Littleneck clam

Oregon has two littleneck clams that are tasty treats. The native littleneck clam is a bit more round than the Manila littleneck clams, a related non-native clam that is farmed in mariculture operations and is available on local markets as "steamers". Both can be harvested as part of the bay clam limit.

Features: Circular in shape and 1.5-2.5 inches across. Identified by concentric lines and radiating ridges. Longer lived and less abundant than cockles.

Habitat: High salinity areas of sand, mud, gravel, or rock. Harvest them in Tillamook, Netarts, Yaquina, and Coos‌ bays.

Techniques: These clams can be found in rocky nearshore areas within 6 inches of the surface. Using a rake for these clams is the best harvest method.‌

Learn more here before getting started clamming. ‌‌

See Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations for information on the daily catch limits for bay clams.‌

How to dig for little neck clams (video)

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Current conditions and opportunities to crab and clam. Updated weekly by shellfish biologists.

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