Siuslaw Estuary Map

Clams, Crabs, Fishing

  • Siuslaw Estuary – Florence, Oregon. Home of Oregon’s Sea Lion Caves.
  • Clams, Crabs, Fishing, Sea Lions, Hiking, Scuba, Surf, Sailing, Birding.
  • Three Rivers Casino and Ocean Dunes Golf Course.

Siuslaw Estuary – Florence, Oregon

Siuslaw River Estuary is located near Florence, Oregon. It’s economy of logging and fishing has been moving towards tourism as of late, especially with the opening of the Three Rivers Casino.

Siuslaw Estuary Clamming

The best reason to clam at Siuslaw Estuary is the size of the soft-shell clams. Soft-shell clams can be found on large tidal flats on both sides of the river just east of the Hwy 101 Bridge, consequently, this is a popular spot. The north side has easy road access, as for the south side, you’ll need a boat (but the clams are huge). If you take Hwy 126 east, off Hwy 101 you’ll find easy access to the tidal flats just past the bridge.  There is also a bed of Purple Varnish Clams Closer to the mouth on the south side. So, you can’t miss it just look for the public pier and your there.

Siuslaw Estuary Crabbing

The Siuslaw River offers excellent seasonal crabbing in many spots. Crabbing here can be a bit challenging though. The river is narrow so the salt in the river can be pushed out to sea quickly by river currents. Since Dungeness crab like salty water and winter months can be very challenging as the rain washes the crabs and salt out to the sea. So, dungeness crab are most abundant in the summer to early winter months. So, the best crabbing is west of the Siuslaw bridge. No matter what month you go the water is generally saltier near the mouth, so you might have more luck there.

Doc, Pier and Shore Crabbing

There is a crabbing dock for the public along the Florence waterfront, so many people place there pot and have lunch while they wait. You will also find, shore crabbing closer to the mouth at the south end of the estuary. Just look for the public pier and your there. You can us the pier or cast your crab trap from the sand.

Disclaimer
Information provided is a result of personal experience at each bay or beach location.
In addition, local residences providing input and advice, and ongoing information from the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife websites.  Information will change as incoming seas tend to shift and move sand. So, so after that it makes it harder for clams to reproduce. So always check for current beach closures and advisories related to biotoxins, pollution or other human health concerns the same day you plan to harvest. Razorclamming.com is not responsible for the accuracy of this data and the outcome or results of your personal efforts, or safe consumption of shellfish.

Shellfish Safety Hotline
635 Capitol St NE
Salem, OR 97301
Phone: 800-448-2474
Alt Phone: 503-986-4728