Razor clam diggers will have a few more beaches to consider in late March and April, following a decision today by state shellfish managers to add digs to a list of dates previously announced.
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is planning new digs at Long Beach in March and at Copalis and Mocrocks in April, based on recently updated harvest estimates showing a sufficient number of clams in those areas to support additional openings.
“After last weekend’s opener, we still have ample clams to provide additional digging opportunities for those beaches,” said Dan Ayres, WDFW shellfish manager.
Final approval on upcoming digs will be announced after marine-toxin test results confirm the clams are safe to eat.
The first added digging opportunity will be at Long Beach on March 31, which is also the last day that a 2013-14 fishing license is valid. Beginning April 1, diggers age 15 or older must have a 2014-15 fishing license to harvest razor clams.
Licenses, ranging from a three-day razor clam license to an annual combination fishing license, are available on WDFW’s website at https://fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov and from license vendors around the state.
The department also scheduled additional digs at Mocrocks and Copalis beaches in mid-April.
“Openings in late April and May will be announced after we evaluate harvest levels again next month,” Ayres said.
Proposed digs are tentatively scheduled on the following dates, beaches and low tides (newly added digs are in bold):
- March 26, Wednesday, 3:52 p.m.; 0.3 feet; Twin Harbors
- March 27, Thursday, 4:48 p.m.; 0.1 feet; Twin Harbors
- March 28, Friday, 5:38 p.m.; 0.0 feet; Twin Harbors, Long Beach, Mocrocks
- March 29, Saturday, 6:23 p.m.; 0.0 feet; Twin Harbors, Long Beach, Mocrocks
Seasonal switch to morning tides
- March 30, Sunday, 6:53 a.m.; -0.1 feet; Twin Harbors, Long Beach, Mocrocks
- March 31, Monday, 7:39 a.m.; -0.5 feet; Twin Harbors, Long Beach
A 2014 license is required for the following digs:
- April 1, Tuesday, 8:22 a.m.; -0.7 feet; Twin Harbors, Long Beach
- April 2, Wednesday, 9:05 a.m.; -0.6 feet; Twin Harbors, Long Beach
- April 3, Thursday, 9:49 a.m.; -0.3 feet; Twin Harbors, Long Beach
- April 14, Monday, 6:46 a.m.; +0.2 feet; Twin Harbors
- April 15, Tuesday, 7:24 a.m.; -0.3 feet; Twin Harbors, Long Beach
- April 16, Wednesday, 8:03 a.m.; -0.6 feet; Twin Harbors, Long Beach
- April 17, Thursday, 8:43 a.m.; -0.8 feet; Twin Harbors, Long Beach
- April 18, Friday, 9:26 a.m.; -0.8 feet; Twin Harbors, Long Beach, Mocrocks
- April 19, Saturday, 10:14 a.m.; -0.7 feet; Twin Harbors, Long Beach, Copalis, Mocrocks
- April 20, Sunday, 11:06 a.m.; -0.4 feet; Twin Harbors, Long Beach, Copalis, Mocrocks
No digging will be allowed on any beach after noon beginning March 30 with the seasonal switch to morning tides.
Under state law, diggers 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.
