbing)
Garibaldi Marina in Nehalem Bay
Garibaldi Marina is a full service marina offering great crabbing setups. This is the first spot my husband and I tried crabbing in Oregon, so it has a special place in our hearts. We invited a group of friends to join us and embarked on an afternoon of crabbing that yielded daily limits for all on board.
Boat rentals are done by reservation only (reservations can be made 7-10 days in advance). Safety equipment is provided onboard, and the helpful staff hand out maps of the bay to guide you on the best spots to drop the cages.
You can also rent crab rings from the marina (which we always do). The staff will also cook the crab onsite, which makes transporting the catch home a breeze.
The Public Dock in Newport
As you may have guessed, crabbing off a pier is different than crabbing off a boat. Rather than the rocking motion of a boat, your feet will be squarely planted on the ground as you toss your cage into a tranquil bar or rolling estuary.
The public dock in Newport is definitely one of the most popular spots for crabbing at the Oregon coast. You’ll see tons of families with kids tossing cages into the chilly waters of Yaquina Bay.
The best part about this public dock is the self-service cleaning station (free of charge) where you can clean your catch before storing it in a cooler.
Local’s Tip: If you’re crabbing with friends, swing by Rogue Brewery for some great beers. The brewery shares a parking lot with the public pier, so head over after you’ve caught your bounty.
Wheeler Marina in Wheeler, Oregon
Located in the charming town of Wheeler, the Wheeler Marina is perfectly situated where the bay narrows and the Nehalem river begins. The marina offers boats and gear for rent.
This is my husband’s favorite spot to go crabbing at the Oregon coast, he always comes home feeling victorious. He and his friend have made an annual tradition of going crabbing at this spot, they seem to love it.
Boat rentals are reasonably priced ($75 for 3 hours, $20 each additional hour), and the crabbing opportunities are endless. Between the low prices, friendly staff and great gear, it’s no wonder why locals consider this one of the best spots for crabbing in Oregon.
Jetty Fishery Marina
The Jetty Fishery Marina in Nehalem Bay is yet another great option for crabbing at the coast. You can fish from the boat dock ($8 if you bring your own ring) or rent a boat (with crab traps, if needed). You’re allowed to enjoy a brew or two while you crab (they have a good selection to choose from), which is a nice treat, just remember to bring a folding chair!
When you’re satisfied with your bounty, the folks at the marina are happy to cook your catch and put them on ice to take home. Talk about full service.
Local’s Tip: If you’re not feeling like crabbing, you can purchase crabs (clams and oysters, too) directly from the little shack. There’s a cozy fire pit area with ample seating where you can enjoy a beer while the kind staff prep your seafood. You can also buy snacks, drinks, etc. It’s an experience!
Kelly’s Brighton Marina at Rockaway Beach
Unlike some of the other marinas in Oregon, Kelly’s Brighton Marina operates on a walk-in only basis (reservations not accepted). Prices are a tad steeper ($120 for 2 hour boat rental) but you’ll get 3 crab rings and bait for the price. The price also includes cooking the crab.
The reason I consider this one of the best spots to go crabbing at the Oregon coast is because it’s great for beginners. The folks at Kelly’s are very knowledgeable, friendly and laid back.
Local’s Tip: You can buy live crab, clams and oysters directly from the marina.
The Alsea Bay in Waldport
No list of the best crabbing spots at the Oregon coast would be complete without mentioning the Alsea Bay in Waldport. This place swells with locals during the summer months for all sorts of clamming and crabbing joy.
You can rent a boat, bait and crab rings from the Dock of the Bay Boat Rental and embark on the adventure. In my opinion, prices are reasonable, a 3-hour boat rental will run you $120 (price includes 3 crab rings with bait). The best part? The folks will happily cook your catch for you.
You’ll also notice folks crabbing right off the pier, although in my experience the crabs near the pier are smaller than the ones you’ll catch from a boat. Between you and me, don’t expect to catch your daily limit from the pier.
The Public Pier in Garibaldi
A stone’s throw from the Garibaldi Marina, the public pier is a great option for those that want to catch crabs at the Oregon coast without a boat. This pier is popular with locals, so expect crowds during peak crabbing season.
Spanning 700 feet, Garibaldi’s public pier is the longest in Oregon. The pier is open daily from dawn to dusk and there’s a parking lot near the entrance. If you’d like to pick up some crabbing gear, head to the Garibaldi Marina for fair-priced full day rentals.
South Jetty Crab Dock in Florence
The South Jetty Crab Dock is arguably the most popular spot for crabbing at the Oregon coast. Rain or shine, it’s full of people every time I visit. But the reason is simple, this is some of the best crabbing to be had and locals know it.
You’ll need to bring your own gear because this spot is a bit removed from the city. You’ll rub elbows with seasoned locals that will probably answer any questions you might have if it’s your first time crabbing at the Oregon coast.
Best Places to Go Crabbing at the Oregon Coast
In summary, here’s the best spots to go crabbing at the Oregon Coast:
- Garibaldi Marina in Nehalem Bay
- Wheeler Marina in Wheeler, Oregon
- Kelly’s Brighton Marina (Rockaway Beach)
- Jetty Fishery Marina
- The Public Crab Dock in Newport
- Public Pier in Garibaldi
- The Alsea Bay in Waldport
- South Jetty Crab Dock in Florence
Map of the best crabbing places at the Oregon coast
Cheers!
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