Recreational crabbing can be a year-round pursuit in Oregon’s bays (and nearly so in the ocean), but there are periods when potentially toxic levels of domoic acid in the crab meat prompt state officials to close portions of the coast to this favorite pastime.
Our best advice on this is to check in beforehand with the Oregon Department of Agriculture’s shellfish safety information hotline at 800-448-2474 or visit the ODA shellfish closures web page.
Additionally, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife routinely posts crabbing closures and re-openings on its news page.
As always, find the ideal places to catch these tasty crustaceans at our Best Crabbing Bays in Oregon page.