Connecticut - 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.

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

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.

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  
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