Before You Harvest Clams or Mussels

For recreational biotoxin openings and closure information click here.

1. Obtain an Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) recreational shellfish license
• An ODFW license is required to recreationally harvest molluscan shellfish for those 12 years or older.
• Limits and open areas may change. Check for information about ODFW licenses online.

2. Call the shellfish safety hotline to verify the harvest area is not closed due to biotoxins.

3. Contact ODFW to verify the harvest area is not closed due to an ODFW conservation closure. ODFW issues a conservation closure each year from July 15th to September 31st to protect newly set razor clams, but other closures may occur.

4. Review the ODFW shellfish regulations online that apply to the Pacific Ocean, coastal bays, and beaches. For complete information, Sport Fishing Regulations books may be obtained at ODFW offices and wherever licenses are sold.

5. Plan ahead and review safe handling and consumption guidelines.

ODFW conservation closures

Phone: 503-947-6000

• For Consumers: Shellfish Handling, Storing, and Cooking

  From the Washington Department of Health.

• Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife Shellfish License

  ODFW shellfish license information

• Recreational Shellfish Regulations

  ODFW crabbing and clamming recreation update

• Recreational Shellfish What's Open

  ODFW recreation report

• Where to Dig Bay Clams

  ODFW bay clam dig locations