Saltwater · Central
Clam - Geoduck
Ocean regulations can change in-season. Confirm with the 2026 Ocean Sport Fishing Guide and CDFW before you fish.
Species group
CLAM
Season
-- Except as provided, there are no closed seasons, bag limits or size limits on saltwater clams. -- Fishing hours: One-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset.
Depth limit
None
Daily bag limit
3 total the first three geoduck clams dug must be retained as the bag limit regardless of size or broken condition. Clams commonly termed horse clams or horseneck clams are not geoduck clams.
Minimum size
None
Gear restrictions
-- Special gear provisions: Spades, shovels, hoes, rakes or other appliances operated by hand, except spears or gaff hooks, may be used to take clams. No instrument capable of being used to dig clams may be possessed between one-half hour after sunset and one-half hour before sunrise, on any beach of this state, except tools and implements used in the work of cleaning, repairing or maintaining such beach when possessed by a person authorized by appropriate authority to perform such work. --Clams ashore: Clams which have a size limit when being taken must be brought ashore above the high water mark in such a condition that the size can be determined. Such clams not in the shell may not be transported or possessed, except when being prepared for immediate consumption. Clams which have a size limit and are not retained shall be immediately reburied in the area from which dug.
Identification
The Geoduck is native to the coastal waters of western Canada and the northwest United States. The shell of the clam ranges from 6 inches to 8 inches in length, but the extremely long siphons make the clam itself much longer than this: the siphons alone can be 3.3 feet in length. The Geoduck is the largest burrowing clam in the world. It is also one of the longest-living animals of any type, with a lifespan of up to 140 years. The oldest Geoduck Clam has been recorded at 168 years old.