Shellfishing in New Haven 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.

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

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