Man, I remember my first time crabbing Nehalem River Oregon. Showed up with a cheap net and no clue, thinking I'd haul in dinner no problem. Six hours later? Two tiny crabs and soaked jeans. Since then I've spent years figuring out this river – the good spots, the tricks, the regulations that'll save you fines. If you're planning a Nehalem River Oregon crabbing trip, stick around. This isn't some fluffed-up brochure. I'll tell you exactly what works, what doesn't, and how to avoid looking like the clueless newbie I was.
Why Nehalem River Oregon Rocks for Crabbing
You've got choices on the Oregon coast – why pick the Nehalem? Simple. It's less slammed than bigger spots like Tillamook but still pumps out Dungeness like crazy. That mix of tidal flow and deep holes? Crab paradise. Plus, the whole vibe is chiller. Fewer commercial pots, more room to breathe. My buddy calls it "crabbing without the circus."
| Crabbing Spot | Crab Density | Crowd Level | Ease of Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nehalem River (Wheeler to Jetty) | High (Seasonal Peaks) | Moderate (Busy Weekends) | Easy (Docks & Banks) |
| Garibaldi Bay | Very High | High (Commercial Pressure) | Boat Recommended |
| Tillamook Bay | High | Very High | Mixed (Some Bank Access) |
Prime Crabbing Zones on the Nehalem
Not every stretch of this river is equal. Here's where I've had consistent luck:
- Wheeler Public Dock: Classic starting point. Gets busy, but the pilings hold crab. Best 2 hours before high tide. Free parking but fills fast.
- Nehalem Bay State Park Piers: My personal favorite for bank crabbing. Longer walk, less pressure. Use ring nets here – currents tricky for pots.
- Roy Creek Mouth (Boat Access): Deeper channel = bigger crab. Need a boat or kayak. Watch the tide change – it rips through here.
- Jetty Area (Near Highway 101 Bridge): Strong currents = bring heavy gear. Rewards with jumbos if you time slack tide right.
Gearing Up Without Wasting Cash
Biggest mistake beginners make? Buying everything at the marina. You don't need that $200 trap. Here's the real-world setup:
- Traps/Rings: Start with two Danielson Crab Traps ($25-$40 each at Englund Marine). Sturdy, cheap, easy to stack. Skip collapsibles – saltwater destroys them quick.
- Line & Buoys: 1/4" polypropylene line (100ft per trap). Float buoys MUST have your ODFW ID number. Bright colors (pink/orange) stand out best.
- Bait Holders & Bait: Plastic bait cages ($5) beat chicken wire. Use turkey necks or mink carcasses (Pacific Bait Company sells frozen packs for $8/lb). Stinks less than fish heads.
- Measuring Gauge: Non-negotiable. The "Crab Commander" gauge ($9) is idiot-proof. Get two – they vanish.
- Cooler & Ice: Yeti knockoffs work fine. Bring WAY more ice than you think. Hot crabs spoil fast.
Pro Tip I Learned the Hard Way: Bring needle-nose pliers. Getting hooks out of nets without them? Absolute misery. Also, pack nitrile gloves unless you want crab stink on your hands for two days.
2024 Oregon Crabbing Rules You Can't Ignore
ODFW changes rules yearly. Mess this up? Hefty fines. Here's the critical stuff for Nehalem River crabbing:
| Regulation | Detail | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Season Dates | Open year-round EXCEPT closed Oct 16-Nov 30 in bay/river | Fall closure protects molting crab |
| Size Limit | 5¾" minimum for Dungeness (measured CARAPACE width) | Check IMMEDIATELY after catch – undersized die fast |
| Daily Limit | 12 MALE Dungeness per person | Females & undersized MUST be released unharmed |
| License Required | Shellfish License + Columbia River Endorsement | $10 for 1-day, $21 annual (Buy ONLINE to avoid lines) |
| Gear Restrictions | Max 3 traps/rings per person, buoys marked with ID | Checked aggressively near jetty |
Watch Out: They measure differently here than in Washington. Carapace width ONLY – not tip-to-tip. Saw a guy get fined $250 last summer for measuring wrong. Ouch.
When Crabbing Nehalem River Oregon Actually Works
Tide matters more than time of day. Period. Incoming tide brings crab upriver. Target these windows:
| Tide Phase | Best Location | Gear Strategy | My Success Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Incoming (3hrs before high) | Upper River (Wheeler area) | Set traps deeper (15-25ft) | High (8-12 crab/trap) |
| High Tide Slack | Bay Mouth / Jetty | Quick ring net drops | Moderate (6-8 crab/hour) |
| Outgoing (Start of ebb) | Channel Edges | Drift rings with current | Variable (Depends on flow) |
Summer mornings (June-Aug) are productive but crowded. Honestly? I prefer September crabbing on Nehalem River Oregon. Fewer people, crab are meatier pre-winter. Just bundle up – coastal fog is no joke.
Bait Secrets That Actually Work Here
Forget fancy squid. Local crabbers swear by these:
- Razor Clam Racks: Free if you dig clams. Break into chunks. Works shockingly well near the bay mouth.
- Turkey Necks (Frozen): Cheap ($2/lb at Costco), oily, lasts longer than salmon heads. Tie securely!
- Pro Tip: Add a pouch of cat food (punch holes) inside your bait holder. The oil slick drives them nuts.
Last July, experimented with rancid chicken livers. Never again. Caught zero crab and my truck smelled like death for a week. Stick to proven baits.
Processing Your Catch: Keep Them Alive!
Killed my first batch by leaving them in a hot bucket. Learn from my fail:
- 1. Keep crabs submerged in aerated saltwater if possible (portable aerators $15 at Englund's)
- 2. Drain meltwater from cooler constantly. Freshwater kills them.
- 3. Cook IMMEDIATELY after trip. Don't fridge live crabs overnight.
- 4. Cleaning: Twist off carapace, remove gills ("dead man's fingers"), rinse guts. Split body if large.
Common Nehalem Crabbing Problems Solved
Ran into every issue imaginable over 12 years. Here's the fix:
- Problem: Pots coming up empty constantly
Fix: Shorten soak time. 30-45 mins max. Move locations every two pulls. - Problem: Sea lions stealing catch
Fix: Avoid setting near channel buoys. Use heavier weights. Report aggressive ones to ODFW. - Problem: Gear getting snagged
Fix: Use breakaway links ($4/dozen). Sacrifice weights, not traps. - Problem: Measuring confusion
Fix: Practice on legal-sized dead crab first. Look for NOTCHED teeth on carapace.
Kid-Friendly Crabbing Tips
Brought my nephew last summer. Keep it simple:
- Use ring nets from docks – instant gratification
- Prep bait beforehand (messy job)
- Bring backup snacks (crab might not cooperate)
- Nehalem Bay State Park has clean restrooms nearby
Real Talk: What Frustrates Me About Crabbing Here
Not all sunshine and crabs. Two big headaches:
- Parking at Wheeler: Arrive after 8AM on weekends? Good luck. Town really needs more spots.
- Jetty Currents: Loss rate for traps is high. Always use cheap gear there.
Still beats combat crabbing further north. Less ego, more chill vibes.
FAQs: Your Crabbing Nehalem River Oregon Questions Answered
Is a boat necessary for crabbing on Nehalem River?
Nope! Wheeler dock and state park piers offer solid bank access. Boats just reach deeper holes faster. Kayaks work great too.
Can you eat crabs year-round from the Nehalem?
Legally, yes except fall closure. But meat quality tanks in winter. Best months: July-October. February crabs are often watery.
Where do I buy licenses near Nehalem?
Englund Marine in Garibaldi (open 7AM) or ONLINE via ODFW. Avoid marina markups. Print temporary license immediately.
How deep should I set traps?
Depends on tide. Start mid-depth (15ft). Adjust shallower if no bites. Deepest I've gone? 35ft near the highway bridge. Not worth the effort.
Are red rock crabs worth keeping?
Smaller claws but sweeter meat! Limit is 24. Harder to crack – bring heavy shears. I keep a few for chowder.
Best post-crabbing seafood shack?
Wanda's Cafe + Bakery in Nehalem. Clam chowder fixes everything after a cold day. Cash only though – annoying.
Final thought? Crabbing Nehalem River Oregon is about patience. Some days you limit out by 10AM. Some days you get skunked. Either way, you're on the water. That salty air beats sitting home. Now go get your crab on – and measure twice!