Siletz Bay Fishing
A coastal bay in Lincoln County, about 2,711 acres of tidal habitat.
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Siletz Bay for a first saltwater trip in Oregon
About 2,711 acres (1,097 hectares) of estuary carry the name Siletz Bay in Lincoln County, per PMEP. PMEP lists it as riverine estuary. The Central Oregon Coast Subarea covers the ocean beyond it. From the estuary point it is about 6 miles to Lincoln City.
7 launch sites put boats on it. For fishing on foot there are 1 dock, pier or jetty site. It has its own ODFW crabbing and clamming page. 3 marine reserves or protected areas lie within 10 miles.
Pacific Marine and Estuarine Fish Habitat Partnership estuary extent (PMEP), read November 2, 2026. Census 2023 places.
Getting afloat on Siletz Bay
- Alder Island Access on Siletz RiverSiletz River; 1 lane, hand carry launch; parking, hand launch; Siletz Bay National Wildlife Refuge
- Chinook Bend RV and Marina on Siletz RiverSiletz River; 1 lane, trailered launch; parking, restrooms, use fee, fuel, marina; Private
- Coyote Rock RV Park and Marina on Siletz RiverSiletz River; trailered launch; parking, use fee; Private
- Ichwhit Park on Siletz RiverSiletz River; 1 lane, trailered launch; parking, restrooms, short-term tie-up, marina; Lincoln County
- Siletz MoorageSiletz River; 1 lane, trailered launch; parking, restrooms, use fee, fuel, marina; Private
- Strome Park on Siletz RiverSiletz River; 1 lane, trailered launch; parking, restrooms; Lincoln County
- Sunset Landing RV Park & Campground on Siletz RiverSiletz River; 1 lane, trailered launch; parking, restrooms, use fee; Private
Piers, docks and jetties at Siletz Bay
- Siletz Bayfishing pier, Owner
Marinas that serve Siletz Bay
- Siletz Moorage
- Ichwhit Park
- Chinook Bend RV and Marina
Oregon State Marine Board Boating Access Sites layer (OSMB ArcGIS), read November 2, 2026; status as OSMB publishes it. Oregon Coastal Management Program (DLCD) Shoreline Access Inventory (layer) and the ODFW shore access map, read November 2, 2026.
Bays and channels inside Siletz Bay
- Siletz Baybay
USGS GNIS supplies these feature names within Siletz Bay.
USGS GNIS domestic names inside the PMEP estuary extent, read November 2, 2026.
Where ODFW points clammers in Siletz Bay
Here is the ODFW text for Siletz Bay:
Siletz Bay, located at the south end of Lincoln City, is a very popular destination for beach-goers and clam diggers. Some of the highest density purple varnish clam beds are easily accessed here. Its proximity to the ocean also makes it a very productive seasonal crabbing area
: These charts depict popular, productive shellfishing areas. Many other areas have these species but may be less popular to access. Additionally, many other species of shellfish, some popular for harvest (e.g., bait shrimp, razor clams, etc.) may be present, but not represented here. Printable Map
North of Schooner Creek (NC): Beds of purple varnish clams can be found here.
Siletz Bay bed (SZ): Beds of purple varnish clams can be found here, softshell clams may be interspersed.
Siletz Bay: Located off Hwy 229 (Siletz Hwy), just east of Hwy 101 at Kernville. Information provided is a result of ODFW creel and population surveys, spot checks, and input from local residents.
Where to crab & clam in Siletz Bay, myodfw.com, read November 2, 2026.
Tide predictions for Siletz Bay
- Kernville, Siletz RiverNOAA tide predictions
- Chinook Bend, Siletz RiverNOAA tide predictions
- Taft, Siletz BayNOAA tide predictions
- Depoe BayNOAA tide predictions
Bar crossings and clam tides at Siletz Bay both hinge on these stations.
NOAA CO-OPS stations and tide predictions, read November 2, 2026.
Marine Zone limits for Siletz Bay
| Species | Daily limit as printed | Season |
|---|---|---|
| General Marine Species: Rockfish ("sea bass", "snapper"), Greenling (“. | Bag limits are set after this book is printed. Check current regulations before fishing on the Sport Bottomfish Seasons page. Retention of yelloweye and quillback rockfishes is prohibited. | Waters are open 24 hours per day. The offshore long-leader fishery is limited to fishing seaward of the 40-fathom regulatory line. |
| Lingcod (including green-colored lingcod) | 3 fish. | Waters are open 24 hours per day. The offshore long-leader fishery is limited to fishing seaward of the 40-fathom regulatory line. |
| Sablefish (black cod) | 10 fish. | Waters are open 24 hours per day. The offshore long-leader fishery is limited to fishing seaward of the 40-fathom regulatory line. |
| Flatfish (flounders, soles, sanddabs, turbots, and halibuts except Pac. | 25 fish in aggregate. | Waters are open 24 hours per day. The offshore long-leader fishery is limited to fishing seaward of the 40-fathom regulatory line. |
| Surfperch (includes all marine perch species) | 15 fish in aggregate. | Waters open all year, 24 hours per day, unless noted under Management Designations for Marine Areas. |
| Herring, Anchovy, Sardine, Topsmelt, Jacksmelt, and true smelts | 25 pounds in aggregate. | Waters open all year, 24 hours per day, unless noted under Management Designations for Marine Areas. |
| Offshore Pelagic Species: Includes all tuna and mackerel species, swor. | 25 fish in aggregate. White shark, basking shark, mega-mouth shark, and oceanic whitetip shark are prohibited and must be immediately released unharmed. | Waters open all year, 24 hours per day, unless noted under Management Designations for Marine Areas. |
| Striped Bass and/or Hybrid Bass | No limit | Waters open all year, 24 hours per day, unless noted under Management Designations for Marine Areas. |
| Sturgeon | Catch-and-release only. | Open all year. |
| Salmon and Steelhead | Ocean salmon and steelhead seasons and restrictions are set each April by the Pacific Fishery Management Council. Regulations are published each May and are available from license agents. | Ocean salmon and steelhead seasons and restrictions are set each April by the Pacific Fishery Management Council. |
| Pacific Halibut | May be taken by angling with a single line, no more than 2 hooks; and by spear. Pacific halibut seasons are managed and enforced based on port of landing. | May be taken by angling with a single line, no more than 2 hooks; and by spear. Pacific halibut seasons are managed and enforced based on port of landing. |
| Razor Clams | First 15 dug (no sorting or releasing). | Waters open all year, 24 hours per day Exceptions: Razor clams are closed Jul 15 to Sep 30 north of Tillamook Head (Clatsop County) Shellfish harvests may be cl. |
Ocean seasons for Siletz Bay
| Fishery and area | Season | Limit |
|---|---|---|
| crab, Bays, beaches, estuaries, tide pools, piers and jetties | Open for crabbing all year, 24 hours per day. | Dungeness crab 12 (males only); 5-3/4" minimum size |
Ocean seasons as published by ODFW (myodfw.com, myodfw.com, dfw.state.or.us, eregulations.com), read November 2, 2026; ODFW changes ocean seasons in season.
At Siletz Bay the Marine Zone table applies to bay fish, crab and clams.
An Oregon angling license ($50 resident, $138 nonresident for 2026) covers anglers 12 and older; ocean fishing from boats, beaches and jetties now also needs the Ocean Endorsement ($9 annual) unless you fish only for salmon or steelhead.
Limits as printed in the 2026 Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations (ODFW, eRegulations edition) (Marine Zone page), read November 2, 2026.
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Ocean salmon, halibut and bottomfish seasons off Siletz Bay follow the Central Oregon Coast Subarea: Spring All-Depth Season: May 1 through July 31, seven days per week, or until the quota is caught.
No-take and limited-take areas by Siletz Bay
- Cascade Head Marine ReserveNo extractive activities allowed., 9.64 sq mi
- Cascade Head West Marine Protected AreaAllowed take: salmon by troll, crab., 1.29 sq mi
- Cascade Head South Marine Protected AreaNo net gear., 9.6 sq mi
ODFW Marine Reserve and Marine Protected Area Boundaries (layer), read November 2, 2026; full rules on oregonmarinereserves.com.
Where Siletz Bay ranks among close bays
| Bay or estuary | Distance | Acres (PMEP) | OSMB launches | Shore sites | Marinas |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Siletz Bay | 2,711 | 7 | 1 | 3 | |
| Depoe Bay | 7 miles southwest | 12 | 1 | 3 | 1 |
| Salmon River estuary | 9 miles north | 882 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Little Creek estuary | 16 miles south | 12 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| Nestucca Bay | 20 miles north | 2,766 | 6 | 3 | 0 |
| Yaquina Bay | 22 miles south | 6,649 | 9 | 1 | 9 |
PMEP extents, OSMB launches, DLCD and ODFW shore sites, Clean Marina list; read November 2, 2026.
Country behind Siletz Bay for a second day
Further current close to the Siletz Bay
- Siletz Riverunder a mile
- Little Nestucca River19 miles
- Yaquina River20 miles
- Nestucca River20 miles
Lakes in the same part of Oregon as Siletz Bay
- Devils Lake (Lincoln County)6 miles north
- Olalla Reservoir15 miles south
- Newport Reservoir17 miles south
- Town Lake23 miles north
Where to buy bait on the way to Siletz Bay
- Sunset Landingbait and tackle shop, Lincoln City, 3 miles
- Bi-Mart (Lincoln City)sporting goods store, Lincoln City, 4 miles
- Carver Inc Port Dock 5marina, Newport, 18 miles
- Harry's Bait & Tacklebait and tackle shop, Newport, 19 miles
- Sawyer's Landing Marina & RVmarina, Newport, 20 miles
- Port of Newportmarina, Toledo, 21 miles
Hiring a guide for Siletz Bay
- Blue Max Inccharter, Depoe Bay
- Brand X Charters LLCcharter, Newport
- Captain's Reel Deep Sea Fishing Chartercharter, Newport, (541) 265-7441
- Craig A Calkinscharter, Depoe Bay
- Depoe Bay Fishing & Whale Watching Inccharter, Depoe Bay
- Dockside Charterscharter, Depoe Bay, (541) 765-2545
- Enterprise Marine LLCcharter, Newport
- Gracie K LLCcharter, Newport
Base towns for a trip to Siletz Bay
- Lincoln City6 miles
- Depoe Bay7 miles
- Siletz13 miles
Which Oregon counties Siletz Bay reaches
- Lincoln Countyseat: Newport
Piscifun reels and line chosen with Siletz Bay in mind
Piscifun and Amazon links are affiliate links; the site earns a commission on qualifying purchases.
Photographs from the shoreline near Siletz Bay
Photo: Nicki Dugan Pogue, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: alans1948, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Bureau of Land Management Oregon and Washington, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Jeff Hollett, Public domain
Questions Oregon anglers bring to Siletz Bay
Which part of Oregon has Siletz Bay?
Search Lincoln County, about 6 miles from Lincoln City on the map.
How many acres of estuary is Siletz Bay?
PMEP maps about 1,097 hectares, near 2,711 acres.
How many OSMB launches reach Siletz Bay?
Use Alder Island Access on Siletz River or another of 7 launch sites.
Is Siletz Bay good for crabbing?
ODFW names spots in its guide, quoted above. The shellfish license is separate from angling.
What are the limits at Siletz Bay?
Razor Clams: First 15 dug (no sorting or releasing).
Which Oregon license and endorsement do I need at Siletz Bay?
An Oregon angling license ($50 resident, $138 nonresident for 2026) covers anglers 12 and older; ocean fishing from boats, beaches and jetties now also needs the Ocean Endorsement ($9 annual) unless you fish only for salmon or steelhead.
Is there a fishing pier at Siletz Bay?
Try Siletz Bay, one of 1 shore site.
Which Oregon shop is handy for Siletz Bay?
Sunset Landing, roughly 3 miles away, heads our shop list.
Is there a tide table for Siletz Bay?
Check Kernville, Siletz River in the tides band.
Which protected areas sit near Siletz Bay?
Cascade Head Marine Reserve, Cascade Head West Marine Protected Area and Cascade Head South Marine Protected Area are close; check what take is allowed.
Put Siletz Bay on the coast list
Fees, tags and zone limits sit together on one page.