Free Fishing Returns; Crab Season Pushed Back
Holiday weekend brings outdoor opportunities as fish and wildlife officials update regulations statewide
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) has issued several recreation and fishery updates ahead of Thanksgiving Weekend, including two statewide free fishing days, expanded access on the Klamath River, and a coastwide delay to the commercial Dungeness crab season.
Free Fishing, Crabbing, and Clamming Nov. 28–29
Oregonians can enjoy free fishing, crabbing, and clamming on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 28 and 29. No fishing licenses, shellfish licenses, or tags are required for either day, though all other regulations—including seasons, closures, bag limits, and size restrictions—remain in effect. The free days apply to both residents and visitors.
ODFW will stock several Willamette Valley lakes with trout ahead of the weekend to support new and experienced anglers. The Weekly Recreation Report offers updated conditions, water levels, and recommended locations for fishing, crabbing, and clamming.
Participants are encouraged to review the Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations and check for any in-season updates, especially for salmon and steelhead fisheries. Beginners can find step-by-step guides in ODFW’s Easy Angling Oregon resource.
Those who prefer clamming or crabbing can find detailed instructions at MyODFW.com. ODFW reminds beachgoers to be mindful of surf conditions and to check shellfish biotoxin closures with the Oregon Department of Agriculture’s shellfish hotline at 1-800-448-2474.
As of mid-November, razor clamming is open from the Washington border to Cape Blanco and closed from Cape Blanco to the California border. Bay clams and mussels are open statewide. Recreational ocean crabbing remains closed through Nov. 30, as it is each year.
Klamath River Access Sites Remain Open for Winter Recreation
Five day-use access sites along the newly restored Klamath River reach between Keno, Ore., and Hornbrook, Calif., will remain open as winter conditions allow. Earlier closures were lifted after land managers reassessed access opportunities following dam removal.
Open sites include:
Pioneer Park West (Oregon)
Moonshine Falls (Oregon)
K'utárawáx·u / Grizzly Hill (California)
K'účasčas / Fall Creek (California)
Iron Gate (California)
The sites are not maintained for winter conditions, and snow or weather may restrict access. New closures may be announced as needed, and visitors are encouraged to check for updates through American Whitewater or the Oregon State Marine Board.
The access openings are part of the Klamath River Renewal Corporation’s Recreation Management Plan. ODFW manages the Oregon sites, and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife oversees those in California.
Commercial Dungeness Crab Season Delayed to at Least Dec. 16
ODFW has delayed the start of Oregon’s commercial ocean Dungeness crab season to at least Dec. 16, following meat-quality testing in neighboring Washington.
While Oregon crab met the state’s meat and biotoxin standards, Long Beach, Wash., crab did not meet the required fill level. Because the commercial Dungeness fishery is managed jointly across Oregon, Washington, and California, the season is being delayed to maintain a coordinated opening and avoid disrupting traditional fishing patterns.
Washington will conduct another round of testing before Dec. 16. If standards are met, the season may open coastwide. If not, ODFW will consider a partial opening south of Cape Falcon, depending on fleet input.
When the season does open, vessels will operate under a whale entanglement advisory and are urged to avoid setting gear in areas where whales are present.
Additional Updates
The commercial bay crab season will close at 12:01 a.m. on Dec. 1 and will reopen in December if the ocean commercial season opens.
The recreational ocean Dungeness crab season is still expected to reopen Dec. 1.
Recreational crabbing from bays, estuaries, beaches, docks, piers, and jetties is currently open statewide.
Crabbers should check biotoxin closures before heading out.
Weekly commercial season updates are available on ODFW’s website until an opening date is finalized.
Cover image: ODFW
