Razor Clam Digs Return To Coastal WA Beaches This Month

WASHINGTON — Coastal razor clam digs will return for the season later this month, and state wildlife officials plan to welcome residents and visitors over 56 days through December. According to the state Department of Fish and Wildlife, this razor clam season should "mirror the remarkable digging opportunities" of last year, provided marine toxin readings stay within the healthy range.

Final approvals typically happen within a week of the start dates. Officials said recent tests have shown somewhat elevated levels of marine toxins but within the guidelines set by the state Department of Health.

If all goes according to plan, four coastal beaches will be open for razor clam digs: Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks and Copalis. The WDFW said Kalaloch Beach will be closed this year due to ongoing population concerns.

At the four open beaches, each person will have a daily limit of 15 clams, and they must keep the first 15 they dig up, regardless of their size or condition. People 15 and older must have a license to harvest clams, which can be covered by an annual combination fishing license or a three-day razor clam license.

Generally, wildlife officials say the best digging happens one to two hours before the low tide. Digging before noon is not permitted on days where the low tide happens in the afternoon or evening.

Here are the first set of dates and low tides for the coastal razor clam season:

A.M. Tides Only

Sept. 22, Thursday, 5:03 a.m.; 0.4 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis
Sept. 23, Friday, 5:41 a.m.; 0.1 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
Sept. 24, Saturday, 6:15 a.m.; 0.0 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis
Sept. 25, Sunday, 6:48 a.m.; 0.1 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
Sept. 26, Monday, 7:19 a.m.; 0.3 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis

P.M. Tides Only

Sept. 27, Tuesday, 8:24 p.m.; minus-0.1 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
Sept. 28, Wednesday, 9:06 p.m.; -0.3 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis
Sept. 29, Thursday, 9:51 p.m.; -0.4 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
Sept. 30, Friday, 10:43 p.m.; -0.2 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis

Find the full schedule through Dec. 28 and learn more about razor clam digs on the WDFW website.