Pismo Clam in California
Limits, records and where CDFW flags Pismo clam.
- 10 a daydaily bag
Pismo clam in California
Pismo clam (Tivela stultorum) is one of the invertebrates species CDFW covers on salt water. Under the Statewide rule, the bag is 10 a day with a size of 5 in minimum.
The record book shows 6.75 in from Coronado (2010). Its range on the Marine Species Portal covers the central and south coast.
CDFW on Pismo clam
“Historically, populations of Pismo clams were found from Stinson Beach, Marin County, California, to Bahía Magdalena, Baja California Sur, Mexico. Their present known range in California is from Monterey Bay to San Diego including the northern Channel Islands.”
“Pismo clams inhabit the intertidal zone on flat and exposed beaches with high wave action up to 80 feet (ft) (24 meter (m)) but are rarely found in waters deeper than 40 ft (12 m). Most Pismo clams are found in shallow sand from 2 to 12 inches (in) (18 to 31 centimeter (cm)), or at a depth of roughly equal to the length of its own shell.”
- SizeThe largest clam measured was found at Pismo Beach, California, and measured 7.4 in (18.8 cm) across and weighed 3.5 pounds (lb) (1.6 kilogram (kg)). A 4.5 in (11.4 cm) Pismo clam typically weighs less than one pound (0.45 kg).
- SeasonPismo clam take is legal in Santa Cruz and Monterey counties from September 1 through April 30 and open year-round in all other counties.
- GearClammers can use spades, shovels, hoes, rakes, or potato forks for digging, a knife when diving, or other tools operated by hand except spears or gaff hooks.
- Where fishedPismo clams can be taken from Santa Cruz to San Diego; however, legal-sized Pismo clams are currently difficult to find anywhere in California.
- Other namesGiant Tevela
Quoted from CDFW, checked October 2026.
California limits on Pismo clam
| Where | Daily bag | Size | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Statewide | 10 a day | 5 in minimum | Santa Cruz and Monterey counties: September 1 through April 30; open year-round in all other counties |
CDFW 2026 Freshwater and Ocean Sport Fishing Regulations. All California limits.
Pismo clam in the record book
| Category | Method | Weight | Where | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ocean diving | Free | 6.75 in | Coronado | 2010 |
| Ocean diving | Free | 6.75 in | Rincon | 2014 |
| Ocean diving | Free | 6.75 in | Coronado Beach | 2025 |
CDFW Angling and Diving Records. Angler names left out.
Species near Pismo clam
- California MusselInvertebrates
- California Spiny LobsterInvertebrates
- California Two-Spot OctopusInvertebrates
- Dungeness CrabInvertebrates
- Kellet’s WhelkInvertebrates
- Pacific Gaper Clam and Fat Gaper ClamInvertebrates
- Pacific Geoduck ClamInvertebrates
- Pacific Razor ClamInvertebrates
- Red Sea UrchinInvertebrates
- Rock CrabsInvertebrates
- Sheep CrabInvertebrates
- Slender CrabInvertebrates
California Pismo clam, answered
How many Pismo clam can I keep in California?
10 a day (Statewide), size 5 in minimum.
What does the California record Pismo clam weigh?
6.75 in from Coronado (2010).
Where can I catch Pismo clam in California?
Pismo clams can be taken from Santa Cruz to San Diego; however, legal-sized Pismo clams are currently difficult to find anywhere in California.
Do hatcheries raise Pismo clam?
No.
What does Pismo clam look like?
The largest clam measured was found at Pismo Beach, California, and measured 7.4 in (18.8 cm) across and weighed 3.5 pounds (lb) (1.6 kilogram (kg)). A 4.5 in (11.4 cm) Pismo clam typically weighs less than one pound (0.
What months can I keep Pismo clam?
Santa Cruz and Monterey counties: September 1 through April 30; open year-round in all other counties
Do I need a report card for Pismo clam?
The $64.54 resident license covers it; sturgeon, steelhead and lobster need cards.
Do party boats target Pismo clam?
No listing names it.
Find Pismo clam near you
Open a water above for launches and limits.