You need a shellfish harvesting permit from New York State to dig clams or trap crabs in most public waters

New York issues two separate permits for shellfish harvesting: one for clamming and one for crabbing. Both are required if you plan to take either species from public waters, bays, or tributaries. The permits are inexpensive and issued by the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), but the rules about where you can harvest and how much you can take differ significantly between the two.

You do not need a permit if you are harvesting on private property with the owner's written permission, but you do need one for any public water — including tidal rivers, bays, and the Hudson River estuary. The permit itself does not may provide access to a specific location; some areas are closed to harvesting year-round or seasonally, and you must check local restrictions before you go.

Key Takeaways

  • New York requires separate permits for clamming and crabbing, both issued by the Department of Environmental Conservation, and both are required to harvest from public waters.
  • Clamming permits allow you to take up to 150 hard clams per day, while crabbing permits allow blue crabs with no daily limit but strict size and sex restrictions.
  • Permits cost around $20 to $25 each and are valid for one calendar year, with separate seasons for each species depending on the water body.
  • Many areas in New York are closed to shellfish harvesting due to water quality or conservation concerns, so you must verify that your intended location is open before you harvest.
  • You can purchase permits online through the DEC website, by mail, or at authorized retailers including tackle shops and sporting goods stores.

Clamming Permit Requirements and Bag Limits

The clamming permit allows you to harvest hard clams (littlenecks, cherrystones, and topnecks) from designated public waters. The daily bag limit is 150 hard clams per person, and you must measure each clam to ensure it meets the minimum size of 1 inch shell thickness. Soft-shell clams have a separate 50-clam daily limit if you are harvesting in areas where they are present.

Clamming season varies by location. In most of Long Island's bays and the Hudson River estuary, clamming is open year-round, but some areas close seasonally or have restricted windows. The DEC publishes a list of open and closed areas by water body, updated annually. You must check this list before you dig, because harvesting in a closed area results in a fine and confiscation of your catch.

You can use hand rakes, forks, or dredges to harvest clams, but dredging is prohibited in some areas to protect the bottom. Clamming at night is legal, but you cannot use lights to attract clams — you are limited to what you can find by hand or rake in daylight or with a flashlight for navigation only.

Crabbing Permit Requirements and Size Restrictions

The crabbing permit covers blue crabs taken from New York's tidal waters, including the Hudson River, East River, and Long Island bays. Unlike clamming, there is no daily bag limit for crabs, but size and sex restrictions are strict. Male crabs must measure at least 4.5 inches across the shell (point to point), and you cannot harvest female crabs at all — any female you catch must be returned to the water immediately.

Crabbing season typically runs from May through December, though exact dates vary by water body. Some areas open earlier or close later depending on water temperature and population surveys. The DEC updates seasonal closures annually, and you should verify the dates for your specific location before you set traps or lines.

You can harvest crabs using hand lines, dip nets, or crab traps. If you use traps, they must have escape hatches to allow undersized crabs and females to exit. Traps left unattended overnight must be marked with a buoy bearing your name and address, and you cannot leave more than two traps per person in the water at one time.

How to Purchase a Permit and Where to Buy

Permits are sold through three channels: online via the DEC website, by mail through the DEC office in Albany, or at authorized retailers across New York. The online option is fastest — you can purchase and print your permit the same day. The DEC website has a searchable list of authorized retailers by county, which includes most tackle shops, sporting goods stores, and some bait-and-tackle shops.

Permit costs vary slightly by retailer but are typically around $20 to $25 for residents. Non-residents pay a higher rate, usually in the $30 to $40 range. Permits are valid for one calendar year (January through December), so if you purchase a permit in November, it expires at the end of that December. You must carry your permit with you while harvesting — a digital copy on your phone is acceptable, but a printed copy is safer in case your phone dies or loses signal.

If you purchase by mail, send a check or money order to the DEC Regional Office in your region along with a completed application form. Processing takes two to three weeks, so plan ahead if you need the permit before a specific date. The DEC website lists all regional offices and their mailing addresses.

Closed Areas and Water Quality Restrictions

New York closes many shellfish harvesting areas due to water quality concerns, bacterial contamination, or conservation needs. The most significant closures are in urban waterways like the Hudson River below the George Washington Bridge, parts of the East River, and Newtown Creek. These areas are tested regularly, but they remain closed because stormwater runoff and combined sewer overflows make them unsafe for harvesting.

The DEC publishes a detailed map of open and closed areas on its website, updated annually. Some areas are permanently closed; others are seasonal. A few areas open and close based on water quality testing — if a bay tests clean after a period of closure, it may reopen. Before you plan a clamming or crabbing trip, download the current map for your region and cross-reference it with the specific water body where you intend to harvest.

If you harvest from a closed area, you face a fine of $250 to $500 and confiscation of your catch. The DEC enforces these rules through regular patrols, especially in popular clamming and crabbing areas during peak season.

Reporting Your Harvest and Keeping Records

New York does not require individual harvesters to report their catch, but commercial harvesters and those selling clams or crabs must keep detailed records and report to the DEC. If you are harvesting for personal use only, you do not need to submit harvest data. However, the DEC may ask you to report your catch if you are part of a research or monitoring program — this is rare and voluntary.

You should keep a personal record of where and when you harvest, how many clams or crabs you take, and any observations about water conditions or wildlife. This information is useful if you plan to return to the same location or if the DEC asks questions about your harvest. It also helps you track whether a location is productive and worth your time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a fishing license to clam or crab in New York?

No. Clamming and crabbing permits are separate from fishing licenses. You need only the shellfish harvesting permit for the species you are taking. A fishing license is required for finfish but not for shellfish.

Can I harvest clams or crabs on private property without a permit?

Yes, if you have written permission from the property owner. The permit requirement applies only to public waters. If you are harvesting on someone else's private waterfront, ask them to provide written permission in case a DEC officer asks to see it.

What happens if I harvest more than the daily bag limit?

Possession of more than the legal limit is a violation. The DEC can fine you $250 to $500 and confiscate your catch. Officers patrol popular clamming areas during peak season, so the risk of being caught is real, especially on weekends.

Can I sell clams or crabs I harvest with a recreational permit?

No. Recreational permits are for personal use only. Selling shellfish requires a commercial license and compliance with additional health and safety regulations. Selling under a recreational permit is illegal and results in significant fines.

How do I know if a water body is open for clamming or crabbing?

Check the DEC's shellfish harvesting map on its website, which lists all open and closed areas by water body and season. You can also call the DEC regional office for your area to confirm before you go. Some areas are open year-round; others have seasonal closures or are permanently closed.