SlotGaugeCheck a catchFreshwater Mussels (native) regulations in South Carolina
· Shellfish & crabs · 2026 season
Freshwater Mussels (native) size limit, season and daily limit
| Where | Season | Size limit | Daily limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| SC freshwaters | Closed to harvest | — | — |
Notes
- Native freshwater mussels are off-limits without a permit; the small non-native Asian clam (Corbicula) may be taken.
Exact South Carolina Department of Natural Resources wording
- Season
- Possession prohibited without SCDNR permit
- Size
- Possession prohibited
- Limit
- Possession prohibited without SCDNR permit
- SC freshwaters — as printed
- “Native freshwater mussels may not be taken without a permit from SCDNR. The non-native Asian clams, also known as Corbicula may be taken. Contact the Freshwater Fisheries Section at (803) 734-3891 for permits.”
Source: South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, captured 2026-10-01 (2026 season).
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About the freshwater mussels
Species of mollusc
The freshwater pearl mussel is an endangered species of freshwater mussel, an aquatic bivalve mollusc in the family Margaritiferidae.
Read more about Freshwater pearl mussel on Wikipedia →
Text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0. Regulations on this page come from South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, not Wikipedia.
All 106 South Carolina species A–Z →
Frequently asked
What is the size limit for Freshwater Mussels (native) in South Carolina?
No size limit in South Carolina state waters.
How many Freshwater Mussels (native) can you keep per day in South Carolina?
Possession prohibited without SCDNR permit.
When is Freshwater Mussels (native) season in South Carolina?
Open year-round.
Is my Freshwater Mussels (native) a keeper today?
Freshwater Mussels (native) is closed to harvest. Release it.