10/30/2019
Razor clam seasons and beaches
Razor clamming at Twin Harbors beach
Razor clamming at Twin Harbors.
The Pacific razor clam is one of the most sought after shellfish in the state of Washington. Better roads and more leisure time have brought increasing numbers of diggers to the ocean beaches. It is not unusual to have as many as a thousand people per mile during a nice spring weekend day.
Recreational digging for razor clams can be enjoyed by children and senior citizens alike. All you need is a clam shovel or specialized tube, a container to put your clams in and, most importantly, your clam license. Be sure to check the regulations for the latest clam-digging requirements and other sport fishing regulation updates. During the fall and winter when low tides occur at night, thousands of clam diggers brave the elements to dig by lantern or flash light. Because there is a great deal of interest in digging at all times of the year, seasons are set to allow digging during daylight spring tides when there is better weather and during the fall/winter when diggers have to deal with the elements, but not as many clam diggers.
During certain times of the year, marine toxins, produced by some species of diatoms (algae) are taken in by razor clams and concentrated. When ingested, these toxins can cause illness and in very high concentrations can be fatal to humans. WDFW, in cooperation with the Washington Department of Health (DOH), samples clams on a routine basis to determine up-to-date toxin levels. If high toxin levels are detected, clam seasons are delayed or closed. WDFW and DOH work very hard to provide a safe and fun resource to enjoy.
Current razor clam season information
October 24, 2019
Contacts: Dan Ayres, 360-249-4628; Jason Wettstein 360-902-2254
WDFW announces seven days of digging for razor clams beginning Oct. 26
OLYMPIA - Razor clam diggers can return to Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks, and Copalis beaches for a seven-day opening beginning Oct. 26.
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) announced Thursday that razor clam digging will move ahead at Twin Harbors and Long Beach this weekend, after tests revealed that shellfish from these coastal beaches are safe to eat.
Testing conducted by the Washington Department of Health (WDOH) on Thursday showed domoic acid levels were low enough for the digs to go ahead, said Dan Ayres, WDFW coastal shellfish manager.
“The health and safety of clam diggers is always our first concern, so we appreciate people’s patience while we worked with our partners at WDOH to confirm that these clams are safe to eat,” Ayres said. “We hope that everyone is able to get out and enjoy safe, productive digs at these beaches.”
The upcoming digs are scheduled for the following days and low tides:
Oct. 26, Saturday, 5:59 pm, 0.0 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis
Oct. 27, Sunday, 6:47 pm, -0.8 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
Oct. 28, Monday, 7:33 pm, -1.2 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis
Oct. 29, Tuesday, 8:18 pm, -1.4 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
Oct. 30, Wednesday, 9:03 pm, -1.2 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis
Oct. 31, Thursday, 9:50 pm, -0.8 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
Nov. 1, Friday, 10:38 pm, -0.2 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis
These digs join previously approved digs at Mocrocks and Copalis beaches. Additional information on those digs can be found in the news release.
No digging is allowed before noon for allowed digs, where low tide occurs in the evening.
For a list of proposed razor clam digs on Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis and Mocrocks beaches through December, please check this website for updates.
Additional safety considerations are important to those who engage in digs near dusk and at night.
"Diggers want to be sure to come prepared with good lighting devices and always keep an eye on the surf, particularly at this time of year when low tides come at dusk and after dark," said Ayres.
WDFW is also asking for razor clam fans around the state to weigh in on the perennial question: Which is better, clam or shovel? To register support for a favored digging method, clam diggers can post a photo or video, complete with hashtag or on any social media before the end of the season.
"Razor clam digs are a major source of livelihood for coastal communities, bringing out hundreds of thousands of tourists each year to enjoy all we have to offer, including terrific nature, food, entertainment and fun on the beach for the whole family," said Andi Day, Executive Director at Long Beach Peninsula Visitors Bureau. "We value and appreciate WDFW's work to manage this terrific resource for our communities."
All diggers age 15 or older must have an applicable 2019-20 fishing license to harvest razor clams on any beach. Licenses, ranging from a three-day razor clam license to an annual combination fishing license, are available on WDFW's website and from license vendors around the state.
Under state law, diggers at open beaches can take 15 razor clams per day and are required to keep the first 15 they dig. Each digger's clams must be kept in a separate container.
Tentative openings in November and December
November 11, Monday, 5:51 pm, 0.1 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis
November 12, Tuesday, 6:27 pm, -0.3 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
November 13, Wednesday, 7:03 pm, -0.5 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis
November 14, Thursday, 7:41 pm, -0.6 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
November 15, Friday, 8:22 pm, -0.5 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis
November 16, Saturday, 9:08 pm, -0.3 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
November 17, Sunday, 9:59 pm, -0.1 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis
November 24, Sunday, 4:47 pm, -0.4 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis
November 25, Monday, 5:34 pm, -1.0 feet; Long Beach Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
November 26, Tuesday, 6:18 pm, -1.3 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis
November 27, Wednesday, 7:02 pm, -1.4 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
November 28, Thursday, 7:44 pm, -1.2 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis
November 29, Friday, 8:29 pm, -0.7 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
November 30, Saturday, 9:10 pm, -0.2 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis
December 10, Tuesday, 5:28 pm, -0.2 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
December 11, Wednesday, 6:06 pm, -0.6 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis
December 12, Thursday, 6:45 pm, -0.9 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
December 13, Friday, 7:26 pm, -1.0 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis
December 14, Saturday, 8:08 pm, -1.0 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
December 15, Sunday, 8:53 pm, -0.8 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis
December 16, Monday, 9:41 pm, -0.4 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
December 23, Monday, 4:35 pm, -0.4 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
December 26, Thursday, 6:47 pm, -1.1 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis
December 27, Friday, 7:26 pm, -0.9 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
December 28, Saturday, 8:05 pm, -0.6 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis
December 29, Sunday, 8:43 pm, -0.2 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
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