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Visit Rhode Island Block Island

Shellfishing

Block Island offers many locations for shellfishing adventure

5 places to visit

  • Narragansett, RI

    Block Island Ferry

    In the mood for chowder? Take the ferry over to Block Island and go clamming for quahogs

    Experienced clammers and those new to the activity will find plenty of places to dig for quahogs, Rhode Island’s state shellfish, on Block Island. Take the Block Island Ferry over from Narragansett [Point Judith] or Newport, RI and get hunting! Check for permit requirements, rules and regulations on state and island websites before heading out. You’ll want a clam rake, clam-sizing gauge and peck-sized clam buckets (or a garden rake, ruler and small bucket will do). Look for depressions in the sand (or squirting!) – that’s often a quahog clue. The best time to go clamming is just before low tide, when the shellfish are just below the sand surface. Clamming is allowed between sunrise and sunset. And all your bounty must be for personal use — they’re especially great in chowders, or as “stuffies.”
    304 Great Island Road 401-783-7996
    Learn More

  • New Shoreham (Block Island), RI

    Block Island / New Shoreham Shellfishing & Clamming

    A shellfishing license from the Town of New Shoreham is required for anyone age 14 and older to take any shellfish from the Great Salt Pond. Licenses are issued for New Shoreham taxpayers and for summer visitors. Any person may obtain a seasonal license valid from May 16 through October 15. This license is offered on a weekly, monthly and seasonal basis. Shellfish taken under this license cannot be offered for sale or trade. Any person 65 years of age or older may obtain a golden shellfish license for $1. Email: harbors@new-shoreham.com
    401-466-3204
    Visit website

  • Town of New Shoreham (Block Island), RI

    Mosquito Beach Shellfishing & Clamming

    On the southeast shore of the Great Salt Pond, this fishing location is west of Corn Neck Road. It has a salt marsh and beach. Shellfishing is a traditional use of this site by local people. There is room for parking about 10 cars at the boardwalk.
    west of Corn Neck Road

  • New Shoreham (Block Island), RI

    Dunns Bridge

    The bridge over the Harbor Pond Channel, this site has traditionally provided public access for fishing, scenic enjoyment, and shellfishing. No parking is available.
    on Beach Avenue near Corn Neck Road

  • New Shoreham (Block Island), RI

    Ocean Avenue Bridge

    This site is used often by the public for shellfishing, fishing, kayak launching and walking. A town shellfishing permit is required (see above). Area closed to shellfishing from May to October.
    Trims Pond