Fishing Wisconsin: Pearl Hunting

It is legal to open clams to hunt for pearls, but you may not open more than 50 pounds of clams a day.

The law also requires proper disposal of opened clams for public health reasons. Leaving dead (opened clams are considered dead) clams on the shore or in the water violates Wisconsin litter and clamming laws.

Note: These web pages are a summary of Wisconsin"s clamming statutes and administrative rules. Refer to Section 29.537, Wisconsin Statutes and Chapter NR 24, Wisconsin Administrative Code for the specific law and regulations that govern commercial and noncommercial clamming in Wisconsin.

See also Section 29.604, Wisconsin Statutes and Chapter NR 27, Wisconsin Administrative Code for requirements pertaining to threatened and endangered species.