Crabbing & Clamming

Siletz Bay is a great spot to go crabbing year-round in Lincoln City. The best time to crab is several hours past low tide, ensuring the crabs are active and water currents will cause the least disturbance to your gear.

Essential Crabbing Gear

• A crab trap
• Bait
• Shellfish license
• Bucket
• Gloves
• Crab measuring gauge

Items can be purchased in town at the locations listed below.

As the tide goes low in Siletz Bay, mudflats emerge, and within lay a delicious population of clams. Purple varnish clams are the most common but you will also find softshell clams in Siletz Bay. Clams can be found approximately 14 inches below the sand and can be spotted through “shows” or small holes, 1/8 inch in diameter.

Essential Clamming Gear

• A shovel
• Bucket or clam bag
• Gloves
• Shellfish license

For adventurers 12 years and older, a Shellfish License is required. For a full breakdown of regulations, visit Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife’s website or call 541-867-4741. Crabbing regulations are also available at the Taft Dock. Each clam digger must have their own container and dig their own clams and may not possess more than one limit of clams while harvesting—except under a Disabled Clam Digging Permit.

Crabbing & Clamming Exploriences

Our Clamming & Crabbing Clinics kick off from June to September and are free to the public. For more information, visit our Clamming & Crabbing Explorience webpage.

Where to Buy a License

• Bi-Mart — 1030 SE Oar Ave • 541-614-1020

Where to Buy or Rent Equipment

• Bi-Mart — 1030 SE Oar Ave • 541-994-6284
• Mills Ace Hardware (North) — 2047 NE 22nd St • 541-996-3334
• Mills Ace Hardware (South) — 4910 SW Hwy 101 • 541-996-2131
• Premier RV Resort (Gift Shop) — 4100 SE Hwy 101 • 541-996-2778
• Siletz Moorage - 82 Siletz Hwy • 541-765-2109

Safety & Tides

It’s important to be mindful about shellfish safety as you catch or dig up your dinner—always call the Oregon Shellfish Hotline at 503-986-4728 or 800-448-2474 to check on shellfish safety closures. Keep an eye on the tides, practice beach safety and have fun.