Washington Clam and Butter Clam in California
California rules, records and waters for Washington clam and butter clam.
- n/adaily bag
California Washington clam and butter clam at a glance
CDFW covers Washington clam and butter clam (Saxidomus nuttalli and Saxidomus giganteus) among its invertebrates species, found on salt water. The CDFW tables carry no row for it.
The Marine Species Portal lists the north, central and south regions.
How CDFW describes Washington clam and butter clam
“The Washington clam ranges from Humboldt Bay, California, to San Quentin Bay, Baja California, Mexico, while the Butter clam ranges from Sitka, Alaska to San Francisco, California.”
“These species live intertidally at depths of 30 to 46 centimeters (12 to 18 inches) in mud, sandy mud or sand of bays, lagoons and estuaries.”
- SizeThese clams grow to lengths of nearly 17.78 centimeters (7 inches) and attain a weight of about 0.91 kilograms (2 pounds).
- SeasonThe recreational season is open year-round, and clams can only be taken between ½ hour before sunrise and ½ hour after sunset around good low tides. Additionally the recreational fishery may be closed due to health concerns due to naturally
- GearThe clams are dug by shovels to a depth of 30 to 46 centimeters (12 to 18 inches) near the low tide line.
- Where fishedSimilar to Gaper clams, Washington clams are taken in Humboldt Bay, Bodega Bay, Tomales Bay, Drakes Estero, and parts of Elkhorn Slough. Bolinas Lagoon was historically another good clamming location however, in the 1990’s, there was a note
Quoted from CDFW, checked October 2026.
If you like Washington clam and butter clam
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- California Two-Spot OctopusInvertebrates
- Dungeness CrabInvertebrates
- Kellet’s WhelkInvertebrates
- Pacific Gaper Clam and Fat Gaper ClamInvertebrates
- Pacific Geoduck ClamInvertebrates
- Pacific Razor ClamInvertebrates
- Pismo ClamInvertebrates
- Red Sea UrchinInvertebrates
- Rock CrabsInvertebrates
- Sheep CrabInvertebrates
Things to know about Washington clam and butter clam
What is the California bag limit on Washington clam and butter clam?
Check the CDFW regulations; no row is listed.
Where was the record Washington clam and butter clam caught?
CDFW lists no record for it.
Which California waters hold Washington clam and butter clam?
Similar to Gaper clams, Washington clams are taken in Humboldt Bay, Bodega Bay, Tomales Bay, Drakes Estero, and parts of Elkhorn Slough. Bolinas Lagoon was historically another good clamming location however, in the 1990
Is Washington clam and butter clam part of the stocking plan?
Not in the 2026 trout and inland salmon plan.
How do I identify Washington clam and butter clam?
These clams grow to lengths of nearly 17.78 centimeters (7 inches) and attain a weight of about 0.91 kilograms (2 pounds).
Does California close the season on Washington clam and butter clam?
The recreational season is open year-round, and clams can only be taken between ½ hour before sunrise and ½ hour after sunset around good low tides. Additionally the recreational fishery may be closed due to health conce
Which California license covers Washington clam and butter clam?
A license from age 16 at $64.54; check the card rules for salmon and sturgeon.
Which landings report Washington clam and butter clam?
None list it in their counts; see the guides page.
Plan a Washington clam and butter clam trip
Choose a water from the lists on this page.