- Bandon is a Small Historic Town (pop. 3,000) on Coquille River.
- Home of Internationally Known Bandon-by-the-Sea Golf Course’s.
- Some Populations of Softshell Clams Directly North of Old Town Bandon.
- Seasonal Crabbing From July Through November (low rain months).
- Rent Gear, Use Public Dock, Cook at Popular Tony’s Crab Sack (all in one spot).
Bandon Estuary Map – Coquille River
The Bandon Estuary Estuary winds through fast growing Bandon, Oregon. Above all, many retires love it’s world class golf courses and great beach access for clamming, crabbing, and fishing.
Coquille Clamming
Populations of butter, gapers, and cockles are very low, but there is a good population of softshell clams. For soft-shell clamming, go to the Bandon Marsh National Wildlife Refuge. In addition, the tidal flats north of the Observation Deck is the best spot for clamming.
Similarly, on really low tides there are razor clams (click here for more info) south of Coquille Jetty County Park on the ocean beaches.
Crabbing
Many say that crabbing here is spotty but I think that all depends on if you know when to go. At the mouth of this estuary it takes a little more effort for salt water to be pushed up into the estuary. Consequently, crabbing is not good when the estuary is full of fresh water and really good when a heavy amount of salt water is in the estuary. This is why most people say it is seasonal (August through November when rains are low). But the real issue is how much rain is coming down the river. So, if we aren’t getting much rain it can be pretty good anytime.
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