Siletz Bay is teeming with life and summer is a great time for locals and visitors alike to learn how to dig purple varnish clams and catch Dungeness crab with Crabbing and Clamming Clinics in Lincoln City.

Visitors of all ages will enjoy recreational crabbing and clamming clinics led by local expert Bill Lackner. "This is my passion," says Lackner. "I love teaching visitors of all ages how to do this, especially the kids. At first, they are a little intimidated by it. But after I show them how fun and easy it is, then their faces light up. There is nothing more rewarding than watching a kid feel a sense of accomplishment. These clinics are great character building exercises for kids and kids at heart."

CLAMMING CLINICS
All clinics begin with a brief lecture at the Driftwood Public Library, 801 SW Hwy 101 in Lincoln City. This informational meeting covers Oregon's clam digging regulations, clam identification, harvest methods, as well as cleaning and cooking methods. Following the lecture participants will meet at the gravel pullout, south of Schooner Creek Wayside.

What To Bring
Each clam digger over the age of 12 will need:
Oregon shellfish license
Clam bag
Shovel
5-gallon bucket
Gloves to protect your fingers

Shovels and clam bags can be purchased at the clinic, cash or check payments only. In addition, it's advisable to bring along water for hydration, a hand towel and a small first aid kit to treat and dress any cuts.

2017 Clam Clinic Dates
Friday, June 2 at 1:15pm
Wednesday, June 14 at 10:15am
Tuesday, June 20 at 2:45pm
Thursday, June 29 at 10:45am
Thursday, July 13 at 10:30am
Thursday, July 27 at 10:30am
Wednesday, August 2 at 2:30pm
Tuesday, August 15 at 12pm
Tuesday, August 29 at 11:45am
Tuesday, September 12 at 10:30am
Tuesday, September 26 at 10:30am

CRABBING CLINICS
Participants will meet for a brief orientation at the pavilion located at the end of SW 51st Street in Lincoln City's Historic Taft District. The orientation will familiarize participants with Oregon's crabbing regulations, harvest methods, identification, cleaning and cooking techniques.

What to Bring
Each crabber over the age of 12 will need:
Oregon shellfish license
Crab traps
Crab gauge
5-gallon bucket
Chicken legs for bait
Gloves to protect your fingers

Each crabber is allowed up to three catching devices, crab snares or crab traps. Folding crab traps and gauges will be available for purchase at the clinic. Only cash or check payments will be accepted.

2017 Crab Clinic Dates
Thursday, June 1 at 12:15pm
Thursday, June 15 at 10:30am
Friday, June 30 at 11:30am
Friday, September 22 at 8:00am

For more information on Clamming and Crabbing Clinics, call (800) 452-2151 or visit www.oregoncoast.org/crabbing-and-clamming-clinics. Here you will find a list of locations selling shellfish license, directions and parking information and other information about harvesting clams and crabs in Siletz Bay.