State shellfish managers have approved the next round of razor clam digs starting Tuesday, Oct. 19, on three beaches.
Marine toxin levels remain well below dangerous levels, allowing for another seven days of digging at the higher limit of 20 clams per digger. The entire week of digging will be evening tides, most well after dark. Digs are open at Long Beach and Twin Harbors each day, with Copalis and Mocrocks openers alternating days.
“As we move into these evening tides it is generally darker and colder with the onset of fall and winter weather,” said Dan Ayres, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife coastal shellfish manager. “We want to remind diggers to come prepared with good lights and proper protective clothing. Diggers should also be sure to check the digging schedule carefully before they head out to ensure they are harvesting on an open beach.”
The following digs were approved, along with the low tides and beaches:
Oct. 19, Tuesday, 6:47 p.m.; 0.3 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis
Oct. 20, Wednesday, 7:23 p.m.; 0.0 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
Oct. 21, Thursday, 7:58 p.m.; -0.1 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis
Oct. 22, Friday, 8:32 p.m.; -0.1 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
Oct. 23, Saturday, 9:07 p.m.; 0.0 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis
Oct. 24, Sunday, 9:43 p.m.; +0.2 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
Oct. 25, Monday, 10:25 p.m.; +0.5 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis
Most successful digging occurs between one and two hours before the listed time of low tide. No digging is allowed before noon during digs when low tide occurs in the afternoon or evening.
All open beaches — Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks, and Copalis — have increased limits through the end of 2021, with diggers allowed to keep 20 clams instead of the usual 15. Each digger’s clams must be kept in a separate container, and all diggers must keep the first 20 clams they dig, regardless of size or condition.
Fish and Widlife has tentatively scheduled additional digging dates later in 2021 — details can be found at wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/shellfishing-regulations/razor-clams. All tentative dates are dependent on final marine toxin testing, which usually occurs about a week or less prior to each set of openings. Fish and Wildlife will announce additional dates in 2022 in mid-December after reviewing harvest levels and projections.
