Best Places to Crab Near Lincoln City, Oregon

Online   Nov 30, 2024

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The Best Places to Go Crabbing Near Lincoln City, Oregon

Lincoln City, Oregon, is not only a paradise for beachgoers and anglers but also a hotspot for crabbing. The surrounding bays and estuaries are teeming with Dungeness and red rock crabs, making it a favorite destination for crabbers. Whether you’re a seasoned expert or new to the sport, these top crabbing spots near Lincoln City are sure to provide an unforgettable experience.  

 

1. Siletz Bay
Just south of Lincoln City, Siletz Bay is one of the most accessible and productive crabbing spots along the Oregon Coast. The bay’s calm waters and sandy bottom make it an ideal location for both beginners and experienced crabbers.  
-- Best Time to Crab: During slack tide (the period just before or after high or low tide) for optimal crab activity.  
-- Access Points: Public docks near Taft and Salishan Spit are popular spots. Shore crabbing is also a great option here.  
-- Pro Tip: Use bait like chicken, fish heads, or squid to attract crabs to your traps or rings.  

#2. Netarts Bay
A short drive north of Lincoln City, Netarts Bay is renowned for its abundant Dungeness crab population. This pristine estuary provides an excellent crabbing experience.  
-- Best Time to Crab: Fall is prime season, as crabs are at their meatiest during this time.  
-- Access Points: Boat crabbing is most effective here, but shore crabbing is possible from public areas near Happy Camp and Oceanside.  
-- Pro Tip: Rent a small boat or kayak to reach deeper waters where larger crabs often reside.  

3. Yaquina Bay  
Located in Newport, Yaquina Bay is a crabbing hub and one of the most popular spots on the Oregon Coast. The bay offers plentiful Dungeness crabs and excellent facilities for visitors.  
-- Best Time to Crab: Late summer through fall for peak crab populations.  
-- Access Points: The public crabbing dock at South Beach State Park is ideal for shore crabbing. For boaters, the marina offers easy access to prime crabbing areas.  
-- Pro Tip: Keep an eye out for seals and sea lions—they’re known to steal bait from traps!  

4. Alsea Bay
South of Lincoln City, Alsea Bay near Waldport is another fantastic crabbing location. The bay’s shallow waters make it a great choice for families.  
-- Best Time to Crab: Summer and fall provide the best crabbing opportunities.  
-- Access Points: The public docks at Waldport and along the bayfront are convenient spots for crabbing.  
-- Pro Tip: Bring a crab gauge to measure your catch and ensure compliance with size regulations.  

Crabbing Tips and Regulations  
-- Licenses: An Oregon shellfish license is required for crabbing. These can be purchased online or at Lincoln City Sporting Goods.  
-- Limits and Rules: Check with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) for daily limits, size restrictions, and updates on shellfish safety closures due to domoic acid levels.  
-- Gear: Crabbing rings, pots, or traps work well. Don’t forget gloves, a bucket, and a crab gauge.  
-- Bait: Fresh chicken, fish carcasses, or squid are great bait options.  

Why Crab in Lincoln City?  
Crabbing near Lincoln City is a quintessential Oregon Coast experience. The combination of breathtaking coastal scenery, abundant crab populations, and the excitement of hauling in a trap full of Dungeness makes it an activity everyone can enjoy. Plus, there’s nothing quite like savoring fresh crab you’ve caught yourself!  
From the calm waters of Siletz Bay to the thriving crabbing scene at Yaquina Bay, Lincoln City offers some of the best crabbing opportunities in the Pacific Northwest. Grab your gear, head to the water, and get ready for a day of fun, adventure, and delicious rewards.  

Looking for crabbing supplies? Visit Lincoln City Sporting Goods for everything you need to make your next crabbing trip a success!