Sunny summer days and low tides are right around the corner, and CDFW scientists are collecting, counting, and measuring clams to document the health of the population.When digging in wet beach sand on the Central Coast, you may encounter the iconic Pismo clam. Before collecting these beachy bivalves, what do you need to know? Leave the small clams in the sand, to help the population expand!
CDFW has a new Pismo clam FAQ page here:
Rules to Avoid a Ticket:
• A California fishing license is required to go clamming for everyone 16 years and older, regardless of if you keep them or not. An Ocean Enhancement Validation is also required if fishing in ocean waters south of Point Arguello (Santa Barbara County).
• The minimum Pismo clam legal size is 4.5 inches, south of Monterey County. In Monterey County and north, the size is 5 inches.
• Undersized clams require immediate reburying in wet sand. Rebury clams with their ligament (“hinge”) facing up and the hinge end facing the ocean. For instructions see: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D1Tysbc32Xs
• Pismo clams may be taken any time of the year with the exception of Santa Cruz and Monterey counties where the season runs from Sept. 1 through April 30.
• You can only keep up to 10 legal-sized clams, and must stop clamming as soon as you have 10.
• Legal clamming hours are from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset.
• Possession of a fixed measuring device for Pismo clam is required.
• No clams shall be taken within state marine reserves or other marine protected areas that prohibit the take of clams.
For complete clam regulations, refer to the Ocean Sport Fishing Regulations booklet online (CCR Title 14, Sections 29.05, 29.20, 29.40). https://wildlife.ca.gov/.../Spo.../Invertebrate-Fishing-Regs
To purchase a fishing license, go to:
To report poaching, call CalTip or report online: 1-888-334-CalTIP (888-334-2258)
Photos of CDFW Environmental Scientist Derek Stein and State Parks Jennifer Holiday collecting data.
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