Crab Fishing In Oregon: What to Know
Tips, Guidelines and Regulations for Crabbing in the Oregon’s Coast
Jun 9, 2009
Each US state has its own rules regarding the removal of shellfish from its ocean. The following guidelines are based on Oregon's shellfish regulations.
Oregon Crab Fishing: Shellfish License Required
To enjoy the sport of crab fishing in the state of Oregon, one only needs crabbing gear and a current shellfish license.
Any crab fisherman over the age of 14 will need a shellfish license to crab. As of 2009, an Oregon Shellfish License costs $6.50 for an Oregon resident and $16.50 for a non-resident. The license is valid for the duration of the year in which it was purchased. All shellfish license issued in 2009 will expire on December 31, 2009. The Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife offers a complete list of Where to Buy Shellfish Licenses.
Shellfish licenses also permit users to catch mussels, scallops, oysters, octopus and other marine life.
Types of Crabs In Oregon
Crabbing in Oregon will likely yield either a catch composed of either Dungeness or Red Rock crabs. Snow crab and King crabs are unlikely to be caught by the casual crabber in Oregon. If a lucky crab fisherman should find some Dungeness or Red Rock crabs in their traps, the guidelines for what they can keep are as follows:
Dungeness Crab
- Maximum of 12 per person per day
- Only male crabs can be taken
- From tip to tip across their shells must measure 5 ¾ inches (about the size of a dollar bill length wise)
- Can be pulled from the ocean through the use of no more than 3 crab pots, traps, or rings per person
- The ocean is closed to Dungeness crab fishing between Oct 16-November 30
Red Rock Crab
- Maximum of 24 Red Rock crabs may be kept per day
- No limit on size or sex
Where To Crab Fish in Oregon
Some portions of the Oregon coast are closed to crab fishing. According to the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife, some of these areas include:
- Haystack Rock
- Yachats
- Otter Rock
- Cape Perpetua
- Harris Beach
- Whale Cove
- Pirate Cove
However there are plenty of spots along the scenic Oregon coast where crab fishing is both legal and plentiful. Towns such as Seaside, Brookings, Waldport, and Garibaldi are all known for having waters with bountiful supplies of these delicious ocean crustaceans.
Click here for a complete list of Shellfish Guidelines, including a full list banned areas, and more in depth restrictions for other types of shell fishing.
How To Crab Fish in Oregon
Once a crabber in Oregon has a current shell fish license, a suitable place to crab and the knowledge of what crabs are legal to keep, the next step is to acquire either a crab pot or ring. Read Crab Fishing Tips for more on what gear to use, what bait works best, and what conventional wisdom there is to get the most out of crabbing in Oregon.
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