Atlantic sea scallop Regulations in New Hampshire (2026)

Placopecten magellanicus

Recreational atlantic sea scallop rules in New Hampshire saltwater, as published by the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, Marine Division. Last checked November 7, 2026.

Size limit

3.5 in minimum

Bag limit

(i) No person shall take or possess from the waters under the…

Season

(b) Taking of sea scallops ( Placopecten magellanicus ) from the…

Can I keep it today? Check your harbor & date

Recreational Atlantic sea scallop rules in New Hampshire

Where: Statewide
Size limit: (h) The minimum shell height for Atlantic sea scallops shall be 3 1/2 inches. There shall be no tolerance for the shell height and scallops shall be landed in the shell when taken by hand.
Bag limit: (i) No person shall take or possess from the waters under the jurisdiction of the state more than: (1) 75 pounds of shucked scallop meats per day; or (2) 625 pounds of scallops in the shell.
Possession: (i) No person shall take or possess from the waters under the jurisdiction of the state more than: (1) 75 pounds of shucked scallop meats per day; or (2) 625 pounds of scallops in the shell.
Season: (b) Taking of sea scallops ( Placopecten magellanicus ) from the waters under the jurisdiction of the state shall be prohibited from April 15 to October 31 by hand and from April 15 to November 30 by dredge.

(c) Scallops shall only be taken by hand or by dredge.
(g) Only one dredge shall be used to take scallops.
Dredge closure differs: (b) Taking of sea scallops ( Placopecten magellanicus ) from the waters under the jurisdiction of the state shall be prohibited from April 15 to October 31 by hand and from April 15 to November 30 by dredge.
(f) No possession of other marine species including lobsters, finfish, or shellfish shall be allowed while taking scallops by dredge, except surf clams and mahogany quahogs in accordance with Fis 606.01.

Official source

Quick answers

What is the atlantic sea scallop size limit in New Hampshire?

(h) The minimum shell height for Atlantic sea scallops shall be 3 1/2 inches. There shall be no tolerance for the shell height and scallops shall be landed in the shell when taken by hand..

How many atlantic sea scallop can I keep in New Hampshire?

(i) No person shall take or possess from the waters under the jurisdiction of the state more than: (1) 75 pounds of shucked scallop meats per day; or (2) 625 pounds of scallops in the shell..

When is atlantic sea scallop season in New Hampshire?

(b) Taking of sea scallops ( Placopecten magellanicus ) from the waters under the jurisdiction of the state shall be prohibited from April 15 to October 31 by hand and from April 15 to November 30 by dredge.. 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 New Hampshire

All New Hampshire saltwater fishing regulations →

Source: New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, Marine Division. Most anglers need a New Hampshire saltwater license or registry: get one here.