The shellfish beds in both the North and South Rivers opened on Sunday, November 1, 2026. They are typically open from November 1 to May 31, and closed from June 1 to October 31.
The maps below indicate which areas are open for shellfishing, in season. The red areas are always closed, the blue areas are open seasonally, and the blue cross-hatched areas are only open March through May.
Shellfishing Permit Notes:
In order to shellfish on the North or South River, you must first obtain an annual shellfishing permit. Those under 16 years of age do not need a permit, but must be accompanied by a permit holder. Fees vary. Veterans and those over 65 may obtain a license at no cost. New permits go on sale in December.
For a Scituate Shellfish Permit, visit the Scituate Town Clerk office at 600 Chief Justice Cushing Highway. For information, call 781-545-8743. Current (2026) fees are $20 for Scituate residents, $50 for non-residents. There is no fee for Veterans and Scituate residents age 65+.
For a Marshfield Shellfish Permit, visit the Marshfield Harbormaster office at 100 Central Street (at the Marshfield Town Pier). For information, call 781-834-8298. Current (2026) fees are $20 for Marshfield residents, $50 for non-residents. There is no fee for Veterans and Marshfield residents age 65+.
There is reciprocity between Marshfield and Scituate. If you have a Marshfield shellfishing permit, it will be honored in Scituate and vice versa, so there is no need to purchase two permits.
When you receive your permit, you will be provided a placard to place in your car while you are shellfishing. You will also receive a brochure that outlines the updated rules and regulations.
Permits are yearly, so you must purchase a new permit at the beginning of the calendar year.
Shellfishing is open 7 days a week, but is not permitted when the ambient temperature is under 32 degrees F.
The towns have posted signage to indicate where the closure areas are located.
Additional Tips:
Access: Most of the North and South Rivers shellfish beds are accessible only by water, however, there is an area adjacent to Damon’s Point that you may be able to access on foot at low tide.
The North River mouth is not safe for paddling, in any season.
Gear: A shellfish rake and basket are the standard gear, along with rubber boots or other footwear suitable for water and mud.
Attire: Bear in mind that shellfishing involves squatting or kneeling in wet sand or mud. Neoprene waders or a wetsuit are ideal the cooler months, along with neoprene gloves.
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More Shellfishing Info
The NSRWA’s role in opening shellfish beds
In spring of 2011, the South River shellfish beds reopened after twenty years of closures. Over the past two decades, we have together worked with the Towns of Scituate and Marshfield to improve water quality by increasing treatment of polluted runoff from rainstorms; upgrading septic systems; and extending the sewer system in Marshfield. Over the past 5 years, in order to open the beds the water quality had to be tested consistently to prove that water quality had improved to safe shellfishing levels. The town of Marshfield’s Harbormaster stepped up to help ensure that the Division of Marine Fisheries could collect that data consistently. We appreciate both the Town of Marshfield and Division of Marine Fisheries persistence in making the opening a reality. And of course thank you to our members for supporting the cause of cleaner water!
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The Powder Point Bridge, open to the public, is a historic landmark that offers gorgeous views of Duxbury Bay and access to Duxbury Beach Park and Duxbury Beach Reservation. The wooden plank sidewalk […]
The Marshfield Town Landing is a boat ramp that provides access to the South River for both paddlers and motor boats. Owned by the Town of Marshfield, it is located […]
The Norwell Town Landing is located on the North River on Bridge Street, at the Union Street Bridge. The property features a Town Landing with a ramp for boats (for […]
The Union Street Bridge spans the North River from Union Street in Marshfield to Bridge Street in Norwell. On the Marshfield side, there is a launch for canoes and kayaks […]
The Marshfield Launch and Brooks-Tilden Shipyard is a 15-acre conservation parcel, located directly on the North River, just upstream of the Union Street Bridge. The property features a public canoe/kayak […]
Damon’s Point in Marshfield is a beautiful spot on the North River. A small town pier is located here, offering a fine scenic vista with wooden benches. On the western […]
The 334-acre Driftway Conservation Park in Scituate offers a panoramic view of the Herring River and its salt marshes, along with a gorgeous waterfront seating area and 1.65 miles of trails. […]
The Spit is located at the mouth of the North River in Scituate, at the southern edge of Third Cliff. A small barrier island overwashed by tides, it is especially […]
As a local non-profit organization, we depend on your support to make this amazing listing possible. We work everyday on your behalf to protect our local waters through education, outdoor engagement, and river restoration projects.