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Oregon

Fishing

Fishing

Clam & Crab Identification

Cockle

Shell has prominent, evenly spaced ridges (ribs). Size 1½ to 3".

Cockle

Littleneck Clam

(Steamer) Shell has radiating ribs, lacks deep scalloped edge of cockle. Size 1½ to 2½".

Littleneck Clam

Butter Clam

(Martha Washington) Shell has fine concentric lines of growth. Size 2 to 4".

Butter Clam

Softshell Clam

(Mud) (non-native) Egg shaped shell with concentric rings. Size 2 to 4".

Softshell Clam

Gaper Clam

(Blue, Empire, Horseneck) Large gape where neck protrudes. Size 3 to 6".

Gaper Clam

Razor Clam

Thin, oval shell has a smooth, lacquer-like, light brown coating; typically found on sandy ocean beaches. Size 3 to 6".

Razor Clam

Purple Varnish Clam

(non-native) Thin, flat, shiny brown shell with external hinge. Interior of shell has purple hue. Size 1½ to 4".

Purple Varnish Clam

Red Rock Crab

Native crab with a red fan-shaped back and large black-tipped claws.

Red Rock Clam

Dungeness Crab

Female crabs have a rounded flap on their underside. Male crabs have an elongated flap. Minimum measurement does not include points.

Dungeness Crab

Before Harvesting Clams and Mussels

For your safety, call the Oregon Department of Agriculture Shellfish Safety Hotline before harvesting clams or mussels at 1-800-448-2474 or visit: oregon.gov/ODA/FSD/pages/shellfish_status.aspx.