Razor clam digs scheduled for this week

December 20, 2019 5:00 pm
COURTESY DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE The Department of Fish and Wildlife is asking razor clam fans around the state to weigh in on the perennial question: Which is better, clam gun or shovel? To register support for a favored digging method, clam diggers can post a photo or video, complete with hashtag #TeamClamShovel or #TeamClamGun on any social media before the end of the spring season.
COURTESY DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE The Department of Fish and Wildlife is asking razor clam fans around the state to weigh in on the perennial question: Which is better, clam gun or shovel? To register support for a favored digging method, clam diggers can post a photo or video, complete with hashtag #TeamClamShovel or #TeamClamGun on any social media before the end of the spring season.

The state approved five evening razor clam digs, which began Monday. There were no digs Dec. 24-25, but they will resume today through Sunday, Dec. 29.

“We avoided scheduling a dig on Christmas Day or Christmas Eve, as we have found that past participation on those days is really light,” Department of Fish and Wildlife coastal shellfish manager Dan Ayres said. “We are hoping more people will be able to participate by extending the dig further into the next weekend instead.”

Ayres notes low tides around New Year’s are not low enough for successful razor clam harvest, so digging will not be open then.

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

• Dec. 26, Thursday, 6:47 p.m., -1.1 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis

• Dec. 27, Friday, 7:26 p.m., -0.9 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks

• Dec. 28, Saturday, 8:05 p.m., -0.6 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis

• Dec. 29, Sunday, 8:43 p.m., -0.2 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks

No digging is allowed before noon when low tide occurs in the evening.

The next tentative dig, dependent on marine toxin tests usually made available the week before, is set to start Jan. 8. For a list of proposed razor clam digs on Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis and Mocrocks beaches through February, go to wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/shellfishing-regulations/razor-clams#current.

DAN AYRES | DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE A night razor clam dig at Copalis Beach.

DAN AYRES | DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE A night razor clam dig at Copalis Beach.

DAN AYRES | DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE A night razor clam dig at Copalis Beach.

DAN AYRES | DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE A night razor clam dig at Copalis Beach.