Lincoln County offers some of the finest fishing and crabbing opportunities on the Oregon Coast. From the productive waters of Yaquina Bay to the pristine estuaries of Siletz Bay, anglers and crabbers of all skill levels will find world-class experiences year-round. Whether you're after trophy salmon, fresh Dungeness crab, or a family-friendly day on the docks, Lincoln County's diverse marine environments deliver unforgettable adventures.
Yaquina Bay at Newport is consistently ranked as one of Oregon's finest all-around fishing bays. Dubbed the "Dungeness Crab Capital of the World," Newport has earned its reputation through decades of productive waters and a thriving fishing community. The bay offers protected waters ideal for beginners, while still providing the variety and challenge that keeps experienced anglers coming back.
Dungeness crabbing, salmon fishing, year-round bottom fishing, beginner-friendly
Multiple public docks, boat launches, and charter services
Dungeness Crab: Year-round in the bay, with peak season September-November when crabs are "filled out" with maximum meat
Chinook Salmon: Late summer and fall runs in bay and tidewater areas
Rockfish & Lingcod: Year-round from jetties and bay, with large lingcod especially active late winter-early spring
Perch: Excellent during spring spawning runs into the bay
Herring: Annual late winter runs into boat basin create exciting action
Flounder & Greenling: Available throughout the year
Sturgeon: Tidewater areas can produce sturgeon opportunities
South Beach Pier: Popular public pier near Rogue Brewery, excellent for crabbing and bottom fishing
Bay Street Pier: Historic Newport Bayfront location, productive year-round
Abbey Street Pier: Another bayfront option with good access and facilities
North Jetty: Productive on incoming tides, best for experienced boaters due to currents
Gas Plant Area: Popular boat crabbing location on either side of navigation channel
South Beach Marina: Main boat launch, aluminum boat rentals available
Embarcadero Marina: Boat rentals and equipment
Charter Services: Multiple operators offering offshore fishing trips
Cleaning Stations: Free self-service stations at public piers
Located on the southern edge of Lincoln City, Siletz Bay offers a more intimate and accessible crabbing experience ideal for families and those new to the sport. The bay's calm, protected waters and manageable size create a less intimidating environment while still delivering productive crabbing, particularly during the prime fall season. Local experts have been teaching crabbing techniques in Siletz Bay since 2004, making it the perfect classroom for learning proper methods.
Beginner crabbing, calm waters, educational experiences
Shore access, kayak rentals, small boat launch
Mo's Restaurant Pier: Small pier with shore access, popular launching point
Bay Shore Access: Multiple points to cast snare lines from shore
Kayak Crabbing: Rentals available for mobile approach to best spots
Overview of Oregon crabbing regulations
Harvest methods and gear demonstrations
Cleaning and cooking techniques
Live demonstrations and hands-on learning
Best location information
Alsea Bay near Waldport offers one of the Oregon Coast's most rewarding yet under appreciated fishing and crabbing experiences. This smaller bay is particularly noted for its excellent fall Chinook salmon runs and outstanding crabbing success rates that often surpass busier locations. The bay's safe conditions and manageable size make it accessible to beginners while providing enough variety to challenge experienced anglers.
Fall Chinook salmon, excellent crabbing, less crowded
Public launch, boat rentals, public docks
Fall Chinook Salmon: Excellent runs in September and October, best in bay and tidewater areas before heavy rains
Dungeness Crab: Outstanding from late summer through fall
Winter Steelhead: Prime fishing in the river system
Bay Near Waldport: Main crabbing and salmon area
Tidewater Areas: Excellent for salmon before fall rains
Public Docks: Fair to good success for shore crabbing
Upper River: Winter steelhead opportunities
Good public launch facilities
Local boat and equipment rentals
Public dock access
Less crowded than Newport or Lincoln City
While Depoe Bay is famous as the "Whale Watching Capital of the Oregon Coast," it's equally renowned among serious anglers as a premier access point for offshore fishing adventures. The harbor's unique position and experienced charter fleet put anglers on productive waters quickly, with short runs to excellent fishing grounds meaning more time with lines in the water.
Offshore charters, salmon, halibut, tuna, whale watching
Charter boats (world's smallest navigable harbor)
Salmon: Chinook, Coho, and Chum (mid-March through October, except Coho)
Halibut: Seasonal opportunities
Albacore Tuna: Summer runs offshore
Lingcod: Year-round, peak December-May
Rockfish: Multiple species, year-round with peak December-May
Ocean Crab: Offshore crabbing opportunities
Half-Day Trips: Bottom fishing for rockfish and lingcod
Full-Day Trips: Salmon, halibut, and extended bottom fishing
Multi-Day Excursions: Extended offshore adventures
Combo Tours: Fishing combined with whale watching
Short run to productive offshore waters
Experienced, knowledgeable charter captains
Dramatic coastline and scenic fishing grounds
Rock formations create ideal fish habitat
Close proximity to deep water
Well-established charter industry with excellent safety records
Find Depoe Bay Charter Services
South Beach Pier: Most accessible, near Rogue Brewery, excellent facilities
Historic Bayfront Piers: Bay Street and Abbey Street locations
Cost: $8 if bringing your own crab rings, or rent equipment on-site
Best Times: Incoming tides for crabbing, night fishing often productive
Siletz Bay shore crabbing
Mo's Restaurant pier area
Sandy beach casting for perch
Newport Jetties: North and south jetties for rockfish, lingcod, perch
Best Conditions: Calm weather and moderate seas
Safety: Watch for sneaker waves, never turn your back on the ocean
No boat or expensive equipment needed
Family-friendly and accessible
Free cleaning stations available
Nearby restaurants and amenities
Can combine crabbing and fishing simultaneously
Legal to fish at night
Protected from weather
Dungeness Crab (summer-fall peak)
Red Rock Crab (other seasons)
Perch species
Flounder
Rockfish
Occasional lingcod
Herring during winter runs
Oregon Sport Fishing License: Valid for both freshwater and saltwater
Shellfish License: Required for crabbing with pots, traps, or rings
Resident: $10 annual shellfish license
Non-Resident: $20 for three-day license
Youth: Free or reduced rates (check current regulations)
Maximum 3 crab devices (pots, rings, or traps) per license
Daily limit: 12 male Dungeness crabs measuring 5¾ inches or greater
Only male Dungeness crabs may be kept
Female crabs must be immediately released
Measure across the widest part of the shell
Year-round seasons in bays (check for closures)
Salmon seasons vary by species and location
Check size limits and bag limits before fishing
Some areas require barbless hooks
Lingcod and rockfish have specific size and bag limits
Ocean fishing requires proper safety equipment on boats
ODFW Regulations: Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife
Shellfish Hotline: 1-800-448-2474 (check for biotoxin closures before crabbing or clamming)
ODFW Marine Zone Info: 541-867-4741
Weekly Fishing Reports: ODFW Recreation Report
⚠️ CRITICAL SAFETY: Always call the Oregon Shellfish Hotline at 1-800-448-2474 before consuming any shellfish. Biotoxin closures can occur and eating contaminated shellfish can be fatal. Check for closures every time you harvest.
Crab Rings or Pots: Available for rent or purchase ($20-60)
Bait: Chicken, fish heads, clams, turkey, or commercial bait ($5-15)
Measuring Device: Must measure 5¾" for Dungeness
Cooler with Ice: To keep catch fresh
Gloves: Protect hands when handling crabs
Rope/Line: Sufficient length for water depth
Buoys: Mark your gear location
Rod & Reel: Medium to heavy action for salmon and bottom fish
Terminal Tackle: Hooks, sinkers, leaders appropriate for target species
Bait: Sandshrimp, herring, anchovies, or artificial lures
Landing Net: Essential for boat fishing
Fish Measuring Device: To ensure legal size
Tackle Box: Organized storage for gear
Harry's Bait & Tackle: Historic bayfront location, full service
South Beach Marina: Boat and equipment rentals
Embarcadero Marina: Boat rentals with crab gear included
Local Sporting Goods Stores: Complete fishing and crabbing supplies
Siletz Kayaks, Boats and Crab Traps Rentals: Specializes in bay crabbing equipment
Local Outdoor Retailers: Fishing and crabbing gear
Small Aluminum Boats: $75-120 for 2-3 hours, plus hourly extensions
Includes: Safety equipment, often crab rings/pots available
Kayaks: $30-50 for half-day rentals
Charter Fishing: $150-250 per person for half-day, $250-400 for full-day
Crab Cooking: Many marinas offer cooking services for your catch
Fish Cleaning: Free cleaning stations at public piers
Bait & Ice: Available at most marinas and tackle shops
Guided Trips: Local guides available for instruction
Prime Season: September through November when crabs are "filled out"
Best Tides: Incoming tides generally most productive
Time of Day: Early morning and evening often best, but crabbing is productive all day
Weather: Calm days preferred, but crabbing possible in most weather
Night Crabbing: Legal and can be very productive with less competition
Chinook: Late summer and fall (August-October peak)
Coho: Fall runs, check for retention seasons
Best Conditions: First light and last light
Tides: Changing tides often trigger feeding
Lingcod Peak: December through May
Rockfish: Year-round, peak in winter months
Perch: Spring spawning runs excellent
Fresh Bait Matters: For crabbing, fresh chicken, fish heads, or mink work best
Combination Approach: Use both crab rings and pots for maximum success
Crab Ring Timing: Check rings every 10-15 minutes; pots can sit for an hour
End of Pier Produces: Dock crabbers have best luck at the ends of piers
Avoid Navigation Channels: Place crab gear outside main boat traffic areas
Check Gear Often: Prevents crab escapes and ensures fresh bait
Release Females Carefully: Handle gently to ensure survival
Fish the Jetties: Incoming tides on jetties can be very productive
Always check weather and marine forecasts before heading out
Wear life jackets when in boats
Tell someone your plans and expected return time
Never turn your back on the ocean when fishing jetties
Watch for sneaker waves and changing conditions
Be aware of tides - don't get trapped on rocks or sandbars
Check shellfish hotline before consuming any shellfish
Bring appropriate clothing for weather changes
Carry a first aid kit and communication device
Keep only what you need and will use
Follow all size and bag limits strictly
Release undersized and female crabs carefully
Use barbless hooks when required or appropriate
Properly dispose of fishing line and trash
Support Oregon's sustainable fisheries management
Report any violations to ODFW
Educate others about responsible fishing practices
Crab Cooking: Boil in salted water for 15-20 minutes
Cleaning Stations: Free facilities available at public piers
Keep Cool: Use ice immediately to maintain quality
Fish Cleaning: Clean promptly and ice down
For those considering a move to Lincoln County, having world-class fishing and crabbing at your doorstep is more than just a recreational amenity - it's a way of life. Imagine starting your morning with a quick run to the bay for fresh Dungeness crab, spending an afternoon casting from your local pier, or planning weekend salmon fishing adventures just minutes from home.
Lincoln County's fishing and crabbing opportunities add tremendous value to coastal living:
Fresh, Sustainable Seafood: Harvest your own dinner regularly
Active Lifestyle: Year-round outdoor recreation
Community Connection: Join a welcoming community of anglers and crabbers
Family Traditions: Create lasting memories teaching children to fish and crab
Health Benefits: Fresh ocean air, physical activity, and stress relief
Economic Value: Significant savings on seafood purchases
Investment Appeal: Properties near fishing access command premium value
Whether you're a serious angler looking for trophy salmon, a crabbing enthusiast chasing daily limits, or a family seeking wholesome outdoor activities, Lincoln County delivers exceptional experiences every season of the year.
Ready to make Lincoln County your home base for fishing and crabbing adventures? Explore available properties in prime coastal locations:
Newport Homes for Sale - Close to Yaquina Bay and offshore charters
Lincoln City Homes for Sale - Easy access to Siletz Bay
Waldport Homes for Sale - Gateway to Alsea Bay's hidden gem
Depoe Bay Homes for Sale - Heart of offshore fishing
Contact Audra Powell Lincoln County's top-producing Realtor, to find your perfect coastal property with fishing and crabbing access. With over 20 years of local expertise and deep knowledge of the Oregon Coast lifestyle, Audra can help you find a home that puts you right where the action is.
Ready to make Lincoln County your home base for fishing and crabbing adventures? Explore available properties in prime coastal locations:
Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife - Regulations, licenses, reports
ODFW Marine Zone Fishing Report - Weekly updates
Oregon Shellfish Safety - Biotoxin closure information
Discover Newport - Visitor information and events
Explore Lincoln City - Activities and crabbing clinics
Waldport Chamber - Community information
About Audra Powell, Broker CRS: Audra Powell is a top-producing Realtor based in Newport, Oregon, specializing in oceanview and oceanfront properties along the Oregon Coast. Licensed since 2004, she combines unmatched local expertise with a client-first approach to make every transaction seamless and stress-free. Ranked #1 in Newport and #3 in Lincoln County for sales and production in 2024, Audra brings advanced credentials—including CRS, GRI, PSA, and Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist Guild status—to provide exceptional service for both buyers and sellers.
Visit AudrasCoastHomes.com | Contact Audra Today
205 E OLIVE ST NEWPORT OR 97365
205 E OLIVE ST NEWPORT OR 97365