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First razor clam digs of the season start at three beaches
Digging at Mocrocks postponed by marine toxin levels
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife shellfish managers have confirmed the season's first round of razor clam digging opportunities at Long Beach, Twin Harbors, and Copalis starting today, Sept. 29, and running through Oct. 2.

"The first razor clam digs of the season will begin on some beaches today, but unfortunately, we’ll have to wait a little longer to harvest at Mocrocks," said Bryce Blumenthal, a WDFW coastal shellfish biologist. "Domoic acid toxicity levels remain elevated on the other beaches that will open, and ocean conditions can change quickly. For that reason, diggers should continually check our website before digging to confirm that beaches remain open as we continue to closely test and monitor the situation."

Domoic acid levels at Mocrocks have exceeded the health guidelines set by Washington Department of Health (WDOH) officials for safe consumption, so that beach remains closed to clamming at this time. Domoic acid, a natural toxin produced by certain types of marine algae, can be harmful or fatal if consumed in sufficient quantities. WDFW shellfish staff will continue to regularly dig test samples of razor clams to monitor the situation. WDOH requires that two test samples taken seven to 10 days apart fall under the health guideline level before a beach can reopen for razor clam digging.

The set of digs at Long Beach, Twin Harbors, and Copalis on Sept. 29-Oct. 2 will proceed after marine toxin results from WDOH showed razor clams are safe to eat at those beaches. 

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. 

"It's important that diggers keep the clams they dig to prevent wastage," Blumenthal said. "It's not unusual to encounter some small clams, especially this early in the season."

Not all beaches are open for every dig, so diggers are encouraged to make sure their intended destination is open before heading out.

For more information on these digs, go to WDFW's razor clam webpage.
Below are the approved and tentative dates for razor clam digs, along with low tides and beaches. Most successful digging occurs between one and two hours before the listed time of low tide. 
 
APPROVED, EVENING TIDES ONLY; 

  • Sept. 29, Friday; 7:18 p.m.; -0.4 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors 
  • Sept. 30, Saturday; 8:04 p.m.; -0.9 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis 
  • Oct. 1, Sunday; 8:49 p.m.; -1.0 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors 
  • Oct. 2, Monday; 9:36 p.m.; -0.9 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis

Final approval of marine toxin testing usually occurs about a week or less – sometimes two to three days – prior to the start of each digging series. More information about domoic acid, as well as current levels at ocean beaches, can be found on WDFW's domoic acid webpage.

TENTATIVE, EVENING TIDES ONLY; 

  • Oct. 14, Saturday, 7:17 p.m.; 0.2 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
  • Oct. 15, Sunday, 7:52 p.m.; -0.1 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis 
  • Oct. 16, Monday, 8:28 p.m.; -0.3 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks 
  • Oct. 17, Tuesday, 9:06 p.m.; -0.4 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis 
  • Oct. 18, Wednesday, 9:49 p.m.; -0.3 feet; Mocrocks
   
  • Oct. 27, Friday, 6:18 p.m.; -0.4 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks 
  • Oct. 28, Saturday, 7:03 p.m.; -1.0 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis 
  • Oct. 29, Sunday, 7:46 p.m.; -1.3 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks 
  • Oct. 30, Monday, 8:29 p.m.; -1.3 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis 
  • Oct. 31, Tuesday, 9:12 p.m.; -1.0 feet; Mocrocks
   
  • Nov. 12, Sunday, 5:53 p.m.; -0.3 feet; Mocrocks 
  • Nov. 13, Monday, 6:30 p.m.; -0.7 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis 
  • Nov. 14, Tuesday, 7:09 p.m.; -0.9 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks 
  • Nov. 15, Wednesday, 7:51 p.m.; -0.9 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis 
  • Nov. 16, Thursday, 8:37 p.m.; -0.8 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks 
  • Nov. 17, Friday, 9:27 p.m.; -0.5 feet; Copalis
  • Nov. 18, Saturday, 10:22 p.m.; -0.1 feet; Mocrocks 
   
  • 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
   
  • Dec. 13, Wednesday, 6:55 p.m.; -1.3 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks 
  • Dec. 14, Thursday, 7:39 p.m.; -1.3 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis 
  • Dec. 15, Friday, 8:25 p.m.; -1.2 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks 
  • Dec. 16, Saturday, 9:12 p.m.; -0.8 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis 
  • Dec. 17, Sunday, 10:01 p.m.; -0.3 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks 
   
  • Dec. 26, Tuesday, 6:18 p.m.; -0.9 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis 
  • Dec. 27, Wednesday, 6:57 p.m.; -0.8 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks 
  • Dec. 28, Thursday, 7:35 p.m.; -0.6 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis 
  • Dec. 29, Friday, 8:11 p.m.; -0.3 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
COVID-19
 
Digging this year is contingent upon continued guidance from public health officials monitoring COVID-19 in coastal communities. WDFW is being guided by risk assessments from local and state health officials, and clam diggers are reminded to recreate responsibly.
 
Health agencies are asking people to:
 
  • Stay home if sick
  • Bring personal protective equipment like hand sanitizer
  • Leave no trace: Pack out belongings and garbage
  • Purchase licenses ahead of the trip
  • Bring non-cash payment methods to reduce contact
  • Follow local ordinances and guidelines
Licenses
 
All diggers age 15 or
older must have an
applicable 2023-24 fishing license to harvest razor clams.
 
Licenses range from a three-day razor clam license (starting at $9.70) to an annual combination fishing license or Fish Washington license. They are available from WDFW
online and from some 600 license vendors around the
state.
 
Buy your license
The gear
 
Getting started digging
razor clams can be pretty straightforward. Here’s what you’ll need:
  • Clam gun or shovel
  • Container/net to store your clams
  • License
  • Flashlight, headlamp, and/or lantern for night digs
  • Rain gear and a towel can come in handy
  • As can knee boots, hip waders, or chest waders
  • Watchful eye: Keep an eye on waves, especially during night tides
How to dig
Show us what you got
 
While you’re out digging razor clams, be sure to get some photos of the fun and your haul and participate in the Razor Clam Face-Off! Share your razor clam photos to social media using the hashtags #teamclamgun or #teamclamshovel to show your love for your preferred razor clam gear.
 

WDFW Outreach

1111 Washington St SE, Olympia, WA 98501

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