2026 sport clam, oyster, and mussel seasons to change on 10 Puget Sound beaches

Action: In anticipation of 2026 annual season-setting for recreational clams, mussels, and oysters, WDFW is adjusting early-2026 status for 10 Puget Sound beaches.

Effective date: Jan. 1, until further notice.

Species affected: All clams, oysters, and mussels.

Locations and season changes:

  • Fort Flagler State Park (Jefferson County): Closed Jan. 15, until further notice.
  • Indian Island County Park/Lagoon Beach (Jefferson County): Closed Jan. 1, until further notice.
  • Indian Island County Park/Isthmus Beach (Jefferson County): Closed Jan. 1, until further notice.
  • Penrose Point State Park (Pierce County): Closed Jan. 1, until further notice.
  • Point Whitney Tidelands and Point Whitney Lagoon (Jefferson County): Closed Jan. 1–14. Open Jan. 15, until further notice.
  • Port Townsend Ship Canal/Portage Beach (Jefferson County): Closed Jan. 1, until further notice.
  • Purdy Spit (Pierce County): Closed Jan. 1, until further notice.
  • Quilcene Boat Ramp (Jefferson County): Closed Jan. 1–14. Open Jan. 15, until further notice.
  • Shine Tidelands State Park (Jefferson County): Closed Jan. 1–14. Open Jan. 15, until further notice.
  • Wolfe Property State Park (Jefferson County): Closed Jan. 1–14. Open Jan. 15, until further notice.

Reason for action: This rule adjusts 2026 opening dates for recreational clam, mussel, and oyster harvest at 10 Puget Sound beaches. Permanent rule making for the 2026 annual recreational clam, mussel, and oyster seasons is underway, but the anticipated effective date of the proposed rules won’t occur until spring 2026. This rule must be filed to effect changes on some beaches ahead of that anticipated effective date and to satisfy co-management obligations. Annual seasons for 2026 will be announced following the permanent rule making process currently underway.

Additional information: Refer to the recreational clam, mussel, and oyster harvest webpage for more information regarding seasons on public beaches. Visit the WDFW clam and oyster rule making webpage for more information on rule making for 2026 seasons.

For additional information on shellfish harvest safety and growing area boundaries, refer to the Washington Department of Health Shellfish Safety Map.

Fishery managers encourage anglers to sign up for Fishing Rule Change email notifications and to check for emergency rules on the WDFW website before fishing. Refer to the 2025–26 Washington Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet for current regulations. Download the Fish Washington® mobile app to stay up to date on the go.

Information contact: Camille Speck, WDFW Port Townsend Office, 360-774-8491.

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