ClammingIn 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. #placement_573654_0_i{width:100%;max-width:550px;margin:0 auto;}var rnd = window.rnd || Math.floor(Math.random()*10e6);var pid573654 = window.pid573654 || rnd;var plc573654 = window.plc573654 || 0;var abkw = window.abkw || '';var absrc = 'https://ads.empowerlocal.co/adserve/;ID=181918;size=0x0;setID=573654;type=js;sw='+screen.width+';sh='+screen.height+';spr='+window.devicePixelRatio+';kw='+abkw+';pid='+pid573654+';place='+(plc573654++)+';rnd='+rnd+';click=CLICK_MACRO_PLACEHOLDER';var _absrc = absrc.split("type=js"); absrc = _absrc[0] + 'type=js;referrer=' + encodeURIComponent(document.location.href) + _absrc[1];document.write('');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. CrabbingIn 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. googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('ad-1515727'); });