Latest on Shellfish Fun Along Oregon Coast - Pacific Halibut Angling

Published 08/26/25 at 6:55 a.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Manzanita, Oregon) – If you're into fishing along the Oregon coast or want to do a spot of grabbing clams, this time of year is pretty decent – perfect if you count on weather. The only downside is that some areas are not open to some activities.

However, Pacific halibut angling just went into full gear for awhile, according to Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODW).

Status of shellfish harvesting along the Oregon coast:

Razor clam harvesting is currently closed from the Washington border to Tillamook Head (Seaside) due to the annual conservation closure by ODFW. It is also closed from Cape Blanco to the California border because of elevated levels of the marine biotoxin domoic acid.

Razor clam harvesting is open between Tillamook Head (Seaside) and Cape Blanco.

For updates on biotoxin levels in mussels and clams, refer to the data link provided by ODFW. Beaches affected by biotoxin closures can only reopen for sport harvesting after two consecutive samples show toxin levels below the closure threshold. These samples must be collected at least one week apart.

Mussel harvesting is closed from Cape Blanco to the California border due to high levels of paralytic shellfish toxin.

Mussel harvesting is open from the Washington border (Astoria) to Cape Blanco (Port Orford).

Near Port Orford: photo Trailkeepers of Oregon

Bay clam harvesting remains open along the entire Oregon coast, from the Washington border to the California border.

Sport crab harvesting is also open coastwide, from the Washington border to the California border. ODFW reports it's been fair for crabbing in areas like Waldport or Newport, with a mix of hard and soft crab meat.

For the latest information on seasons, regulations, and licensing for sport crab harvest, visit the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife website or contact the ODFW Newport Office at 541-867-4741.

Pacific halibut angling opens August 17 in the Columbia River subarea, which spans from Leadbetter Point in Washington to Cape Falcon in Oregon. The all-depth fishery is available Sundays through Fridays through September 30 or until the quota is reached. Anglers are allowed one Pacific halibut per day. To support the season, the Columbia River subarea received a 5,000-pound allocation transfer from the Central Oregon Coast subarea.

Along the Columbia River at Astoria (Oregon Coast Beach Connection)

In the Central Oregon Coast subarea, which runs from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mountain, the summer all-depth fishery remains open seven days a week until October 31 or until the quota is met. The daily bag limit is two Pacific halibut, and as of August 3, just over 51 percent of the area’s allocation remains. The Southern Oregon subarea, stretching from Humbug Mountain to the Oregon-California border, also remains open daily through October 31, with a two-halibut limit and about 70 percent of its quota still available as of August 3.

Photo Seaside Aquarium

“Anglers are reminded that landed halibut must be immediately tagged and recorded on the Combined Angling Tag,” ODFW said. “Do not wait until you are rebaiting and putting the rod back out to fish or when you’re on the way back to the dock.”

For guidance on electronic tagging, anglers are encouraged to check the state’s e-tagging tips page.

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