How to Find Freshwater Clams in Florida

Use a hydrography/waterways map for your county in Florida to pinpoint where freshwater lakes, streams and rivers are located. The Fingernail or Pea clam and Asian clam are abundant throughout most of the state.

Wade into shallow, sandy lake, river and stream bottoms to hunt for freshwater clams. They're also found in gravel spots in stream beds and shorelines. You may find them slightly embedded in a riverbed, standing perpendicular to the water's surface as they sway in a gentle current.

Look for the Fingernail or Pea clam, which is a half-inch or smaller in length. It is creamy grey on the inside and light brown on the outside. The Asian clam grows to about two inches in length, has a ridged shell, is purplish inside and yellow to brown on the outside.

If you collect in Tampa Bay's coastal fresh waters, look for the Atlantic Rangia (bluish white interior) and the Carolina Marshclam (white and purple interior). Both have yellow to brown exteriors.

Compare each specimen against the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service/Florida Fish and Wildlife Service guide, "Florida's Freshwater Mussels and Clams." It includes illustrations of threatened or endangered mussels along with harvesting rules for all others. If you collect the Fingernail or Pea clam, Asian clam, Dark Falsemussel, Atlantic Rangia and Carolina Marshclam, you won't need to worry about collection rules. All fall under unrestricted harvesting rules.

Return to the water any shells that resemble mussels on the endangered or threatened species list. Place your remaining finds in a bucket filled with enough water to keep the clams submerged.