The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) has announced opportunities for clam digging at Long Beach, Twin Harbors and Copalis beaches from Oct. 24 to Oct. 30.
“Digging should continue to be great on the open beaches,” said Dan Ayres, WDFW coastal shellfish manager. “Most of the 26,000 harvesters who went out during the recent opener found easy digging, and if the weather cooperates, we’re expecting more of the same.”
The latest tests showed marine toxin levels below the health guideline level, though the Washington Department of Health requires two test samples taken 10 days apart show levels below health guidelines before a beach can reopen for razor clam digging.
Not all beaches are open during a dig and clam diggers are encouraged to check whether their intended destination is open before leaving.
Digging is prohibited on razor clam reserves. The reserves are marked out by 10-foot poles with signs.
The daily limit for razor clams is 15 clams per person regardless of size or condition. Each digger’s clams must be kept in a separate container.
All diggers ages 15 and older must get a fishing license to harvest razor clams on any beach. Licenses may be purchased on WDFW’s licensing website or from one of the hundreds of license vendors in the state. Options range from a three day razor clam license to an annual combination fishing license. Prospective diggers are encouraged to purchase their license before visiting the digging locations.
The most successful times to dig occur one to two hours before the listed low tide time. Clam digging will be open at the following dates and associated low tide times:
• Oct. 24, Monday, 6:44 p.m.; 0.0 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis
• Oct. 25, Tuesday, 7:24 p.m.; -0.6 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors
• Oct. 26, Wednesday, 8:05 p.m.; -1.0 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis
• Oct. 27, Thursday, 8:48 p.m.; -1.1 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors
• Oct. 28, Friday, 9:35 p.m.; -1.0 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis
• Oct. 29, Saturday, 10:28 p.m.; -0.7 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors
• Oct. 30, Sunday, 11:27 p.m.; -0.3 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis
