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WDFW approves next clam digs, increases daily limit to 20

Larger limit begins April 16

By Columbian news services

Published: April 8, 2022, 4:40pm

The WDFW has just approved another round of razor clam digs, after the clams were tested and found to be safe to eat. These are still night time digs, so clammers need to carry a lantern or powerful flashlight in order to spot the clam's shows in the sand. (Terry Otto for The Columbian)

OLYMPIA — Shellfish managers with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife confirmed Friday that the next round of razor clam digging can proceed as planned from April 16-21 with an increased limit of 20 clams.

“It’s been a great season and we are excited that abundant razor clam populations will allow us to increase the daily limit as we near the end of the season,” said Dan Ayres, the WDFW coastal shellfish manager. “Hopefully, a larger limit will help diggers enjoy a trip, even with the high price of fuel. The tentative digs in early May will mark the end of the spring season.”

On all open beaches — Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks, and Copalis — the daily limit from April 16 through May 7 is 20 clams instead of the usual 15.

The size of razor clams seen in surveys have been unusually large. At Long Beach the average is 4.3 inches; Twin Harbors 4.7; Copalis 4.8; and Mocrocks 4.5.

Each digger’s clams must be kept in a separate container, and all diggers must keep the first 20 clams they dig, regardless of size or condition.

The most successful digging occurs between one and two hours before the listed time of low tide. Digging is allowed during low tide from midnight through 11:59 a.m. only:

April 16, Saturday, 7:03 a.m.; -0.2 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis (Long Beach Razor Clam Festival)

April 17, Sunday, 7:45 a.m.; -0.8 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks (Long Beach Razor Clam Festival)

April 18, Monday, 8:28 a.m.; -1.2 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis

April 19, Tuesday, 9:14 a.m.; -1.3 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks

April 20, Wednesday, 10:04 a.m.; -1.2 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis

April 21, Thursday, 10:59 a.m.; -0.9 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks

Additional tentative digs pending final approval for marine toxin testing are:

April 29, Friday, 6:31 a.m.; -0.1 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis

April 30, Saturday, 7:10 a.m.; -0.5 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks

May 1, Sunday, 7:47 a.m.; -0.8 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis

May 2, Monday, 8:22 a.m; -0.8 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks

May 3, Tuesday, 8:57 a.m.; -0.7 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis

May 4, Wednesday, 9:34 a.m.; -0.4 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks

May 5, Thursday, 10:13 a.m.; -0.1 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis

May 6, Friday, 10:57 a.m.; +0.2 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks

May 7, Saturday, 11:48 a.m.; +0.5 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis (digging hours extended to 1 p.m.)

Details on the razor clam season can be found at wdfw.wa.gov/razorclams.

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

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