RAZOR CLAMMING HIGHLIGHTS
Fall razor clam season kicks off in October
Are you #TeamClamGun or #TeamClamShovel?
By Michael Foster/WDFW
Razor clam diggers can look forward to fall and winter digging on coastal beaches, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife coastal shellfish managers have confirmed.
The Washington Department of Health (DOH) equires test samples for marine toxins, and domoic acid levels must fall under the guideline level before a beach can open for digging. Domoic acid, a natural toxin produced by certain types of marine algae, can be harmful or fatal if consumed in sufficient quantities. Final approval usually occurs about a week or less – sometimes two to three days – before the start of each digging series. More information about domoic acid, as well as current levels at ocean beaches, can be found on the WDFW’s domoic acid webpage.
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.
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.
Submit your razor clamming photos!
Are you a clam gun guru or a shovel superstar? It’s time to prove your razor clamming prowess!
Join the Razor Clam Face-Off and show off your skills. Snap a photo of your epic clam-digging adventure and submit it on our site using the hashtag for your team, #TeamClamGun or #TeamClamShovel, from the “Promotion” drop down menu.
Every week, we’ll feature a standout photo on our social media. The team with the most submissions will win bragging rights.
So, grab your license and gear, hit the beach, and let’s dig in!
Razor Clam Haul (Nick Eisenmann)
Razor clamming on the coast (Scott Buchanan)
The following digs during evening (p.m.) low tides will proceed as scheduled, after marine toxin results from the Washington Department of Health (DOH) showed razor clams are safe to eat:
- Nov. 29, Friday, 5:20 p.m.; -0.1 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
- Nov. 30, Saturday, 5:54 p.m.; -0.4 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
- Dec. 1, Sunday, 6:30 p.m.; -0.6 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis
- Dec. 2, Monday, 7:06 p.m.; -0.7 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis
- Dec. 3, Tuesday, 7:46 p.m.; -0.6 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
- Dec. 4, Wednesday, 8:28 p.m.; -0.5 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
- Dec. 5, Thursday, 9:13 p.m.; -0.2 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis
Below are announced tentative dates.
- Dec. 12, Thursday, 4:00 p.m.; -0.5 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis
- Dec. 13, Friday, 4:50 p.m.; -1.2 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
- Dec. 14, Saturday, 5:36 p.m.; -1.6 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
- Dec. 15, Sunday, 6:21 p.m.; -1.6 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis
- Dec. 16, Monday, 7:05 p.m.; -1.5 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis
- Dec. 17, Tuesday, 7:48 p.m.; -1.1 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
- Dec. 18, Wednesday, 8:31 p.m.; -0.5 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
- Dec. 28, Saturday, 4:58 p.m.; 0.0 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis
- Dec. 29, Sunday, 5:36 p.m.; -0.4 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
- Dec. 30, Monday, 6:14 p.m.; -0.7 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
- Dec. 31, Tuesday, 6:51 p.m.; -1.0 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis