Saltwater · Mendocino
Clam - Razor
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 -- Open season: 1. Clam Beach (also known as Little River Beach) in Humboldt County: Between Mad River and south of the boundary line due west from the Clam Beach south parking lot trailhead (40° 59.67’ N. lat.) open only during even-numbered years; between Moonstone Beach and north of the boundary line due west from the Clam Beach south parking lot trailhead (40° 59.67’ N. lat.) open only during ODD-NUMBERED YEARS. 2. In Del Norte County: North of Battery Point open only during odd-numbered years; south of Battery Point open only during EVEN-NUMBERED YEARS. -- All other areas: Open all year.
Depth limit
None
Daily bag limit
Limit: 20. The first 20 clams dug must be retained as the bag limit regardless of size or broken condition.
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
-- This species has an elongated oblong narrow shell, which ranges from 3 to 6 inches in length in the southern portion of its range, with individuals up to 11 inches found in Alaska. It is similar to the smaller Atlantic razor clam, Siliqua costata, which is found on the East Coast of the United States. The name razor clam is also used for the Atlantic jackknife clam, Ensis directus. While the Atlantic jackknife clam is in the same family as the Pacific razor clam the jacknife clam is in a different genus. -- Pacific razor clams are a highly desirable shellfish species and are collected by both commercial and recreational harvesters. Razor clams, like other shellfish, may accumulate dangerous levels of the marine toxin domoic acid. Harvesters should check current public health recommendations by marine authorities before collecting razor clams.