Coos Bay Boardwalk

Right near downtown Coos Bay is a very nice harbor area that is worth a quick stop to wander and have a bite to eat. The boardwalk is a short stretch of wood plank pier that has a fish market, a number of informative displays, and great views of the bay and harbor. There are a number of exhibits that present the history of Coos Bay and particularly the lumber industry that played such a huge role in the town's development. There is a tugboat, the "Koos #2," on display, and there is a nice area to stroll and have lunch at one of the picnic tables. The nearby downtown has lots of shopping, coffee shops and restaurants as well as the historic Egyptian Theater, home of Oregon's last remaining original theater pipe organ.

Rules, Regulations and Licenses

A shellfish license is required for anyone over 12 years old. Before heading out, be sure to call the Shellfish Hotline at 1.800.448.2474 to confirm seasonal closures, or visit the State of Oregon's Shellfish Biotoxin Closure page.

• Dungeness crab: Daily limit of 12 male crabs (it is prohibited to catch and keep females), minimum size 5 3/4 inches. Crabbing is open in estuaries (i.e. bays), beaches, tide pools, piers, and jetties year round. Crabbing in the ocean is CLOSED for Dungeness crab from October 16 to November 30.
• Red rock crabs: Daily limit of 24, any size or sex.
• Razor clams: Daily limit of 15.
• Bay clams (gaper, butter, littleneck, cockle, and geoduck): Daily limit of 20 (only 12 of which can be gaper clams). No more than one daily limit per day may be taken per person. No more than two daily limits may be in possession. If unbroken, butter (Saxidomus giganteus), cockle (Clinocardium nuttallii), or little-neck (Protothaca staminea) clams may be returned only in immediate digging area. All other clams must be retained regardless of size or condition. 
• Softshell and piddocks clams: Daily limit of 36.
• Purple varnish clams: Daily limit of 72.
• Shrimp and prawns: Daily limit of 20 pounds including the shell.
• Mud and ghost shrimp: No limit.
• Mussels: Daily limit of 72.
• Sand crabs, mole crabs, kelp worms and sand worms: No limit.

Call the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife at 1.800.448.2474 for more information.