Are There Lobsters on the Oregon Coast? A Detailed Look at These Iconic Crustaceans

Lobsters are one of the most iconic seafoods in America. Their large claws, sweet meat, and association with coastal New England have made them famous across the country. But what about the West Coast? Are there lobsters on the Oregon coast as well?

As it turns out, there are indeed lobsters to be found along the Oregon shoreline However, the types of lobsters and fisheries in Oregon differ quite a bit from the renowned Maine lobster fishery Keep reading to learn all about lobsters on the Oregon coast!

Types of Lobsters Found in Oregon

There are two main species of lobsters that inhabit the waters off Oregon – the California spiny lobster and the Oregon pink lobster.

The California spiny lobster (Panulirus interruptus) is found from Point Conception, California up to Monterey, California. Their range just barely extends up into southern Oregon waters The California spiny lobster has a greenish-brown coloration with white spots and a spiny, armored shell They lack the large front claws that are characteristic of Maine lobsters.

The Oregon pink lobster (Panalirus eugrammus), also known as the Oregon pink tailed prawn, is the species more commonly caught by local fishermen. As their name suggests, these lobsters have a pinkish hue on their tails and underbellies. They are smaller than Maine lobsters, reaching a maximum size of 1-2 pounds. Their meat is sweeter and more tender than Maine lobster.

While not as sizable or meaty as Maine lobsters, both the California spiny and Oregon pink varieties make for delicious eating!

Commercial Lobster Fishery in Oregon

Compared to the massive lobster fishery in Maine, the commercial harvest of lobsters in Oregon is very small. According to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, the average annual commercial lobster harvest is only around 8,000 pounds. To put that in perspective, Maine fishermen landed over 96 million pounds of lobster in 2020!

There are a few key reasons the lobster harvest is so modest in Oregon:

• Limited range – Lobsters are only found in the very southern coastal waters of Oregon. As you move north along the coast, the water becomes too cold for lobsters.

• No large-scale fishery – Unlike the massive lobster trapping operations in Maine, Oregon has no large-scale targeted lobster fishery. Lobsters are caught incidentally by fishermen targeting other species like crab and shrimp.

• Smaller population – The overall population of lobsters in Oregon is much smaller compared to the large, established lobster populations in Maine. There simply aren’t as many lobsters inhabiting Oregon’s coastal waters.

So while lobster is caught commercially in Oregon, it makes up only a tiny fraction of Oregon’s overall seafood production. The state is much more known for catches like Dungeness crab, salmon, albacore tuna, and shrimp.

Recreational Harvesting of Lobsters in Oregon

Recreational harvesting of lobsters along the Oregon coast is allowed with proper permits from the ODFW. Here are some key things to know about catching your own lobsters in Oregon:

• A valid Oregon fishing license is required. Non-residents will need a shellfish license.
• Lobster permits are also required. Daily permits are $10 for residents and $20 for non-residents. Annual permits are available.
• The daily limit per person is 1 lobster. Fishers are limited to 12 lobsters per year.
• Minimum size is 3 1⁄4 inches for pink lobsters and 3 inches for spiny lobsters.
• Lobsters must be measured immediately and any undersized lobsters returned to the water unharmed.
• Acceptable harvesting methods include manual capturing by hand or with a hoop net. No traps are allowed.
• Recreational lobster harvesting is only allowed from the California border up to Cape Arago near Coos Bay. No taking of lobsters is allowed north of Cape Arago.
• The recreational lobster season runs from June 1 to October 15.
• Fishers must record their lobster catch on their permit and submit logbooks to ODFW.

Follow all of these rules closely to legally and sustainably enjoy harvesting your own lobsters on the Oregon coast!

Best Places to Find Lobsters in Oregon

The prime lobster grounds in Oregon are located south of Coos Bay in the areas around Cape Arago and Charleston. Here are some top spots to try your luck:

• Sunset Bay – This protected cove near Cape Arago State Park is a popular area to hand-catch lobsters from shore at low tide. Use snares or hoop nets. Boat fishing is also productive.

• Coos Bay jetties – The long rock jetties protruding out into Coos Bay harbor lobsters hiding in rocky crevices. Catch them by hand or net.

• Charleston docks – The many pilings and docks around Charleston provide good habitat for spiny lobsters. Check them during nighttime low tides.

• Cape Arago reefs – Just offshore from Cape Arago are rocky reefs holding lobsters. Boat fishers can drop traps or use hoop nets to catch them here.

• Orford Reef – This extensive offshore reef due south of Port Orford holds populations of both spiny and pink lobsters. Fish from a boat.

Focus your lobster hunting efforts around low tide periods when it’s easiest to reach lobsters in the intertidal zone. And be sure to only fish for lobsters within the legal season and limits.

Cooking and Eating Oregon Lobster

Oregon’s pink lobsters feature tender, sweet meat that lends itself well to a variety of cooking methods:

Boiling/steaming – The classic technique! Drop live lobsters into rapidly boiling salted water and cook for 8-12 minutes depending on size. Serve with melted butter.

Grilling – Split lobsters lengthwise and grill meat-side down just until opaque. Delicious with garlic-lemon butter.

Broiling – Lay lobster meat in shells or foil and broil briefly until heated through and lightly browned.

Sautéing – Chop lobster meat and quickly sauté in olive oil or butter. Use for pasta, risotto, omelets, etc.

Baking – Stuff lobster shells with meat, top with breadcrumbs and bake until warmed through and topping is browned.

Raw – Dice the meat to add refreshing sweetness to ceviches, sushi rolls, and crudo dishes.

The versatile and sweet meat of Oregon pink lobsters can be substituted in any recipe calling for Maine lobster. Enjoy Oregon’s local lobster bounty by cooking it simply and highlighting its natural flavor.

So while not as abundant as in Maine, lobsters can certainly be found roaming the rocky reefs off Oregon’s southern coast. Locals and visitors alike enjoy harvesting and eating these tasty crustaceans during the late spring through summer seasons. Follow local regulations, fish sustainably, and cook them with care to enjoy a true Oregon coastal delicacy!