Shellfishing in New Hampshire

Shellfishing License

A shellfishing license is required to harvest clams or oysters; NH residents only. Resident Softshell Clam and Resident Oyster licenses are available to purchase online.

Clamming in New Hampshire

Visit the NH Coastal Atlas by clicking this link, you will leave the Fish and Game website for the latest information on shellfish harvest closures. Shellfish harvesters are advised to visit the online NH Coastal Atlas or check the telephone NH Clam Flat Hotline at 1-800-43-CLAMS or for unscheduled updates. Areas labeled as "open" are subject to temporary closures as a result of weather and other factors.

If an emergency closure of Little Bay and the Bellamy River occurs, the telephone hotline will be updated by 8:30 AM on Saturday.

Because the NH Coastal Atlas is now the primary resource for information on shellfish closures, this NH Fish and Game Department web page will no longer provide weekly updates.

The NH Coastal Atlas gives you quick access, on your personal computer or mobile device, to information on the status of the clam flats, oyster beds, and other shellfish harvesting areas, beach swimming advisories, and coastal public access sites. You can sign up to get text messages or email notifications (PC only) whenever new shellfish harvest information is posted. NH Coastal Atlas is maintained by the NH Department of Environmental Services.

NH Department of Environmental Services - Shellfish Program (603) 559-1509