Netarts is one of Oregon’s major crabbing bays, with Dungeness and red rock crab documented by ODFW. Its smaller size and public bank options make it useful, but swift tidal exchange still demands caution.
Netarts Boat Basin
The basin is the primary launch. Jetties around it also support bank crabbing with rod-and-reel crab setups.
Netarts Bay Drive to Rice Creek
ODFW documents bank access between the boat basin and Rice Creek mouth. Park only in legal pullouts and protect private property and marsh edges.
Boat area 9
ODFW’s map identifies a boat-only crabbing area. Keep pots out of the navigation channel and account for current before setting.
Bait and timing
Use fresh legal bait secured in a bait bag—not rotting meat or anise oil. Heavy rain can reduce salinity, while late summer through fall often improves smaller Oregon estuaries.
ODFW Netarts map and access · ODFW current crabbing guidance
Official sources checked August 13, 2026.