Shellfish & Clamming
Alaska Shellfish License 2026
Requirements, fees, and regulations for harvesting clams, oysters, and mussels in Alaska. Alaska offers recreational shellfish harvesting statewide. A sport fishing license covers most shellfish activities; no separate shellfish license required for residents.
Clam Season Open
Mussel Available
2026 License Quick Facts
Verified 2026
Recreational Fee
$25.00
Sport fishing license required; commercial operations need separate permit.
Commercial Fee
$300.00
Commercial license
Daily Limit
60 clams; 120 mussels per day
Per harvester
Clam Season
Open
Check current closures
Shellfish Species
Shellfish Available in Alaska
Species availability depends on coastal habitat, water quality, and active management programs.
Clams ✓
Oysters
Mussels ✓
Step-by-Step
How to Get a Shellfish License in Alaska
1
Verify Open Areas
Before purchasing a license, check that shellfish beds in your target area are currently open. Alaska Dept. of Fish & Game maintains an up-to-date list of approved harvesting areas. Water quality closures can occur quickly after rain events.
2
Purchase Your License
Purchase online at Alaska Dept. of Fish & Game, or in person at authorized license agents throughout Alaska.
Recreational fee: $25.00.
3
Know Your Limits
Daily limit in Alaska: 60 clams; 120 mussels per day.
Size minimums also apply — undersized shellfish must be returned to the water. Keep your license on your person while harvesting.
4
Harvest Responsibly
Use appropriate gear (clam rakes, oyster tongs) and handle shellfish carefully to minimize disturbance to the surrounding habitat. Replace any rocks or substrate you disturb and never harvest from closed or unclassified waters.
Requirements
Alaska Shellfish License Requirements
Valid sport fishing license required for residents 18+. Non-residents must purchase non-resident license.
Important Notes
Alaska-Specific Information
Alaska's shellfish harvest is closely monitored by the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the Alaska Department of Fish & Game (ADF&G) due to ongoing risks of Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) and other biotoxins; harvest closures are issued regularly and must be checked before any collection. Commercial shellfish harvesting in Alaska requires an ADF&G commercial fishing permit and is subject to separate quota and area restrictions by management district. Recreational harvesters may collect clams, mussels, and cockles under a sport fishing license, with daily bag limits varying by species and area.
Source: Alaska Dept. of Fish & Game (www.adfg.alaska.gov).
Requirements verified 2026. Always confirm current water quality closures and regulations directly with Alaska Dept. of Fish & Game before harvesting.