WDFW approves February razor clam digging dates

Razor clam digging got underway recently on various coastal beaches.

State shellfish managers with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) approved the dig after marine toxin tests showed the clams are safe to eat.

Four beaches will be open for digging on different days throughout the period, said Dan Ayres, coastal shellfish manager with WDFW.

"Not every beach is open every day – so folks need to be sure they know if the beach they are headed for is open," Ayres said. "We've staggered the days various beaches are open to maximize the length of the opening."

The best digging typically occurs one to two hours before low tide, said Ayres, noting that digging is not allowed at any beach before noon.

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

Feb. 1, Thursday, 7:17 p.m .; -1.5 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks;

Feb. 2, Friday, 8:00 p.m .; -1.0 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis;

Feb. 3, Saturday, 8:42 p.m .; -0.4; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks.

Under state law, diggers 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 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.

WDFW will review harvest levels after this opening and announce a tentative schedule for upcoming digs in the next few weeks, Ayres said.

For updates on upcoming openings, see WDFW's website at https://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/shellfish/razorclams/current.html.