Four-day razor clam dig starts Thursday, just in time for winter holiday clams

OLYMPIA, Wash. – If you're looking for some razor clams for the winter holidays, you're in luck: the next round of evening razor-clam digs is set to begin Thursday, Dec. 20.

State shellfish managers with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife 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 upcoming dig is approved on the following beaches, dates, and evening low tides:

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:

For a complete list of proposed digs, visit WDFW’s recreational razor clam website.

All diggers age 15 or older must have a 2018-19 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 and from license vendors around the state.

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