Free Fishing, Crabbing and Clamming in Oregon Nov. 28 - 29, Including the Coast

Published 11/25/25 at 5:55 a.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Garibaldi, Oregon) - Post-Thanksgiving days often mean the need for a workout. So, what better way to burn off calories than go gathering / hunting your own next meal?

Oregonians and visitors can enjoy free fishing, crabbing and clamming across the state on Friday and Saturday, November 28 - 29. The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) is waiving license and tag requirements for the two-day event, an outdoorsy tradition that's been encouraging families and friends to get outdoors and celebrate the state’s natural resources for decades.

No fishing or shellfish licenses or tags - including the Combined Angling Tag, Columbia River Basin Endorsement or Two-Rod Validation - are required. All other regulations remain in effect, including closures, bag limits and size restrictions. Both residents and non-residents may participate.

ODFW will stock trout in several Willamette Valley lakes ahead of the weekend, offering opportunities for both seasoned anglers and beginners. The agency’s Weekly Recreation Report highlights current conditions, hot spots and safety alerts. See regulations updates

For newcomers, ODFW’s Easy Angling Oregon guide provides tips and recommendations, with accessible options near Portland, Bend, Medford, Roseburg and Lane County.

Eugene area - Oregon Coast Beach Connection

Those interested in crabbing or clamming can find detailed instructions at MyODFW.com. Officials urge caution: check ocean conditions, clam with a partner, and never turn your back on the surf. The Oregon Department of Agriculture advises calling its shellfish safety hotline at 1-800-448-2474 or reviewing online closure updates before harvesting. See Shellfish closures page

Crabbing is open year-round in bays, estuaries, tide pools, piers and jetties, though ocean crabbing is closed annually from Oct. 16 - Nov. 30 between Cape Blanco and the Washington border. Razor clamming is currently open from the Washington border south to Cape Blanco, while bay clams and mussels are open statewide. Conditions may change by Thanksgiving weekend.

Seaside Aquarium photo

Popular crabbing areas include Coos Bay, Tillamook Bay and Newport’s Yaquina Bay. These often include the jetties but these can be hazardous in winter. Other hotspots include the Coquille River at Bandon and the 12th Avenue bridge in Seaside.

ODFW notes that crabs are less abundant in bays following heavy rainfall. The agency recommends fishing during “slack tides” - the peaks of high or low tide - when crabs are most active.

ODFW said Dungeness crab isn’t the only crustacean goody you’ll find in these waters. Red rock crab and European green crab are also found.

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