Crabbing

Florence, Oregon, situated along the Siuslaw River, offers excellent crabbing opportunities for both novice and experienced crabbers. According to local reports, the areas west of the 101 bridge feature exceptional seasonal crabbing, with the lower bay and ocean providing particularly good catches during late summer and fall.

Quick Info

Crabbing Spots

South Jetty Crab Dock: A popular spot for crabbing, offering easy access and ample space for setting traps.
Old Town Florence Docks: Located in the historic district, these docks allow for convenient crabbing within the city.

Best Time to Crab
The optimal crabbing season is from September to November, when crabs are most abundant and in prime condition.

Equipment
Crab pots or rings, bait (such as raw chicken or fish carcasses), a measuring gauge, and a cooler for storing your catch are essential.

Facilities
Local shops in Florence offer equipment rentals and bait. Some facilities also provide cooking services for your catch.

Safety Tips
Be cautious of tides and currents, wear appropriate clothing, and handle crabs carefully to avoid injury.

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North Jetty Dive Park

The North Jetty Dive Park in Florence, Oregon, is a popular destination for scuba divers and underwater enthusiasts. Located at the mouth of the Siuslaw River, this site features an old fish ladder converted into a diver-friendly entrance in 2003, making it easily accessible. The dive park is known for its abundant marine life, including:

Dungeness crabs, especially in the area known as “the crab hole”
Various species of fish like sculpin, whitespotted greenling, and ling cod
Nudibranchs, chitons, and anemones
Occasional sightings of octopus and wolf eels

Divers should be aware of potential currents and boat traffic, making it essential to dive during slack tide and use proper safety equipment. The site’s popularity extends beyond recreational diving, as it’s also frequently used for scuba training and shellfish collection by licensed individuals. With depths ranging from 15 to 60 feet and visibility occasionally reaching 30 feet, the North Jetty Dive Park offers a diverse underwater experience for divers of various skill levels.

South Jetty Crabbing Dock

The South Jetty crabbing dock in Florence, Oregon, is a popular spot for both recreational crabbers and divers. Located at the end of South Jetty Road, this well-protected area offers excellent crabbing opportunities, especially from late spring until winter rains push crabs out to sea. The dock features:

Easy access for crabbers, with ample parking nearby
A day-use fee area, so be sure to pay or have the appropriate yearly pass
Excellent crabbing conditions, particularly during incoming tides
Purple varnish clams found on flats on either side of the dock

For divers, the South Jetty crabbing dock serves as a good alternative when conditions are rough at other dive sites. The area is well-protected from winter storms, making it accessible most of the time, though visibility may be reduced. Crabbers have reported good catches here, with some obtaining near-limits during peak seasons. Remember to check local regulations and obtain necessary licenses before crabbing or diving in this area.

FLORENCE

Florence City Docks

The Florence City Docks, located along the Siuslaw River in Historic Old Town Florence, offer convenient access for crabbing enthusiasts. These public docks provide:

Easy access for recreational crabbers without the need for a boat
Seasonal Dungeness crab catches, particularly good from late summer through early winter
Opportunities to rent crabbing gear from nearby shops if needed
A chance to experience the charm of Old Town Florence while waiting for your catch

Crabbers should be aware that the best time for crabbing is during “slack water,” which occurs around high or low tide. While dock crabbing can be productive, it’s important to note that crabs caught near the pier may be smaller compared to those caught from boats further out in the bay. Remember to obtain the required shellfish license and adhere to catch limits and size restrictions when crabbing at the Florence City Docks.

Sources:

Eugene Cascades & Coast, Oregon Essential, Reddit, crabbing.freeforums

myodfw.org, Scuba Scribbles, Oregon Dive Sites

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