OLYMPIA — The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife shellfish managers approved coastal razor clam digging days beginning Nov. 12.
Not all beaches are open for every dig, so diggers are encouraged to make sure their intended destination is open before heading out.
“The most recent tide series was about as good as it gets, with low swell and easy early digging,” said Bryce Blumenthal, a WDFW coastal shellfish biologist. “We’re hoping the weather cooperates again, allowing diggers the opportunity to get razor clams for their upcoming Thanksgiving feasts.”
The optimal digging occurs between one and two hours before the listed time of low tide. The following digs during evening low tides will proceed as scheduled, after marine toxin results from the state Department of Health showed razor clams are safe to eat:
• Sunday, 5:53 p.m.; -0.3 feet; Mocrocks.
• Monday, 6:30 p.m.; -0.7 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis.
• Tuesday, 7:09 p.m.; -0.9 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks.
• Nov. 15, 7:51 p.m.; -0.9 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis.
• Nov. 16, 8:37 p.m.; -0.8 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks.
• Nov. 17, 9:27 p.m.; -0.5 feet; Copalis.
• Nov. 18, 10:22 p.m.; -0.1 feet; Mocrocks.
The DOH requires test samples for marine toxins, and domoic acid levels must fall under the guideline level before a beach can open for digging.
There are additional tentative dates in November:
• Nov. 24, Friday, 4:18 p.m.; 0.0 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis.
• Nov. 25, Saturday, 5:05 p.m.; -0.7 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks.
• Nov. 26, Sunday, 5:49 p.m.; -1.2 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis.
• Nov. 27, Monday, 6:31 p.m.; -1.3 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks.
• Nov. 28, Tuesday, 7:12 p.m.; -1.2 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis.
• Nov. 29, Wednesday, 7:52 p.m.; -0.8 feet; Mocrocks.
On all open beaches, the daily limit is 15 clams per person. Each digger’s clams must be kept in a separate container, and all diggers must keep the first 15 clams they dig, regardless of size or condition to prevent waste. It’s not unusual to encounter some small clams, especially in the early part of the season.
All diggers age 15 or older must have an applicable fishing license to harvest razor clams on any beach.
