The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife has approved another round of razor clam digs on the Washington coast.
The five-day dig was approved for evening low tides at after marine toxin tests showed clams on the beach were safe to eat.
Digging is permitted at the following times and locations:
- Jan. 17, Thursday; 3:39 p.m.; 0.4 feet; Twin Harbors
- Jan. 18, Friday; 4:30 p.m.; -0.4 feet; Twin Harbors
- Jan. 19, Saturday; 5:18 p.m.; -1.1 feet; Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
- Jan. 20, Sunday; 6:05 p.m.; -1.6 feet; Twin Harbors, Copalis
- Jan. 21, Monday; 6:51 p.m.; -1.8 feet; Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
This was supposed to be the first dig of the season at Kalaloch Beach, but it was canceled Wednesday due to the federal government shutdown. Kalaloch is located inside Olympic National Park, which was impacted by the shutdown, and staff were not available to be on hand to ensure it was a safe experience for diggers, according to WDFW.
WDFW coastal shellfish manager Dan Ayres recommends diggers hit the beach about an hour or two before low tide for the best results.
"Diggers should come prepared with good lighting devices and always keep an eye on the surf, particularly at this time of year when the best low tides come after dark," Ayres said.
Ayres said the department has tentatively scheduled a dig in early February, pending the results of another round of marine toxin results. If the tests confirm the clams are safe to eat, the dig will be February 1-3.
The daily limit for razor clams is 15 and diggers must keep the first 15, under Washington state law. Each digger's clams must be stored separately from others in their group.
Diggers over age 15 must have a valid 2018-2019 fishing license to harvest razor clams. Visit WDFW's website for details.
