• Umpqua River Estuary is One of Oregon’s Largest Estuaries.
• Razors Are Four Miles Off Hwy 101 and Then OHV Four Miles South on Sandy Beach.
• Tough to Get There but Good Reports of Razor Clams Just North of Umpqua River Jetty.
• Increasing Populations From 2018 Have Some Locals Optimistic About 2020.
• Softshell Clams are Huge and Populations Among Highest in State.
• Seasonal Crabbing Due to High Fresh Water Influence.
• Charter Deep Sea Fishing, Pier and Dock Crab, Market and Tackle Shops.

Umpqua Estuary – Winchester Beach Map

Umpqua Estuary and Winchester Beach Map are just south of Florence, Oregon. There you will find three towns in very close proximity; Winchester Bay, Reedsport and Gardiner.  However, ninety percent of the population is in Reedsport.

Umpqua Estuary is the third largest bay in Oregon and well known for great fishing, crabbing and clamming. In fact, the softshell clam population here is among the highest in the state. The area also hosts a number of events all year long and is touted as “The Chainsaw Carving Capital of Oregon”.

It is also home of Winchester Bay RV Resort and Salmon Harbor and Marina, one of Oregon’s largest recreational facilities. There is really something to do here for everyone! From fireworks over the bay, art, food, wine, to whale watching and much more. You’ll find events going on almost every month of the year.

Razor Clamming

Winchester Beach offered some good years of razor clamming. Although I have never razor clammed here (but have had good success with bay clams and crabbing) locals have told me that the north side of the jetty beach area is the best place to go. However; it is a bit of a challenge to get there and caution should be taken. Getting you vehical stuck in the sand could be coastly or even worse covered by incoming tides. .

Umpqua River Bay Clamming

This is a great place to find large softshell clams, probably larger here then any other bays in Oregon. If you have a boat there are a number of areas with an abundance of softshell clams. If you don’t, there is easy walk on access near Bolon Island just under the 101 Bridge or a little further north at Gardiner City.

Crabbing Umpqua River

Crabbing can be challenging since there are no small aluminum crabbing boats available to rent here. However, if you do have a boat your in luck. The Marinas at Winchester Bay are really nice and offer everything you need, from tackle, to camp and RV sites, to boat ramps and much more!

There are also a few areas to crab on the docks at the marina and an excellent pier that jets out 700 ft into the river.

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