A Local’s Guide to Crabbing in Lincoln City: Where to Go and What to Know
Crabbing on the Oregon Coast is more than just a pastime—it’s a way to connect with the rhythm of the tides, enjoy the fresh ocean air, and, if all goes well, bring home a feast. Lincoln City offers some of the best crabbing opportunities on the coast, with easy access to productive waters, rental gear, and local expertise to make your trip a success. Here’s everything you need to know about crabbing in Lincoln City from someone who has spent years pulling up pots from these waters.
Best Spots for Crabbing in Lincoln City
1. Siletz Bay – The Local Favorite
Siletz Bay, located at the south end of Lincoln City, is one of the most accessible and productive crabbing spots in the area. The shallow waters and mix of salt and freshwater create an ideal environment for Dungeness and red rock crab.
- Where to Crab: Head to the public dock near Mo’s Restaurant or try setting up along the shoreline where the water is deeper.
- Best Time: The incoming tide is prime time for crabbing—roughly two hours before and after high tide.
- Local Tip: Use chicken legs or fish carcasses as bait—both work well, but the locals swear by oily fish for better results.
2. Taft Waterfront Park – A Quieter Alternative
Just a short drive from the main strip, Taft Waterfront Park offers a more relaxed crabbing experience away from the crowds. The crabbing dock here is a hidden gem, especially for those looking to avoid the busier Siletz Bay areas.
- Where to Crab: The small dock near the park or the beach areas with deeper pockets of water.
- Best Time: Early mornings and late afternoons tend to be the most productive.
- Local Tip: Bring a crab gauge—undersized crabs must be thrown back, and the local game warden does patrol the area regularly.
3. Roads End Beach – For the Adventurous
If you don’t mind getting wet, Roads End Beach on the north side of town can be a great place to try your luck at crabbing. While it’s not as well-known as Siletz Bay, some of the biggest Dungeness crabs can be found here if you wade into the surf with a net.
- Where to Crab: Just beyond the breakers during low tide.
- Best Time: Late summer to early fall, when the crabs are largest.
- Local Tip: Wear waders and bring a long-handled dip net for the best chances of scooping up a crab or two
Essential Gear and Tips
If you don’t have your own crabbing gear, several local shops in Lincoln City offer rentals. Barnacle Bill’s Seafood Market and Ace Hardware are two reliable spots to pick up traps, bait, and licenses.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Crab traps or rings – Traps are best for long soaks, while rings work well for active crabbing.
- Bait – Raw chicken, fish heads, or turkey legs.
- Crab gauge – Oregon law requires that Dungeness crabs be at least 5 ¾ inches across the shell.
- Bucket and gloves – For handling and storing your catch.
- Shellfish license – Required for anyone 12 and older (available at local stores or online).
Local Tip: If you’re crabbing off a dock, tie a piece of bait to a string and drop it in as a “bait teaser” to draw crabs in before lowering your trap.
Rules and Regulations
Oregon has strict crabbing regulations to ensure sustainability. Here’s what you need to know:
- Bag limit: 12 male Dungeness crabs per person per day.
- Only males can be kept: Female crabs must be released.
- No crabbing from October to mid-November: Biotoxin testing closes some areas.
- Check for advisories: The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) posts seasonal closures and toxin warnings online.
Local Tip: If you’re unsure whether a crab is male or female, look at the underside. Males have a narrow, pointed abdominal flap, while females have a wider, rounded one.
Where to Cook Your Catch
One of the best parts of crabbing is enjoying your fresh catch. If you’re staying in Lincoln City, several hotels and vacation rentals offer kitchenettes. If you prefer someone else to do the work, Mo’s Restaurant will steam your crabs for a small fee.
For a real local experience, bring your crabs to the Siletz Bay Cookhouse, where they’ll clean, steam, and serve them with classic Oregon Coast sides—garlic butter, coleslaw, and warm sourdough bread.
Crabbing in Lincoln City is an experience that blends adventure with relaxation, offering a rewarding way to connect with the Oregon Coast. Whether you’re dropping pots in Siletz Bay, scooping crabs out of the surf, or sharing a meal with friends and family, it’s a tradition worth embracing. So grab your gear, check the tides, and get ready to pull up some of the freshest seafood you’ll ever eat—straight from the water to your plate.
Pro Tip: If you have extra time, stick around for the sunset over Siletz Bay—it’s one of the most underrated views in Lincoln City.
