Razor Clam Society

Get ready to dig razor clammers! According to a press release from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), a tentative schedule for the fall razor clam season is set to begin in early October and run through the end of December.

As is always the case, final approval of all scheduled openings will depend on results of marine toxin tests, which are usually conducted about a week before a dig is scheduled to begin. WA Department of Health (DOH) is directly involved in this testing to ensure the razor clams are safe to eat. Without the additional approval from DOH, tentatively scheduled digs may be canceled. Also, because DOH is continually testing the razor clams, even approved digs can sometimes be canceled for safe reasons.

Also in the press release, WDFW State shellfish managers have provided an email seeking public input on management options, including scheduling for spring digs. Comments on the spring digs can be sent via email to: razorclams@dfw.wa.gov. Deadline for comments TBD.

WDFW further announced that based on beach surveys conducted over the summer, estimates of the total razor clam population on Washington’s beaches has decreased significantly from last season, that will result in fewer days of digging for the new season.

State shellfish managers stated that the decline in clam populations was likely caused, at least in part, by an extended period of low salinity in surf zone ocean waters, particularly those near Long Beach and Twin Harbors. The specific cause of the low salinity was not made clear.

The proposed razor clam digs through December are listed below, along with evening low tide times and beaches. Be sure to check our beach map:

• Oct. 6, Friday, 7:49 p.m.; -0.4 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis, Mocrocks
• Oct. 7, Saturday, 8:33 p.m.; -0.7 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis, Mocrocks
• Nov. 2, Thursday, 6:03 p.m.; 0.1 feet; Copalis
• Nov. 3, Friday, 6:47 p.m.; -0.7 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
• Nov. 4, Saturday, 7:31 p.m.; -1.2 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis
• Nov. 5, Sunday, 7:16 p.m.; -1.4 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
• Dec. 1, Friday, 4:42 p.m.; -0.3 feet; Copalis
• Dec. 2, Saturday, 6:49 p.m.; -1.9 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
• Dec. 31, Sunday, 5:12 p.m.; -1.2 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis, Mocrocks

The DAILY LIMIT per person is 15 clams, no matter what condition they are in, once removed from the sand. That limit is subject to change. Always check with official sources if you have any questions. Digging prior to Noon during the Fall Season on the approved days is not allowed. All diggers age 15 or older must have an applicable 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 from license vendors around the state and WDFW’s licensing customer service number at (360) 902-2464.