Anybody can make a product, but not everybody can stand behind it. At Clam Outdoors, that’s exactly what we’ve been doing for more than 40 years.
We've Always Felt Most at Home on the Ice
Since originating the portable ice fishing shelter in 1980, we’ve continued to drive innovation in a way that still defines our brand – along with much of the industry around us. And thankfully, we’ve got a little bit of everything for everyone. Across Clam and our entire family of outdoor brands, we make it easy to conquer any task or activity in any environment or climate. But the ice is where we’ve always felt most at home.
Whether you’re a hardcore angler that spends weeks on the ice at a time or a true first-timer taking the family out for the weekend, we have everything you need to enjoy a comfortable, memorable experience – while catching plenty of fish in the process.
We aren’t just specialists in shelters, ice suits, or tackle – we specialize in a complete catalog of quality products designed to outfit every aspect of your next frozen or open-water adventure. And with so many options available, we make sure our customer service team is ready and waiting to apply its passion and expertise to guide you down the right path – which products to use, and how best to use them.
History of Clam
If you’ve used any piece of ice fishing equipment over the last few decades, there’s a good chance it was at least partially inspired by a Clam product. We have long served as the industry’s leading innovators, and it all started with our first Fish Trap in 1980.
1979
Dave Genz hosts his first Trap Attack on Pelican Lake in Orr, Minnesota.
1980
Dave Genz builds the first Fish Trap in his garage. His wife, Patsy, sews the canvas pieces together on her home sewing machine.
1983
The first Fish Trap is sold..
1992
Dave Genz joins his Fish Trap brand with The Clam.
1993
Clam quickly becomes the largest manufacturer of ice shelters in North America.
1997
Ice Team is formed. Original members include Clam and Vexilar. Ice Team becomes the world’s largest ice fishing organization.
2003
Dave Osborne purchases Clam Corporation from USL Products and it becomes a privately held company.
2004
IceArmor introduced. The product line was launched with the iconic “Blue Suit.”
2005
Clam Corp. trademarks their distinctive color of blue on Fish Trap and The Clam.
Clam Corp. purchases Polar Sports, which consists of ATV utility trailers and accessories.
Clam Corp. manufacturing and administrative offices merge into a 100,000 sq. ft. facility in Medina, Minnesota.
2006
The Fish Trap X-series of ice shelters debut as “The best ice fishing shelters ever built.”
2007
Clam engineers become the first to use Thermal Trap insulation in shelters and apparel.
2009
Clam introduces 13 new models of shelters for the 2009/10 Ice Fishing Season.
2011
Expanded from 8 SKUs in 2003 to over 500. And growing.
2012
Clam introduces the Six Pack 1660 Screen Shelter. The first of its kind to be ready out of the box and setup in 45 seconds.
2013
Clam builds 150,000 sq ft building in Rogers, MN.
Clam unveils a complete line of Clam Pro Tackle highlighted with a full assortment of Dave Genz Tungsten Series of Jigs.
2014
Clam Outdoors world headquarters opens in Rogers, MN.
Expanded from 500 SKU’s in 2011 to over 1,000 SKU’s and growing.
Polar Trailers by Clam introduces the LG series of trailers with the LG7 & LG10 models.
Clam introduces its first ever hard sided shack, the Clam Shack 612V, setting a new standard for ease of use and durability.
2015
Clam introduces the Quick-Set by Clam series of screen shelters available in 5 models.
Polar Trailers by Clam are now at retail stores in every state of the USA (with the exemption of Hawaii).
2016
Clam releases Stealth Series lineup of shelters that feature Tri-Bond Thermal Technology (Patent 9,777,507) that creates complete darkness in the shelter which is perfect for sight fishing and spearing.
2017
Clam releases cutting edge Motion Float Technology (patent pending) for their ice Armor suits. This technology assists people in the water in the event of an ice breakthrough but also gives them mobility necessary to move easily.
Clam and Ice Team celebrates the 20th anniversary of Ice Team by coming out with two exclusive 20th anniversary ice shelters.
2018
Clam Corporation releases new brand Blackfish that consists of high-performance outdoor apparel that includes UPF and cooling apparel, soft-shell outerwear items, and rain gear. Learn more at www.blackfishgear.com
Clam releases new removable thermal floors for their ice fishing hub shelters.
2019
Clam releases cutting edge Side Symmetry Door technology in their new fish traps. These new doors allow people to easily enter and exit their fish shelter and open up their house more on nice days out on the ice.
Clam acquires All-Terrain Tackle which is a brand that specializes in a wide variety of bass jigs
2020
Clam releases a line of open water nets. Available in multiple sizes designed for specific species.
Clam celebrates the 40th Anniversary of the first Fish Trap created by Dave and Patsy Genz by releasing three special edition fish trap models that are similar to the first Fish Traps created.
2021
Clam releases The Bite monthly YouTube series
Clam releases over 80 new ice fishing products for the 2021-2022 ice fishing season
2022
Clam releases over 65 new ice fishing products for the 2022-2023 ice fishing season including a full line of new Fish Trap shelters and the new and improved Pinhead Pro!
Clam releases new Fish Trap shelter line with XT door system for easier entry and more interior space.
