Yaquina Bay Shellfish Areas * Information provided is a result of past ODFW surveys, recent spot checks, and input

from local residents. The purpose of this map is to provide the user with information and locations of recreational shellfish areas where the most likelihood of success may be found by species. Clam species identified within a particular area represent the most abundant found; other species may be present or may exist in areas not identified on the map. This is to be used as a reference as sandbars, clam beds, and species composition can shift over time. Always use caution when boating/crabbing in the lower bay as swift currents during tidal exchanges can occur, and result in loss of gear or cause boat to be pulled out to sea if mechanical problems arise. 1. Area 1 (Bridge Bed) can be accessed from the Rogue brewery parking lot on the southeast corner of the Yaquina Bay bridge or from South Jetty Road. Gapers and cockles are most commonly found in this area with butter and littlenecks sparsely available. A rake works best in this area for cockles; a shovel is most effective for digging gapers. Area 2 (Idaho flats) is easily accessed from several points along SE 35th Street (Idaho Point Rd), SE Ferry Slip Road, or Hatfield Marine Science Center parking lot. Gaper, butter, cockle, and littleneck clams can all be found throughout these areas. For digging, a shovel would be best; a rake works best for cockles. Area 3 (Sallys Bend) is easily accessed from Yaquina Bay Dr. Butter, cockle, and littleneck clams can all be found throughout these areas. These mud flats can have soft spots in higher areas where ghost shrimp are prevalent and walking may be difficult. For digging, a shovel would be best; a rake works best for cockles. Area 4 (Upper Bay) includes some areas accessible by foot (many points along Yaquina Bay Dr and South Bay Road) and other portions of mud flats that can only be reached by boat. The Eastern softshell clam is abundant in these upper bay areas; other commonly harvested bay clams will not be found this high in the estuary. Softshell clams are usually found 8 to 16 inches below the surface. A shovel or clam gun is most effective for digging in this area. Area 5 describes areas for boat crabbing. Dungeness crabs are found throughout the bay, with most legal crab in the lower bay. Peak harvest months are from June through November. Large sandy flats in depths of 20-30 feet found outside the navigational channel are excellent habitat for Dungeness crab. Be sure to set your gear out of the way of boat traffic to avoid potentially dangerous situations. Area 6 notes areas of dock/shore crabbing. Primary areas for dock crabbing in Newport are the Public fishing pier in South Beach, as well as Abbey Street and Bay Street piers on the Newport Bay front. Native red rock crabs, which prefer the complex habitats that docks offer, are a common catch in these areas. Gear may be set anywhere within public areas along these docks, but be sure not to interfere with boat traffic.

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* The boat launches in Yaquina Bay can be found at the following locations:

Port of Newport Marina and RV Park located within the South Beach Marina complex, at 2301 SE Marine Science Drive (fee applies). Toledo Boat Launch the Port of Toledo maintains the Airport Boat Launch, just off of South Bay Road, located at 128 Ramp Road, approximately 13 miles up river of the Newport Bay bridge (free).