To collect mussels all you need is a fishing license and a good eye. Mussels are almost always partially buried in the substrate with only the posterior portion exposed. To identify a living mussel you need to know the names of some of its external features. This drawing is a generalized picture of a mussel. It is also called a beak and is very useful in identifying your mussel.
Many mussels are tan, brown or black and many shades in between.
The most prevalent mussel is Lampsilis siliquoidea , which can grow to 5 inches. Its smooth elongated shell is yellow or tan with green rays. The dorsal and ventral margins are usually straight and the umbo is only slightly above the hinge line. It's preferred habitat is lakes and small to medium streams. It will be found in shallow water, often near aquatic plants, in mud, sand or gravel.