Razor clam dig begins Feb. 23, more proposed

Razor clam diggers can count on evening digs starting Feb. 23 and begin planning trips this spring to Washington's beaches after state shellfish managers announced a schedule of proposed digs through April.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) approved the opening at three ocean beaches later this month after marine toxin tests confirmed the clams on those beaches are safe to eat.

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

Feb. 23, Thursday, 4:42 p.m .; 0.3 feet; Twin Harbors;

Feb. 24, Friday, 5:21 p.m .; -0.1 feet; Copalis, Mocrocks, Twin Harbors;

Feb. 25, Saturday, 5:58 p.m .; -0.3 feet; Copalis, Mocrocks, Twin Harbors;

Feb. 26, Sunday, 6:34 p.m .; -0.4 feet; Copalis, Mocrocks, Twin Harbors;

Feb. 27, Monday, 7:11 p.m .; 0.3 feet; Twin Harbors;

Feb. 28, Tuesday, 7:48 p.m .; 0.0 feet; Twin Harbors.

State shellfish managers recommend that diggers hit the beach an hour or two before low tide.

Under state law, diggers at open beaches can take 15 razor clams per day and are required to keep the first 15 they dig. Each digger's clams must be kept in a separate container.

All diggers age 15 or older must have an applicable 2016-17 fishing license to harvest razor clams on any beach. Licenses, ranging from a three-day razor clam license to an annual combination fishing license, are available on WDFW's website at https://fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov and from license vendors around the state.

WDFW also announced a list of proposed digs in March and April, subject to the results of additional marine toxin tests. Shellfish managers will announce a final decision on those openings about a week before each dig is set to begin.