Four day razor clam digs start today

The next round of evening razor-clam digs is set to begin today (Thursday) Dec. 20.

State shellfish managers with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) approved the dig on evening low tides after marine toxin tests showed the clams are safe to eat. No digging will be allowed on any beach before noon.

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

Dec. 20, 4:51 p.m.; -0.3 feet; Twin Harbors, Mocrocks; Dec. 21, 5:35 p.m.; -1.0 feet; Twin Harbors, Copalis; Dec. 22, 6:20 p.m.; -1.4 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks, Dec. 23, 7:05 p.m.; -1.6 feet; Twin Harbors, Copalis.

Dan Ayres, WDFW coastal shellfish manager, recommends that diggers hit the beach about an hour or two before low tide for the best results.

"We are opening Long Beach to give visitors a chance at some clams for the holidays, but diggers should expect some smaller clams in their catch," said Ayres.

Long Beach has been closed for much of the season to give the high number of juvenile razor clams a chance to grow.

Diggers want to be sure to come prepared with good lighting devices and always keep an eye on the surf, particularly at this time of year when the best low tides come after dark, he added.

WDFW is also announcing tentative digs through February, beginning with a proposed five day dig starting Jan. 2. Proposed razor clam digs are listed below, along with evening low tides and beaches:

Jan. 2, Wednesday; 4:22 p.m.; 0.2 feet; Twin Harbors

Jan. 3, Thursday; 5:06 p.m.; -0.2 feet; Twin Harbors

Jan. 4, Friday; 5:46 p.m.; -0.4 feet; Twin Harbors, Mocrocks

Jan. 5, Saturday; 6:23 p.m.; -0.4 feet; Twin Harbors, Copalis

Jan. 6, Sunday; 6:59 p.m.; -0.4 feet; Twin Harbors, Mocrocks

For a complete list of proposed digs, please visit WDFW's re