SCDNR opened the 2026-2027 recreational shellfish season one half hour before sunrise on October 1, 2026. It runs through May 15, 2027 unless conditions require changes. A saltwater fishing license is required.
Photo is illustrative and does not show the fish or boat in this story.
The season and the limits
SCDNR announced on September 25, 2026 that recreational oyster and clam harvest opens October 1, 2026 and runs through May 15, 2027. According to the release, the recreational limits are:
- Oysters: up to 2 U.S. bushels per person per day.
- Clams: up to ½ bushel per person per day, and clams must be at least 1 inch thick.
- Days: harvest is limited to 2 days in any 7-day period.
- Possession: no more than 3 personal limits per boat or vehicle, regardless of how many people are aboard.
Limits can change during the season. Check the SCDNR release and the shellfish grounds maps before you go.
License and closures
Anyone 16 or older needs a South Carolina saltwater recreational fisheries license to harvest shellfish; see our license guide. Shellfish beds close temporarily after heavy rain and for water-quality reasons. The release directs harvesters to the S.C. Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) shellfish closure information; its hotline is 1-800-285-1618.
On the Grand Strand
Murrells Inlet has public shellfish grounds marked on the SCDNR maps, and the marshes around Georgetown and North Inlet have more. Grounds are designated State Shellfish Grounds (recreational) or Culture Permit areas (private), so check the map before you pick. Low tide is the only practical time to harvest; use the NOAA tide predictions for Springmaid Pier or a nearby inlet station.
Sources
- SCDNR news release: South Carolina shellfish harvest season opens October 1 (September 25, 2026)
- SCDNR: Shellfish harvest maps and grounds
News items summarize official or organizer sources linked above. Results marked unofficial can change. We do not publish catches we cannot verify.