Four-day razor clam dig begins Dec. 1

Razor clam diggers will have the opportunity to fill their limits during a four-day dig beginning Dec. 1 on various ocean beaches.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) approved the Dec. 1-4 dig on evening tides after marine toxin tests show the clams are safe to eat. No digging will be allowed before noon.

Some areas have a mix of both large and small razor clams. Diggers are required to keep the first 15 clams they dig, regardless of size or conditions, to avoid wasting clams, said Dan Ayres, coastal shellfish manager for WDFW.

Diggers should also remember to bring a lantern for the digs with later low tides, Ayres said. The best digging typically occurs one to two hours before low tide.

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

Dec. 1, Friday, 4:42 p.m .; -0.3 feet; Copalis.

Dec. 2, Saturday, 5:29 p.m .; -1.1 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks.

Dec. 3, Sunday, 6:15 p.m .; -1.6 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis.

Dec. 4, Monday, 7:02 p.m .; -1.8 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks.

All diggers age 15 or older must have an applicable 2017-18 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.

Under state law, diggers at open beaches can take 15 razor clams per day. Each digger's clams must be kept in a separate container.

WDFW has tentatively scheduled another dig for Dec. 31. In the coming weeks, the department also will announce planned digs for January and February, Ayres said.

For more information about recreational razor clamming, visit WDFW's website at http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/shellfish/razorclams/.