WDFW opens beaches for November clamming

Clam diggers could return to coastal beaches starting Tuesday, Nov. 4, to dig razor clams during the first of two planned openings in November.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) approved the latest round of evening digs after marine toxin test results showed the clams are safe to eat. Digging is not allowed on any beach before noon.

Dan Ayres, WDFW coastal shellfish manager, said the best digging typically occurs one to two hours before low tide.

“With daylight saving time ending Sunday, diggers will have even less daylight to dig by and should bring lanterns or headlamps,” Ayres said.

Remaining digging days and evening low tides during the coming opening are:

--Nov. 6, Thursday; 5:59 p.m., -1.1 feet, Long Beach, Twin Harbors;

--Nov. 7, Friday; 6:42 p.m., -1.2 feet, Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks;

--Nov. 8, Saturday; 7:24 p.m., -1.1 feet, Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks, Copalis;

--Nov. 9, Sunday; 8:05 p.m., -0.7 feet, Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks;

--Nov. 10, Monday; 8:47 p.m., -0.3 feet, Long Beach, Twin Harbors, and

--Nov. 11, Tuesday; 9:31 p.m., 0.2 feet, Long Beach, Twin Harbors.

WDFW also has proposed another dig in November, tentatively set to begin Nov. 20 if marine toxin tests are favorable. That dig is tentatively scheduled on the following dates, beaches and low tides:

--Nov. 20, Thursday; 5:06 p.m., 0.0 feet, Long Beach, Twin Harbors;

--Nov. 21, Friday; 5:45 p.m., -0.5 feet, Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks;

--Nov. 22, Saturday; 6:24 p.m., -0.8 feet, Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks, Copalis;

--Nov. 23, Sunday; 7:05 p.m., -1.0 feet, Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks;

--Nov. 24, Monday; 7:47 p.m., -1.1 feet, Long Beach, Twin Harbors;

--Nov. 25, Tuesday; 8:32 p.m., -0.9 feet, Long Beach, Twin Harbors, and

--Nov. 26, Wednesday; 9:19 p.m., -0.5 feet, Long Beach, Twin Harbors.