Razor Clam Season Delayed Until March, Clams Too Small To Harvest

PORTLAND, OR – It's official. There will be no razor clam season in Clatsop County until next year.

The decision was announced Friday by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.

The season, which normally begins on Oct. 1, has been delayed until March 1, 2019.

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Officials say that the decision after determining that the clams were too small to be harvested by commercial clammers or desired by recreational clammers. Most of the clams examined by officials only had shell lengths of 2-3 inches.

"The consensus was to give the small clams a chance to grow and delay until the spring to provide a quality razor clamming experience," ODFW Shellfish Project Leader Matt Hunter said.

"During the closure, ODFW shellfish staff will continue to monitor the growth of razor clams to ensure they are growing adequately."

The closure only affects the 18 miles of coastline in Clatsop County, from Tillamook Head in Seaside to the mouth of the Columbia River.

Digging for razor clams is a popular annual destination for many in the region.

Photo via ODFW.