WDFW approves morning razor clam digs starting April 4

State shellfish managers have approved a weeklong series of razor clam digs starting April 4 at four ocean beaches.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) confirmed the digs after marine toxin tests showed the clams on those beaches are safe to eat.

All of the digs are scheduled on morning tides. No digging will be allowed on any beach after noon.

Dan Ayres, WDFW coastal shellfish manager, reminds diggers they will need a valid 2015-16 fishing license to participate in all upcoming razor clam digs, since the new license year begins April 1. Various types of fishing licenses are available online (fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov/), by phone (866-246-9453), and from authorized license dealers throughout the state.

Under state law, diggers are required to keep the first 15 clams they dig. Each digger's clams must be kept in a separate container

The upcoming dig is scheduled on the following dates, beaches, and low tides:

April 4, Saturday, 7:23 a.m.; 0.6 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks, Copalis;

April 5, Sunday, 7:57 a.m.; 0.3 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks, Copalis;

April 6, Monday, 8:32 a.m.; 0.3 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors;

April 7, Tuesday, 9:09 a.m.; 0.1 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors;

April 8, Wednesday, 9:48 a.m.; 0.1 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors;

April 9, Thursday, 10:32 a.m.; 0.2 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors;

April 10, Friday, 11:23 a.m.; 0.4 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors.

WDFW has also proposed additional digs in April and May, pending the results of future marine toxin tests. Tentative dates for those digs are posted on the department's website at wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/shellfish/razorclams/current.html.