Shellfishing in Fairfield Connecticut is a fun activity for all ages.

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.

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.

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