Coos Bay Beaches

  • Pretty Good Razor Clamming With Five Different Spots.
  • Everything South of Clatsup Spit Require Low Tides and Low Tidal Surge
  • Oregon’s Largest Bay and Largest Coastal City (pop. 16,292).
  • Clam, Crab, Fish, Charter Boats, Hiking, Dunes, Kayaking, Birding.
  • Shore Crabbing is Accessible From a Number of Piers, and Docks.

Razor Clamming

Clammers dig ninety percent of razor clams Clatsup Spit Oregon area. In other words, razor clamming in the Coos Bay Beaches areas is not as good. However, clammers will find Coos Bay to be one of the better spots outside of Clatsup Spit. Keep in mind, razor clam populations here are similar, in varying degrees, to the same fluctuation effecting the rest of the Oregon Coast. For example, razor populations effected by things like El Niño weather (and other ocean changes) in 2016, 2017 and 2018. But populations are now increasing 2019 and 2020.

There are a whooping five beaches to razor clam here. I’ve listed all three by what I know in order of best places to try. A new clammer might be best served at Bastendoff beach to limit out on a low tide. However, if your an experienced razor clammer you might skip this and try the others on the list.

Last thought, good conditions (low tide, low tidal surge, good weather) south of Clatsup Spit on coos bay beaches are more important for good results.

  1. Bastendoff Beach Coos Bay

Popular spot for razor clamming with many limits on some years. Clamming has been reported fair to good in recent years. However, as with most beaches in Oregon, 2016 and 2017 were particularly challenging. Populations seem to be on the rise for 2020. Can sometimes be a bit crowded and clams can get dug out early in season.

2. Inside Jetty North Beach Coos Bay

It is a bit of a drive; consequently, razors are not dug out here. 2019 had reports of limits. Boat access is easiest but you can access by 4×4 too. Follow South Dike Rd to North Beach Frontage Rd (sandy road) to the end.

3. Inside Jetty South Beach (by harbor Boat Basin) Coos Bay

Requires an exceptionally low tide to uncover razor clams but can be good. Easy access with ample parking.

4. North Beach Coos Bay

Listed on the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife website for razor clams. Difficult to get information on this area. Perhaps this is because it is a little time consuming to access. There are paved and sandy roads with access in areas for either ATV or cars and trucks (one or the other only) and access to drive on the beaches. It is mostly frequented by 4×4’s, OHV and other recreational vehicles. However, this area has been known for fair to good clamming.

5. Whiskey Run Beach South Almost to Bandon

I have no information on how the clamming is here. However, it is listed on the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and Bandon Beach websites as being a good place for razor clamming.

Coos Bay, Oregon

Coos Bay’s primary industry is the Port of Coos Bay, Maritime and Rail Commerce moves 1.5 million tons every year and over 10,000 tons of seafood are landed at the Charleston Marina. It’s also a great place to visit with hotels, restaurants, casino’s and more. If you own a RV check out The Mill Casino and RV Park , located on the north side of Coos Bay.

Coos Bay Clamming

Coos Bay is not just the largest Bay in Oregon it is also marine dominated with very little freshwater influence. Therefore, a great place for any sea crustaceans to live. This makes for clamming paradise! A large bay with lots of different areas to clam, many species of clams (with most in abundance), and easy access by foot, by boat, or by dock.

Make sure you have both a shovel and gun depending on where you go. Take the above maps advice if your a first timer. There is both a Visitors Center and England’s Marine (largest marine store on Oregon Coast) where you can buy or rent anything you need. And of course, get any questions you might have answered as well!

Commercial oyster operations are also nearby so remember that oysters are private property in Oregon and cannot be harvested recreationally here.

Coos Bay Crabbing

This is also a great place to go crabbing. Crabbing can be done year round here, but as with most locations, fall and winter provide the most abundance. For boaters, crabbing is excellent particularly west of the navigational channel in lower Coos Bay. Coos Bay has docks for convenient crabbing, as well as shore crabbing, and 5 places to launch your own boat if you’re so inclined. There are a number of RV Parks that rent everything you need as well.

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