Soft Clam regulations in New York

Clams & oysters · Shellfish & crabs · 2026 season

Is it a keeper? A soft clam is a keeper today if it measures at least 1.5 inches, with ½ bushel per day.

Soft Clam size limit, season and daily limit

Where	Season	Size limit	Daily limit
NY certified shellfish areas	Open year-round	1.5 inch minimum	½ bushel per day

Exact NYSDEC wording

Season: Open year-round from certified areas
Size: 1.5 inches long
Limit: 1/2 bushel per day
NY certified shellfish areas — as printed: “Soft clam — at least 1.5 inches long; recreational limit 1/2 bushel.”

Source: NYSDEC, captured 2026-10-04 (2026 season).

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About the soft clam

Species of mollusc

Soft-shell clams or Sand gaper, scientific name Mya arenaria, popularly called "steamers", "softshells", "piss clams", "Ipswich clams", or "Essex clams", are a species of edible saltwater clam, a marine bivalve mollusk in the family Myidae.

Text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0. Regulations on this page come from NYSDEC, not Wikipedia.

All 48 New York species A–Z →

Frequently asked

What is the size limit for Soft Clam in New York?

1.5 inch minimum in New York state waters.

How many Soft Clam can you keep per day in New York?

½ bushel per day.

When is Soft Clam season in New York?

Open year-round.

Is my Soft Clam a keeper today?

A soft clam is a keeper today if it measures at least 1.5 inches, with ½ bushel per day.