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Connecticut - Shellfishing Connecticut >
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Shellfishing
Shellfishing Is a Fun Outdoor Adventure for a Connecticut Vacation
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.
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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
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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.
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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
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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
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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Milford -- Bureau of Aquaculture
190 Rogers Avenue
Milford, CT 06460 
Phone: 203-874-0696
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
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