The California Department of Fish and Wildlife requires clam diggers to have a valid sport fishing license.
- Pacific littleneck clams are found along the coast of California in sandy mud and near rocks and reefs, about 6 inches below the surface.
- Good spots are Bodega Bay, Tomales Bay, Los Angeles, Orange County, and Malibu.
- Clamming is generally done from November to April during minus tide events.
- Pismo clams must measure at least 4 1/2′′ in length to be possessed.
- Undersized Pismo clams must be immediately reburied, two inches deep, in the area where dug.
- Every clammer must carry a device to measure legal clam size.
- Do not eat clams from red tide waters, as clams can absorb pollution.
- A fishing license is required for clam harvesting. Some areas have seasonal quarantines.
- Yes, a saltwater fishing license is required to dig for clams in California.
- The limit is fifty clams in total with a minimum size requirement.
- Razor clams can be found from the California-Oregon border to Pismo Beach. They prefer sandy beaches with surf.