Shellfishing
Shellfishing in Mystic Connecticut is a fun activity for all ages.
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. Shellfishing is not allowed in any fresh water areas.
For more information, see the Online Resource Guide for Connecticut Shellfish and Aquaculture 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.
5 places to visit
Groton Shellfishing & Clamming
Groton Town Hall, 45 Fort Hill Road Groton, CT 860-441-6640 Permits: Buy permits at Groton Town Hall, 45 Fort Hill Road, Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. Cash or check accepted. Buy permits at the town Police Department, 68 Groton Long Point Road, evenings and weekend. Cash and exact change only.
Fees: Residents: Daily,$5; weekly, $10; monthly, $12; yearly, $25; non-residents: daily, $8; weekly, $15; monthly, $20; yearly, $35. Senior resident, $10; senior non-resident, $20
Shellfish Infoline: 860-441-6793. - Designated Shellfishing Area Map (PDF)
Fees: Residents: Daily,$5; weekly, $10; monthly, $12; yearly, $25; non-residents: daily, $8; weekly, $15; monthly, $20; yearly, $35. Senior resident, $10; senior non-resident, $20
Shellfish Infoline: 860-441-6793. - Designated Shellfishing Area Map (PDF)
Stonington Shellfishing & Clamming
Stonington, CT 860-599-7575 Recreational permits for clams, oysters and other shellfish are available on an annual basis. Scallop harvesting is allowed on a seasonal basis, also by daily or seasonal permit. A permit is required for fishers age 12 and older.
Fees: Stonington resident, $15; resident senior, free; non-resident. $30; non-resident senior, $10. A shellfish permit is good for the calendar year in which it is issued. Buy permits at Don’s Dock, 228 North Water Street (860-535-0077)
Bed Closures: To determine the current status (open or closed) of recreational shellfishing areas in Stonington, call 860-599-7575. Recreational shellfishing map.
Fees: Stonington resident, $15; resident senior, free; non-resident. $30; non-resident senior, $10. A shellfish permit is good for the calendar year in which it is issued. Buy permits at Don’s Dock, 228 North Water Street (860-535-0077)
Bed Closures: To determine the current status (open or closed) of recreational shellfishing areas in Stonington, call 860-599-7575. Recreational shellfishing map.
Waterford Shellfishing & Clamming
Waterford Town Hall, 15 Rope Ferry Road Waterford, CT 06385 860-444-5812 Purchase permits at Waterford Town Hall; local bait and tackle shops.
Fees: Yearly fee is $25 for residents; $35 for non-residents. Permit year is April 1 to December 31. Monthly fee is resident, $15; non-resident, $20. Weekly fee is residents, $10; non-resident, $15. Daily fee is resident, $5; non-resident, $10. Seniors pay $12 for resident and $25 for non-resident in all time periods.
Information: Shellfish Information Line is 860-739-6233. Shellfish Status Information is 860-444-5812
Fees: Yearly fee is $25 for residents; $35 for non-residents. Permit year is April 1 to December 31. Monthly fee is resident, $15; non-resident, $20. Weekly fee is residents, $10; non-resident, $15. Daily fee is resident, $5; non-resident, $10. Seniors pay $12 for resident and $25 for non-resident in all time periods.
Information: Shellfish Information Line is 860-739-6233. Shellfish Status Information is 860-444-5812
Waterford / East Lyme / Niantic River / Niantic Bay
East Lyme Town Hall, 108 Pennsylvania Avenue Niantic, CT 06357 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. - Niantic Bay Fishing Grounds Map
Information: 860-739-6233
Information: 860-739-6233
Bluff Point Coastal Reserve
Walking in wooded peninsula and along rocky coast; seabird watching; shell fishing allowed
Depot Road, off US Route 1 Groton, CT 06340 860-444-7591 A permit is required for shell fishing off the rocky coast of this peninsula. Permits are issued by the Town of Groton, at Route 1 and Depot Road. - Park Map (PDF)