Shellfishing requires a sense of adventure, but little equipment or expertise

Shellfishing in Connecticut is limited to "approved" and "conditionally approved -- open" areas. People shellfishing for recreation should contact the town health department where they wish to fish to find out where shellfishing is allowed, whether a local license is required, and other local shellfishing laws.

Recreational shellfishing in Connecticut is limited to one-half bushel of shellfish per day taken during only daylight hours. Implements to take shellfish must have a one-inch or greater spacing between the teeth. Recreational shellfish are intended to be consumed by the harvester and family members. Recreational harvesters cannot offer their shellfish for sale or barter.

Recreational scalloping is limited to people who have lived in Connecticut at least one year. Scalloping is restricted by local laws, ordinances or regulations which may require a town scallop license.

Note: There are no approved or conditionally approved areas in Bridgeport, Clinton, East Haven, Ledyard, Montville, New Haven, New London, Old Lyme, Stratford, Westbrook or West Haven, There is one conditionally approved area in Old Saybrook. Call Larry Bonin at 860-395-3125 for information. Shellfishing is not allowed in any fresh water areas.

For more information, see the 2008 Guide to Shellfishing Along the Coast of Connecticut or call the Connecticut Department of Agriculture's Bureau of Aquaculture at 203-874-0696.

Shellfish that may be harvested in Connecticut waters include the Eastern or Atlantic oyster, hard, round, or quahog clam, long, soft-shelled, or steamer clams, razor or jackknife clam, surf clam, blue mussel, whelks, conch, winkles or scungilli, scallop, and bay scallop.

Darien -- Darien Town Hall, Health Department

Renshaw Road Darien, CT 06820 Phone: 203-656-7320

The Town of Darien recreational shellfishing permits are available to non-residents for an annual fee of $40 (January-December). Permits for Darien/Stamford residents are $20. For further information visit or call the Darien Health Department at 203-656-7320.

Fairfield -- Sullivan Independence Hall, Conservation Department

725 Old Post Road Fairfield, CT 06824 Phone: 203- 256-3071

Purchase permit at Conservation Department office; Poster’s Hardware at 2155 Black Rock Tpke (203-368-3242); and Village Hardware at New Fairfield Shopping Center, New Fairfield (203-746-9331). Information: 203- 256-3071

Greenwich -- Greenwich Town Clerk Office

Town Hall, 101 Field Point Road Greenwich, CT 06830 Phone: 203-622-7700

Purchase permits at Greenwich Town Clerk’s office or at Fishermen’s Den Tackle Shop Shellfish hotline: 203-622-7777

Norwalk -- Norwalk Department of Health

137 East Avenue Norwalk, CT 06851 Phone: 203-854-7776

Norwalk Department of Health; Fisherman’s World at Liberty Square, East Norwalk (203-866-1075); and Hiller Brothers at 138 Water Street, South Norwalk (203-857-3474) Information: 203-838-9807.

Stamford -- Stamford Town Hall

888 Washington Blvd Stamford, CT 06901 Phone: 203-977-5889

Purchase permit at Town Clerk’s Office. Shellfishing is for Stamford residents only. Information: 203-977-5889 ext. 2.

Westport -- Westport Town Hall

110 Myrtle Avenue Westport, CT 06880

Purchase permit at Conservation Department at Westport Town Hall, Room 205. Permits will be available primarily through a mail-in process. To download an application, visit the Westport Town website . Select “Conservation Department” and “Shellfish Commission.” Information: 203-838-9807 or 203-341-1170

East Lyme -- East Lyme Town Hall

108 Pennsylvania Avenue Niantic, CT 06357 Phone: 860-739-6233

Purchase permits at East Lyme Town Hall, local bait and tackle shops and the shellfish warden office at state launch ramp. All shellfishing is by permit only. The conditionally approved areas open and close for shellfishing dependent upon the season and/or rainfall. Information: 860-739-6233

Groton -- Groton Town Hall

45 Fort Hill Road Groton, CT 06340

Purchase permit at Town Clerk’s office in Town Hall; Town Police station at 68 Groton Long Point Road, Ken’s Tackle Shop at 213 Thames Street (860-445-6888). To determine which areas are open, call the Shellfish Information line: 441-6793. Maps of the shellfish grounds are available in the Town Clerk’s office.

Stonington

Stonington, CT Phone: 860-599-7575

Permit is $20 for non-residents. Purchase permit at Don’s Dock at 228 N Water Street (860-535-0077); Wilcox Marine at 30 Wilcox Road (860-536-4206). Information: 860-599-7575

Waterford -- Waterford Town Hall

15 Rope Ferry Road Waterford, CT 06385-2886 Phone: 860-444-5812

Purchase permit at Waterford Town Hall; local bait and tackle shops Information: 860-444-5812

Waterford / East Lyme (Niantic River) -- East Lyme Town Hall

108 Pennsylvania Avenue Niantic, CT 06357 Phone: 860-739-6233

Purchase permits at East Lyme Town Hall; local bait and tackle shops; shellfish warden office at state launch ramp. All shellfishing is by permit only. The conditionally approved areas open and close for shellfishing dependent upon the season and/or rainfall. Information: 860-739-6233

Branford -- Branford Police Department

33 Laurel Street Branford, CT 06405 Phone: 203-315-3909

Permits are required for anyone age 16 and older. Purchase permits at Branford Police Department.Valid for the calendar year in which permit was purchased. Cost: Annual, non-resident, $50; daily, non-resident, $10. See map for open shellfishing areas. Call 203-315-3909 for information on openings and closings of recreational shellfishing beds each day. Additional information will be published in local news media as it becomes available. All rivers and streams are permanently closed to shellfishing. Individual areas are subject to openings and closures following periods of heavy rainfall, sewer system discharges and also periodically to facilitate shellfish management. A white “open” sign or a red “closed” sign is posted at Limewood Beach. Information: 203-315-3909

Guilford -- Guilford Town Hall

31 Park Street Guilford, CT 06437 Phone: 203-453-8001

Purchase permit at: Town Hall, Tournament Force Tackle Shop at 2351 Boston Post Road (203-453-2200); and Captain Morgan’s Bait & Tackle, 21 Boston Post Road, Madison (203-245-8665). Information: 203-453-8001

Madison – Madison Town Hall

8 Campus Drive Madison, CT 06443 Phone: 203-245-5600

Purchase permit at: Town Clerk’s office; Captain Morgan’s Bait & Tackle at Beebe Marine Center, 21 Boston Post Road, Madison (203-245-8665). Cost of one-year license is $75 for non-resident. Information: 203-245-5600.

Milford -- Bureau of Aquaculture

190 Rogers Avenue Milford, CT 06460

Permit is not required in Milford waters. No charge for shellfishing. Maps available at the office of the Bureau of Aquaculture in Milford. Information: 203-874-0696