Bandon Beaches

Clams, Crab, Fishing

  • A Pretty Good Place to Razor Clam on Low Tides With Low Tidal Surge.
  • Some Good Spots Have Stairs to Beach, So Plan Accordingly.
  • Bandon is a Small Historic Town (pop. 3,000) on Coquille River.
  • Home of Internationally Known Bandon-by-the-Sea Golf Course’s.
  • Seasonal Crabbing From July Through November (low rain months).
  • Rent Gear, Use Public Dock, Cook at Popular Tony’s Crab Sack (all in one spot).
Bandon Beach

Razor Clamming on Bandon Beaches

There are beautiful soft sandy Bandon Beaches which also have a long slowly sloping beach into the ocean. All are ideal conditions for Razor Clamming. However, with Whiskey Run just north of here and Gold Beach just south of here, it isn’t clammed that much. Both Coos Bay and Gold Beach have drive on beaches and draw more Razor Clammers. However, the clamming here can have similar results. I’ve listed all four spots in order of best places to try.

Last thought, good conditions (low tide, low tidal surge, good weather) south of Clatsup Spit are more important for good results.

1. Face Rock and Bandon Ocean Wayside Park

Located 1-1/4 miles south of the Coquille River South Jetty. You will also find public parking at Bandon Ocean Wayside Park. It is a bit of a hike down the stairs to the beach so plan accordingly. Razor clamming can be good here.

2. Kronenberg County Park

This Bandon Beach is located 1/2 mile south of the Coquille River South Jetty. You will also find public parking at the Kronenberg County Park. The stretch of beach between here and Face Rock is a good place to razor clam. However, be advised there are steps to get down to the beach.

3. Bullards Beach

This six mile stretch of beach is popular with hikers and campers from Bullard State Park. However, on some days your likely not to see a single soul. Razor clamming is best on the southern end near the jetty and spotty most years. Plan for a very low tide and low tidal surge for success.

4. Bandon Beaches, South Jetty County Park

On really low tides there are razor clams south of Coquille Jetty County Park on the ocean beaches.

Crabbing

Many say that crabbing here is spotty but I think that all depends on if you know when to go. At the mouth of this estuary it takes a little more effort for salt water to be pushed up into the estuary. Consequently, crabbing is not good when the estuary is full of fresh water and really good when a heavy amount of salt water is in the estuary. This is why most people say it is seasonal (August through November when rains are low). But the real issue is how much rain is coming down the river. So, if we aren’t getting much rain it can be pretty good anytime.

Disclaimer
Information provided is a result of personal experience at each bay or beach location.
In addition, local residences providing input and advice, and ongoing information from the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife websites.  Information will change as incoming seas tend to shift and move sand, after that it makes it harder for clams to reproduce. So always check for current beach closures and advisories related to biotoxins, pollution or other human health concerns the same day you plan to harvest. Razorclamming.com is not responsible for the accuracy of this data and the outcome or results of your personal efforts, or safe consumption of shellfish.

Shellfish Safety Hotline
635 Capitol St NE
Salem, OR 97301
Phone: 800-448-2474
Alt Phone: 503-986-4728