Can You Catch Lobster in Oregon?

Lobster is a delicious and coveted shellfish that many seafood lovers dream of plucking fresh from the ocean and cooking up in their kitchens. With its sweet meat, iconic claws, and vibrant red shell, it’s easy to see why lobster is considered a culinary delicacy. If you live on or visit the Oregon coast, you may find yourself wondering – can you catch lobster in Oregon?

The short answer is no Lobster is not native to Oregon’s coastal waters and there are currently no harvestable populations However, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy fresh lobster in Oregon. Keep reading to learn why there’s no lobstering in Oregon, where our local lobster comes from, and how you can get your claws on these delicious crustaceans close to home.

A Brief History of Lobster in Oregon

While the American lobster (Homarus americanus) thrives off the Atlantic coast of the U.S. and Canada, it is not native to the Pacific Ocean. Back in the late 1800s, there were attempts to introduce lobster populations in the Pacific Northwest by releasing thousands of juvenile lobsters along the coasts of Oregon and Washington.

The thinking at the time was that if lobster could thrive in the cold Atlantic they could also flourish in the chilly Pacific waters. However these efforts ultimately failed and lobster never gained a foothold off the Oregon coast. Scientists cite factors like unsuitable habitat, lack of cobble substrate, and improper water chemistry as reasons why Atlantic lobster did not take hold here.

Over the past century there have been occasional reports of stray lobster sightings, likely from releases in California waters to the south. But these vagrants represent a tiny fraction and do not constitute a reproductive population. So unfortunately for local lobster lovers, there is no harvestable stock of lobster in Oregon at this time.

Where Does Oregon’s Lobster Come From?

If you can’t catch fresh lobster along the Oregon coast, where does all the lobster in our local restaurants and seafood markets come from?

The majority of lobster served in Oregon originates from the cold waters of the Atlantic Ocean off New England and maritime Canada. Top producers like Maine, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick export large quantities of live lobster across North America.

Lobster from these regions must be transported promptly after harvest. They are typically shipped in chilled sea water aboard airplanes for next-day delivery to west coast destinations like Oregon. Strict regulations ensure the lobsters arrive alive and healthy.

A small percentage of Oregon’s lobster supply is flown in from spiny lobster fisheries in warmer waters like Mexico and the Caribbean. Australia also exports some rock lobster tails. But the classic claws and tails on Oregon menus predominantly come from the Atlantic fisheries thousands of miles away.

Best Places to Eat Lobster in Oregon

Even though you can’t catch local lobster in Oregon, there are plenty of great options for enjoying fresh lobster flown in from the East Coast and beyond. Here are some top spots for indulging in lobster:

• Jake’s Famous Crawfish – A Portland institution since 1892, Jake’s serves an amazing lobster tail with drawn butter and their signature house-made cocktail sauce. Their casual elegance and old-school charm is the perfect place to experience lobster.

• Newport Seafood Grill – Located right on the bayfront in Newport, they are renowned for their steamed Maine lobster dinner paired with regional wines. Watch the fishing boats come in as you dine on classic lobster rolls too.

• The Bay House – Perched over sweeping views of Tillamook Bay, this upscale restaurant in Pacific City offers a locally-sourced menu including lobster ravioli in a brown butter cognac sauce and other lobster delicacies.

• Pine Tavern – Set in the beautiful coastal town of Pacific City, Pine Tavern has been operated by the same family for over 80 years. Their menu features lobster flown in fresh from Nova Scotia and cooked to perfection.

• Stephanie Inn Dining Room – This AAA four-diamond restaurant at the historic Stephanie Inn in Cannon Beach does a Northwest twist on lobster thermidor baked in a hazelnut crust. Five-course prix fixe menus give you a luxury lobster experience.

• Newport’s South Beach Fish Market – For casual lobster, you can’t beat South Beach Fish Market right on the docks in Newport. Grab some fresh steamed lobster or lobster rolls to enjoy on their bayfront picnic tables.

• Portland Lobster Company – With locations in Portland and Cannon Beach, this food truck turned restaurant chain serves hearty lobster rolls, lobster tacos, and whole lobster dinners. Their lobsters are flown in daily from Maine and Nova Scotia.

So while you can’t catch Oregon lobsters, these restaurants and seafood markets allow you to enjoy expertly prepared fresh Atlantic lobster without leaving the state.

Buying Lobster from Seafood Markets

In addition to dining out, you can pick up fresh live lobster from several top seafood markets along the Oregon coast and in Portland. Some good options include:

• Newport Seafood – One of the largest seafood processors in Oregon, their retail shop carries a variety of lobster products including live lobster.

• Pacific Seafood – This seafood company operates stores across Portland where you can find live Atlantic lobster from their East Coast suppliers.

• Hallmark Fisheries – This Portland fish market has a wide selection of seafood, including a daily selection of live lobster shipped in from Canada.

• Tanner Creek Seafood – Situated right on Highway 101 in Lincoln City, they have live lobsters flown in for same-day purchase. Call ahead as their stock varies.

When buying live lobster, look for lively lobsters with good color that are holding their claws up. Avoid any lobsters that seem weak or lethargic. Keep them chilled below 40°F and cook within 24 hours of purchase for best quality.

Steaming, boiling, and broiling are all easy ways to prepare lobster at home. Melted lemon butter makes a perfect dipping sauce for the sweet meat.

Will Lobster Ever Thrive in Oregon?

While lobster never successfully established off Oregon in the past, what does the future hold? Could rising ocean temperatures allow lobster to gain a foothold here eventually?

Some scientific models suggest potential shifts in lobster habitat over the next 50 to 100 years as waters warm. However, Oregon waters would still remain too cold to become optimal lobster grounds. And introducing non-native species carries many environmental risks.

Current regulations also prohibit any unauthorized release of lobster in Oregon waters. So while climate change opens up new possibilities, don’t expect to see a local lobster fishery developing off Oregon any time soon.

For now, air-shipping from mature Atlantic lobster fisheries is likely to remain the source of Oregon’s lobster supply. Diners can continue enjoying these tender and succulent shellfish flown in from afar.

Experience Lobster in Oregon

Hopefully this overview gives you a better understanding of the lobster landscape in Oregon. While you won’t find lobster traps dotting our coastal bays, you can still indulge in fresh Atlantic lobster at restaurants, seafood markets, and food carts up and down the coast.

The next time you visit the Oregon coast, consider treating yourself to some lobster, whether it’s steamed whole, stuffed in ravioli, piled atop nachos, or served in a decadent roll overflowing with meat. Paired with a local wine and ocean views, it makes for an unbeatable culinary experience here in Oregon.

So while we don’t have our own lobster fishery, we can still appreciate these iconic crustaceans in our own way. For seafood lovers, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the unique sweetness and delicate flavor of fresh lobster on the Oregon coast.