Digging Bar Clams: New Brunswick's Secret

New Brunswick is one of the best places for clamming in North America. The best spots for clam digging in New Brunswick include Saint Andrews, Bouctouche Bay, Shediac, Mace's Bay, and Baie-Saint-Anne. No license is required for bar clams, and the best time to dig is during low tide when the water recedes from the shoreline.

Saint Andrews: a top spot for clam digging in New Brunswick

Clamming, or harvesting bivalve molluscs from tidal locations, is a popular activity in New Brunswick, one of the best places for clamming in North America. Saint Andrews, a beautiful town on the shore of the Bay of Fundy, is one of the best places for clam digging in the province.

Saint Andrews offers a large number of easily accessible beaches with decent tides, making it a prime location for clamming. The best time to dig for clams is during low tide when the water recedes from the shoreline, exposing a slimy layer called "turbidity". There are many beaches in Saint Andrews where you can participate in clam digging early in the morning, and you're likely to meet other people doing the same.

When clamming, it is important to wear protective gear, such as goggles, sturdy boots, a long-sleeved shirt, pants, and socks. Be sure to bring water and sunscreen as well. The clams live about 6 inches below the surface of the sand, and you can dig them up with a short-handled garden fork. It is hard work, so be prepared for a physical challenge!

In addition to Saint Andrews, there are several other great spots for clam digging in New Brunswick, including Bouctouche Bay, Mace's Bay, and Baie-Saint-Anne. No license is required for harvesting soft-shell clams, bar clams, mussels, or razor clams in New Brunswick, so anyone can give it a try! However, be sure to check for any closed harvest areas due to dangerous bacterial and biotoxin levels before heading out.

No licence required for bar clams

New Brunswick is one of the best places for clamming in North America. The best spots for clam digging in New Brunswick include Saint Andrews, Bouctouche Bay, Shediac, Mace's Bay, and Baie-Saint-Anne.

Clamming is the process of harvesting bivalve molluscs from a tidal location. The most common time to dig clams is during low tide when the water recedes from the shoreline, exposing a slimy layer called "turbidity".

No license is required for bar clams, soft-shell clams, mussels, or razor clams. However, you are only allowed to catch and retain a maximum of 300 clams in total per day. The minimum size for bar clams is 76mm.

Fishing for clams is only permitted during the daytime, from sunrise to sunset. It is important to check for up-to-date openings and closures before harvesting clams, as bivalve shellfish harvest areas may be closed due to dangerous bacterial and biotoxin levels. Information about closures can be found on the shellfish mapping tool, by calling your nearest DFO Office, or by checking the Maritimes Orders Registry.

Digging is allowed at low tide

Clamming, or harvesting bivalve molluscs from a tidal location, is a popular activity in New Brunswick, Canada. The best time to dig for clams is during low tide when the water recedes from the shoreline, exposing a slimy layer called "turbidity". It is important to check for up-to-date openings and closures before harvesting shellfish, as areas may be closed due to dangerous bacterial and biotoxin levels.

Saint Andrews is one of the best places for clam digging in New Brunswick. There are many beautiful beaches in this town where you can dig for clams early in the morning, and you're likely to meet other people doing the same. The beaches here have decent tides, making it one of the best places in the province for clamming. If you are unable to find a recommendable spot on the St. Croix side of the St. Andrews Peninsula, try the area around Bar Road/Minister's Island, or head to Pocologan in Charlotte County.

Another great spot for clam digging is Bouctouche Bay, near the small town of Bouctouche. This spot is popular with people from Shediac or Moncton. The scenery is beautiful, the beaches are clean, and you're likely to find other people clamming here. You can also try Mace's Bay, which is a popular spot for people from Saint John looking for a clean beach with an abundance of oysters. This location is halfway between Saint John and St. Andrews, so there are plenty of other places to stop along the way to dig for clams.

Close to the town of Miramichi is Baie-Saint-Anne, another favourite spot for clam digging in New Brunswick. The bay is sheltered with great tides, so there are plenty of opportunities to find clams early in the morning. There are also a number of other bays along this route where you can dig for clams.

Digging is prohibited from sunset to sunrise

New Brunswick is one of the best places for clamming in North America. The best spots for clam digging in New Brunswick include Saint Andrews, Bouctouche Bay, Shediac, Mace's Bay, and Baie-Saint-Anne.

Clamming is the process of harvesting bivalve molluscs from a tidal location. The best time to dig clams is during low tide when the water recedes from the shoreline, exposing a slimy layer called "turbidity".

While clamming is a fun activity, it is important to be mindful of the rules and regulations in place to ensure the sustainability of the ecosystem and to maintain a positive experience for everyone involved. One such regulation in New Brunswick is that digging for clams is prohibited from sunset to sunrise. This rule is in place to protect the clams and other marine life, as well as to ensure the safety of those digging.

During the day, when clam digging is permitted, it is important to follow other guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Wear protective gear, such as sturdy boots, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt to protect your skin from the sun and any sharp objects in the sand.
• Bring water and sunscreen to stay hydrated and protected from the sun's rays.
• Wear goggles or sunglasses to protect your eyes from the bright sunlight and any debris that may be kicked up while digging.
• Consider wearing a helmet or a hat with a brim to protect your head and neck from the sun and any falling clamshells.
• Be mindful of your surroundings and keep a safe distance from other diggers to avoid any accidents.
• Follow local guidelines and regulations, such as catch limits and size restrictions, to ensure a sustainable practice.

By following these guidelines and being mindful of the prohibited digging hours from sunset to sunrise, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable clam digging experience in New Brunswick while also being a responsible steward of the environment.

Digging spots near Moncton and Saint John

New Brunswick is one of the best places for clamming in North America. The best way to get fresh clams is to harvest them by hand during low tide when the water recedes from the shoreline.

If you're looking for a clam-digging spot near Moncton, head to Bouctouche Bay near the small town of Bouctouche. The scenery is beautiful, the beaches are clean, and you'll likely run into other clammers. While some people have mentioned that you'll mostly find quahogs here, you can still get lucky and find some clams.

For those seeking a clam-digging adventure near Saint John, Mace's Bay is the place to go. This beautiful beach, located halfway between Saint John and St. Andrews, is a popular destination for those seeking a clean environment and an abundance of oysters. Along the way, there are also several other places to stop and try your luck at clamming.

Another great spot for clam digging near Saint John is Pocologan. While it may be a bit of a drive, it's worth exploring to find your favourite clamming location.

Remember to check that the location you choose is safe for clam consumption and always follow local regulations and guidelines for clam digging.

Frequently asked questions