Alsea Bay is one of the Oregon Coast's premier locations for clamming and crabbing.  Its a wonderfully affordable activity that can include the whole family.  Methods for clamming vary depending on the variety and location of clams and crabs you are in search of. For instance collapsible crab rings are best from a bridge or dock, while clam guns or raking work well on the muddy flats of the bay. However, Waldport’s Alsea Bay is unique within Oregon because it’s the only estuary in which, by law, the tide does not have to be negative in order to clam. 

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 While there are multiple species of clams in the muddy flats of the bay, you'll primarily find three varieties in the bay.  See identifcation card below and clamming map.  Note that here are 2 clam guns available for guest use. 

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If crabbing is what you’re looking you'll likely be in search of the Dungeness crabs of Alsea Bay.  At low tide you can toss crab traps in from the sandy shores, making sure you tie them off so as not to lose them with the incoming tide.  Alternatvely you can head east to the Alsea Bay Marina, where you can crab from the dock.  Crab rings or pots are better for dock crabbing, and there is a place at the Port where you can rent them. 

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Request information if you are interested in a few hours of instruction and guidance with a local commercial fisherman named Jeremy and we'll put you in contact with him.  He is a wealth of information on both crabbing and clamming and can show you the finer points of both.  His availability is limited and  appointments and rates depend on his availability and the tide schedule.  **Note that Jeremy is not affiliated with Seals' Landing.  

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Seals' Landing has 2 clam guns and 3 crab traps are available for use to our guests.  After a long day of crabbing it's important NOT to leave the traps on the ground where dogs may urinate on them or they may pick up smells from humans.  These smells will keep future crabs away from the traps, and fowl the luck of future crabbers.  Don't rinse them off, simply remove the bait (and leave in the bay) and hang the traps back where you found them for future use.

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PLEASE PLEASE NO COOKING OF CRABS INS THE HOUSE.  WE HAVE LARGE POTS AND A BURNER ON THE GRILL SO THAT THE HOUSE DOESN'T ETERNALLY SMELL LIKE A CRAB BAKE.

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Licensing and ODFW Resources: 

Visit the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife page for complete information on regulations, licensing and seasonal limitations.  https://myodfw.com/crabbing-clamming  You can also purchase your license in advance of your trip at that website, and print it out and bring with you.  You can also purchase a shellfish license at Ray's Food Place and Waldport Ace Hardware.

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PLEASE CHECK THE SHELLFISH HOTLINE FOR CURRENT CLOSURES OR LIMITATIONS (800)448-2474 or https://www.oregon.gov/oda/programs/foodsafety/shellfish/pages/shellfishclosures.aspx

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CLAM IDENTIFICATION AND CATCH LIMITS: 

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Map of Alsea Bay Clamming Areas:  

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