Razor clam digs approved March 21-24 at selected beaches

Switch from afternoon to morning tides starts Friday

March 21, 2019 10:30 am
DAN HAMMOCK | GRAYS HARBOR NEWS GROUP Razor clam diggers enjoyed calm winds and near 70 degree weather March 16 at Twin Harbors. The next round of digs, March 22-24, has been approved, including three days at Kalaloch.
DAN HAMMOCK | GRAYS HARBOR NEWS GROUP Razor clam diggers enjoyed calm winds and near 70 degree weather March 16 at Twin Harbors. The next round of digs, March 22-24, has been approved, including three days at Kalaloch.

The next round of approved razor clam digs runs today through Sunday and includes three days at Kalaloch.

Toxin tests have come back showing the clams are safe to eat, according to the Department of Fish and Wildlife. The upcoming digs are approved on the following beaches, dates, and low tides:

Evening tide, no digging is allowed before noon:

• Today, March 22, 8:14 a.m.; -0.2 feet; Twin Harbors, Mocrocks, Kalaloch

• March 23, Saturday, 9:01 a.m.; -0.3 feet; Twin Harbors, Copalis, Kalaloch

• March 24, Sunday, 9:49 a.m.; -0.3 feet; Twin Harbors, Mocrocks, Kalaloch

Coastal shellfish manager Dan Ayres recommends hitting the beach an hour or two before low tide for the best digging.

“While diggers should be prepared for both rain and sunshine, spring is a great time to gather clams and share a fun experience on the beach with friends and family,” Ayres said.

Tentative razor clam dates depend on healthy marine toxin tests and include:

• April 6, Saturday, 8:05 a.m.; 0.3 feet; Twin Harbors, Copalis

• April 7, Sunday, 8:42 a.m.; 0.1 feet; Twin Harbors, Mocrocks

• April 8, Monday, 9:20 a.m.; 0.0 feet; Mocrocks

• April 20, Saturday, 7:58 a.m.; -1.1 feet; Long Beach (during the Long Beach Razor Clam Festival), Twin Harbors and Copalis

• April 21, Sunday, 8:42 a.m.; -1.2 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks

• April 22, Monday, 9:25 a.m.; -1.0 feet; Twin Harbors Mocrocks

All diggers age 15 or older must have an applicable 2018-19 fishing license to harvest razor clams on any beach. Licenses — ranging from a three-day razor clam license starting at $9.70 to an annual combination fishing license — are available online at fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov 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. Each digger’s clams must be kept in a separate container.