Fishing & Dungeness Crab Season on the Oregon Coast

The Oregon Coast, with its rugged shorelines, stunning landscapes, and abundant marine life, offers an exceptional fishing experience for anglers of all skill levels. We’re coming up on Dungeness Crab season, which we highly anticipate all year long! A longtime local delicacy, crappy that attracts both locals and visitors starting in December and can run through the summer depending on conditions. Crabbing is a popular pastime and a unique way for couples to enjoy the coastal bounty and an outdoor adventure.

While Dungeness Crab season is a favorite, there are plenty of fishing opportunities on the Oregon Coast year-round. Whether casting from the shoreline, deep-sea fishing, or trying your hand at crabbing, the Oregon Coast provides plenty of opportunities to reel in a great catch. From salmon to rockfish, halibut, and steelhead, there’s always a season for something special.

Heading out on the ocean in the crisp breeze with the salt spray in your hair is an exhilarating experience! However, where you refresh and warm up afterward is always important, and our Cannon Beach Bed and Breakfast is one of the best places to do just that! The Arch Cape Inn offers a luxurious retreat tailored to adults and couples hoping to reconnect and relax together with the beautiful backdrop of the Oregon Coast. We can’t wait to host you on your next adventure; book your lodging today! 

Fishing & Dungeness Crab Season on the Oregon Coast

Dungeness Crab Season & Fishing on the Oregon Coast

Oregon is, overall, just a beautiful state with stunning landscapes, forests, and captivating ocean shores. If you love fishing and want to enjoy it while visiting Arch Cape Inn, we’ll offer some insider tips for how to best enjoy Dungeness Crab season and fishing on the Oregon Coast.

Here, we’ll fill you in on the best fishing seasons, the species you can catch, and the top places to go. Also, make sure you have all the tools you need for a great vacation in Oregon!

  1. Book a Fishing or Crabbing Excursion: Many experienced guides operate charters from coastal towns in the area, offering half-day or full-day excursions to reel in impressive catches. We suggest booking Garibaldi Fishing Trips with seasoned guides and all the gear needed for a successful outing on the water! 
  2. River and Bay Fishing: The rivers and estuaries that feed into the Pacific provide incredible opportunities to fish. In locations like the Nehalem and Tillamook Bays, anglers can expect excellent salmon runs during the fall, along with steelhead in the winter. These rivers and bays are perfect for those who prefer calmer waters with the chance to land trophy-sized fish.
  3. Head on Down to the Surf: Popular spots like Cannon Beach, Cape Kiwanda, and Pacific City offer prime access to a variety of species like perch, lingcod, and flounder. All you need is a sturdy rod, some bait, and patience as you cast into the rolling surf.

Dungeness Crab Season: A Delicious Tradition

One of the Oregon Coast’s most prized catches is the Dungeness crab, a delicacy that attracts both locals and visitors during crabbing season. The prime crabbing season typically begins in December and runs through August, with peak catches during the colder winter months. Crabbing can be done from piers, docks, or by boat, including estuaries and bays such as Nehalem Bay, Yaquina Bay, and Coos Bay.

You’ll need a crabbing license, bait, and either a crab pot or trap to get started. Set your traps in the morning and let them soak for a few hours before retrieving them, hopefully filled with Dungeness crabs. Keep in mind the regulations for size and quantity, or book a charter and let the experts show you the way. 

Fishing & Dungeness Crab Season on the Oregon Coast

Book our Cannon Beach Bed and Breakfast this Winter

Our romantic Cannon Beach Bed and Breakfast is a haven of relaxation on the Oregon Coast. Our location in Arch Cape, Oregon, puts you directly near all of the best things to do on the Oregon Coast, but you’ll be set back from it all in the evenings when you’re ready to spend some quality time together. Our shared spaces and outdoor seating areas are ideal for kicking back with a glass of wine! 

Each uniquely designed suite at Arch Cape Inn is designed with relaxation in mind. Many rooms feature cozy fireplaces, jacuzzi tubs, and ocean views, and all have lavish amenities that encourage couples to unwind in complete privacy. The charming, castle-like ambiance, combined with the beauty of our lush gardens and the sounds of the waves off in the distance, creates a truly magical setting for a romantic getaway.

In the mornings, we’ll treat you to a gourmet farm-fresh breakfast with local ingredients and fantastic sweet and savory recipes. It’s always paired with locally roasted coffee, teas, and juices. It’s the best way to start your day; whether you’re heading out to experience Dungeness Crab season on a crabbing tour or fishing down in one of the nearby streams, you’ll love returning to our Cannon Beach Bed and Breakfast! Start planning your next getaway to the Oregon Coast, and book your room today! 

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