OLYMPIA — Razor clamming on Grays Harbor and Pacific County coastal beaches is underway after state shellfish managers set dates for a weeklong dig that began Sunday.
The state Department of Fish and Wildlife announced the digs after updated harvest estimates showed a sufficient number of clams to support the additional openings, and marine-toxin test results confirmed the clams were safe to eat.
“This has been a great year for razor clams,” said Dan Ayres, shellfish manager. “Clams this year have been bigger than average and abundant enough to add another series of digs.”
The digs are scheduled on these dates, beaches and low tides:
[Today (Monday): 6:39 a.m., -0.8 feet, Twin Harbors, Long Beach.]
Tuesday: 7:22 a.m., -1.1 feet, Twin Harbors, Long Beach.
Wednesday: 8:03 a.m., -1.2 feet, Twin Harbors, Long Beach.
Thursday: 8:43 a.m., -1.0 feet, Twin Harbors, Long Beach.
Friday: 9:23 a.m., -0.7 feet, Twin Harbors, Long Beach, Mocrocks.
Saturday: 10:04 a.m., -0.3 feet, Twin Harbors, Long Beach, Mocrocks.
Sunday, May 4: 10:47 a.m., 0.1 feet, Twin Harbors, Long Beach, Mocrocks.
No digging is allowed after 12 noon.
Ayres said shellfish managers will analyze harvest data after the upcoming dig is completed. If enough clams remain for more digs, the best tides for another dig are around the weekend of May 17, he said.
Diggers can keep only 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. Diggers are reminded that they may not harvest any part of another person’s daily limit, except for those who possess designated harvester cards.
Diggers age 15 or older must have an applicable 2014-15 fishing license to harvest razor clams on state beaches.
Fishing licenses are available at https://fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov and from license vendors around the state.
For other digging information, visit wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/shellfish/razorclams.
