Can I Keep?Razor Clam Regulations in California (2026)
Siliqua patula
Recreational razor clam rules in California saltwater, as published by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Last checked November 7, 2026.
Limits differ by area — the summary below is the first published rule; see every rule underneath.
Can I keep it today? Check your harbor & date
Recreational Razor Clam rules in California
- Where
- Northern Management Area
- Season
- The fishery for Pacific razor clam (Siliqua patula) is closed in Humboldt County and Del Norte County. For the latest information on current fishing season closures related to domoic acid, please call CDFW’s Domoic Acid Fishery Closure Information Line at (831) 649-2883.
- Status from the CDFW status icon for this section (redcircle.png).
- This closure will remain in effect until further notice, due to the California Department of Public Health advisory that consumers avoid eating sport-harvested razor clams from Humboldt County and Del Norte County beaches.
- Dangerous levels of domoic acid have been found in sport-harvested razor clams.
- For the latest information on current fishing season closures related to domoic acid, please call CDFW’s Domoic Acid Fishery Closure Information Line at (831) 649-2883.
- To get the latest health advisory information, call CDPH's toll-free Shellfish Information Line at (800) 553-4133 or check CDPH's recreational bivalve shellfish advisory interactive map.
- Where
- Mendocino Management Area
- Season
- The fishery for Pacific razor clam (Siliqua patula) in Humboldt County is closed until further notice. The fishery will reopen when a health risk no longer exists due to unhealthy levels of domoic acid in Humboldt County razor clams. To get the latest information on current fishing season closures related to domoic acid, please call CDFW’s Domoic Acid Fishery Closure Information Line at (831) 649-2883.
- Status from the CDFW status icon for this section (redcircle.png).
- The fishery will reopen when a health risk no longer exists due to unhealthy levels of domoic acid in Humboldt County razor clams.
- To get the latest information on current fishing season closures related to domoic acid, please call CDFW’s Domoic Acid Fishery Closure Information Line at (831) 649-2883.
- For the latest health advisory information, call CDPH's toll-free Shellfish Information Line at (800) 553-4133 or check CDPH's recreational bivalve shellfish advisory interactive map.
Commercial rules
Show 1 commercial rule
- Where
- Statewide
- Bag limit
- Prohibited: may not be taken or possessed for commercial purposes.
- Digest 'Prohibited Species' list: • Northern razor clams (Siliqua patula)
- License: Any resident 16 years of age or older who uses or operates, or assists in using or operating, any boat, aircraft, net, trap, line, or other appliance to take fish or amphibia for commercial purposes, or who causes to be brought ashore any fish or amphibia at any point in the state for the purpose of selling them in a fresh state, or who contributes materially to the activities on board a commercial fishing vessel is required to have a commercial fishing license. (FGC §7850).
- Source: 2026 California Commercial Fishing Digest (CDFW); regulations may change in-season.
Quick answers
When is razor clam season in California?
The fishery for Pacific razor clam (Siliqua patula) is closed in Humboldt County and Del Norte County. For the latest information on current fishing season closures related to domoic acid, please call CDFW’s Domoic Acid Fishery Closure Information Line at (831) 649-2883.. Whether it is open on a specific day can change by emergency rule — check today's status in the app.
More clams, oysters & scallops in California
All California saltwater fishing regulations →
Source: California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Most anglers need a California saltwater license or registry: get one here.