Week of clam digs to begin on Veterans Day

Posted

Another round of razor clam digs has been approved by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife after marine toxin testing revealed that the succulent bivalves are safe to eat. The seven-day set of openings will open on Nov. 11 and include dates at all four of the customary coastal beaches.

With Monday’s opener falling on Veteran’s Day the WDFW is preparing for a sizeable turnout from the public.

"We are encouraging people to get out there with family and friends to experience razor clam digging, one of Washington's oldest and greatest traditions, " said Dan Ayres, WDFW coastal shellfish manager, in a press release.

The upcoming dig is for the following dates and low tides: 

  • Nov. 11, Monday, 5:51 pm, 0.1 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis

  • Nov. 12, Tuesday, 6:27 pm, -0.3 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks

  • Nov. 13, Wednesday, 7:03 pm, -0.5 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis

  • Nov. 14, Thursday, 7:41 pm, -0.6 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks

  • Nov. 15, Friday, 8:22 pm, -0.5 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis

  • Nov. 16, Saturday, 9:08 pm, -0.3 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks

  • Nov. 17, Sunday, 9:59 pm, -0.1 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis

No digging will be allowed before noon on any beaches when low tide occurs in the evening. With night digging mandated by law the WDFW is reminding diggers to take extra precaution when cruising the surf line for meaty mollusks. 

"Diggers want to be sure to come prepared with good lighting devices and always keep an eye on the surf, particularly at this time of year when low tides come at dusk and after dark," noted Ayres.

Ayres, who professes to prefer the light of a traditional propane lantern over the direct beam of an LED contraption, also advises diggers to hit the beach between an hour or two before low tide in order to enjoy the best digging conditions.

Additional digs are tentatively scheduled intermittently through the final week of December. The next set of proposed digs would take place on the following dates, tides, and beaches if approved:

  • November 24, Sunday, 4:47 pm, -0.4 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis

  • November 25, Monday, 5:34 pm, -1.0 feet; Long Beach Twin Harbors, Mocrocks

  • November 26, Tuesday, 6:18 pm, -1.3 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis

  • November 27, Wednesday, 7:02 pm, -1.4 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks

  • November 28, Thursday, 7:44 pm, -1.2 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis

  • November 29, Friday, 8:29 pm, -0.7 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks

  • November 30, Saturday, 9:10 pm, -0.2 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis

Diggers age 15 and up are required to possess a valid fishing license and the daily limit is 15 clams per person. Each digger must keep possession of their own clams and diggers are required to keep any clam they dig regardless of size or condition.