• Tillamook Bay is Second Largest and Most Accessible Bay on Oregon Coast.
• Small Fishing Town of Garibaldi (pop. 780) is a Historical Gem!
• Charters, Boat Rentals, Docks, Fish Markets, Canning and Processing Plants.
• Pier’s End Coast Guard Dock is a Great Great Place for Public Access to Fish, Crab, Clam.
• Tillamook Bay has a Reputation For Excellent Clamming, Crabbing and Fishing.

Clamming Tillamook Bay

Clam digging in Garibaldi is just north of Tillamook, Oregon and about a 10 minute drive.  This is one of the most popular areas for clam digging on the Oregon Coast. At Tillamook Bay take both a shovel (of any type) and a rake for digging, as the closer to the shore you are the more rocky the ground will be. Tides are very important to get out to where the larger clams are in abundance. You will see people clamming in almost any minus tide, but a tide from -1.0 to -2.0+ will be much better for getting your limit

There are seven areas for clammers to choose from in the Tillamook Bay; with Garibaldi and The Point at the Miami River entrance offering easy access. So I recommend for first time clammers to try the Garibaldi tidal flats at the end of 12th street right off of Hwy 101. Access to this area is from the parking area at the very end of 12th Street (can’t miss the new Coast Guard Pier). 

The east side of Bayocean Peninsula is a good place to find cockles. Many times they are just laying on the surface. Be prepared for a little hike since the parking lot is about 1/2 mile south from the best spots. The lower half of the bay offers all species of bay clams.  Using a boat is the best way to access the harder to get at areas.

Razor clams are dug on the beach during good years. This is on the beach side of Bayocean Peninsula. Depending on winter weather and sand drifts, this can be very unpredictable. However, I’ve never clammed this beach I’ve just heard a few stories from old timers.

Great Crabbing

Tillamook Bay has crabbing all year long; however, the best crabbing is from summer through fall.  Be watchful of your crab pots when using a boat, because we have lost pots a few times from the quickly changing currents. On numerous occasions we have had great luck on the Garibaldi Marina docks just using my crab max.

Catching crab in Oregon has always been phenomenal and on top of that, the Oregon coast is home to the Dungeons Crab that is particularly good eating – very sweet and meaty. You are allowed 12 male crabs, minimum size of 5’’ ¾ (about the size of dollar bill, measured from the inside notch, not point to point). You might also run into some Red Rock crabs, which you can keep 24 of no matter the sex or size. They are not as good to eat though and a I throw them back (many people like them though).

The Garibaldi Marina is well known for crabbing and fishing. In addition, you can find boat rentals there too. You can also crab from the dock, they’re happy to set you up with everything you need.

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, 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