Freshwater Clams

[erikwells]

I have seen many people trap and eat crayfish but have never heard of anyone eating clams. I often see them on a lake that I fish and was wondering is there anything in the DNR regulations specifically for clams? Has anyone ever eaten them? I think I'll stick to walleye but I have got to know.

Thanks.

[live4chrome]

Live are illegal to harvest. Im pretty sure it is in the regs

[erikwells]

Liveforchrome, I found it and you are right. I guess that mystery is now solved.

The following regulations apply to the taking and possession of mussels

(clams), crayfish, frogs, minnows, leeches, and turtles for personal or commercial

use.

Mussels (Clams): It is illegal to possess live mussels. All of Minnesota’s

50 species of mussels are protected by law, and 20 are endangered or threatened

species. Licensed anglers and children under 16 may take or possess up to

24 whole shells or 48 shell halves from dead mussels of species that are not

endangered or threatened. It is illegal to take dead mussel shells from the St. Croi

[jentz]

Live are illegal to harvest. Im pretty sure it is in the regs

I think this is correct.

When I was young myself and some buddies would go survival camping,Get dropped off with sleeping bags,fish rods,22 rifles,We tried freshwater clams once and only once,They were really strong fishy tasting.

[delcecchi]

I inquired about this several years ago after noticing the abundant mussels in Lake Vermilion. Then I figured that if they tasted acceptable, the native americans would have been eating them. The fact that they didn't seem to do so clued me in that they probably weren't very good. Also the fact that no recipes seemed to exist was another clue.

[RumRiverRat]

I would not eat any filter feeder in any MN waters.

It is also Illegal.

A good number of Clams in MN are endangered species as well.

[delcecchi]

I would not eat any filter feeder in any MN waters.

It is also Illegal.

A good number of Clams in MN are endangered species as well.

The fish are higher up the food chain and therefore have more contaminants than mussels.

Given the number of the mussels in the lake in front of my cabin I find it hard to imagine this species is endangered.

My question always was how they taste. I had no idea how to cook one to find out.

[RumRiverRat]

Given the number of the mussels in the lake in front of my cabin I find it hard to imagine this species is endangered.

My question always was how they taste. I had no idea how to cook one to find out.

In Minnesota, 25 of our 48 native mussel species are listed as endangered, threatened, or of special concern, 2 to 3 species have been extirpated , and at least 2 more species are in imminent danger of extinction

Freshwater mussels nowadays are generally considered to be unpalatable, though the native peoples in North America ate them extensively. During the second World War in the United States, mussels were commonly served in diners. This was due to the unavailability of red meat related to wartime rationing.

Marine Mussles are entirely different when it comes to edibleness.

I am a big fan of Razor Clams,Little Neck, Cherrystone, Pacific Littleneck Clams, Blue Mussel, California Mussel and the Brown Mussel.

[Mid-Lake Rock]

About 20 years ago, while in my youth, I decided to try one. My grandpa laughed at me and said he would help prepare the clam. I pulled one out of the crystal clear lake in northern Minnesota and I boiled it over an open fire.

Absolutely one of the worst tasting things I've ever digested. My grandfather grew up during the depression. I should have trusted his judgment.

[chris63]

Too bad Zebras can't be harvested.(I know the threat of spreading them out weights the taste probably)c63

[goblueM]

The fish are higher up the food chain and therefore have more contaminants than mussels.

Given the number of the mussels in the lake in front of my cabin I find it hard to imagine this species is endangered.

You're thinking of bioaccumulation, and as a rule the higher up the food chain you go, the more heavy metals, for example. But it isn't always black and white. Mussels live a very long time and filter out a lot of water, and live in the sediments themselves, so they often have very high levels of contaminants. As noted by RRR, freshwater mussels are as a group the most endangered in America, ~70% of them are endangered. They may all look similar to you (probably because most of the ones in front of your place are likely one species, I would guess Pyganadon grandis (Giant Floater)... but there are many species.