Washington DFW Approves Razor Clam Dig Starting Dec. 11 on Favorable Tides
OutdoorHub 12.05.12
Clam diggers can look forward to some of the best tides of the year during a six-day razor clam dig set to begin Tuesday (Dec. 11) at Twin Harbors, then expand to include openings at Long Beach, Mocrocks and Copalis beaches later in the week.
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) approved the dig after marine toxin tests at all four beaches confirmed the clams are safe to eat.
No digging will be allowed at any of those beaches until after noon.
“The position of the moon in December always generates favorable tides for digging razor clams,” said Dan Ayres, WDFW coastal shellfish manager. “Unfortunately, the weather isn’t always as cooperative, so diggers should dress for cold, wet conditions.”
The dig at Twin Harbors will run six days, extending from Tuesday (Dec. 11) through Sunday (Dec. 16). The three other beaches will open for digging on the following schedule and evening low tides:
- Dec. 11, Tues., 4:51 p.m., -1.1 ft., Twin Harbors
- Dec. 12, Wed., 5:40 p.m., -1.6 ft., Twin Harbors
- Dec. 13, Thurs., 6:29 p.m., -1.9 ft., Twin Harbors
- Dec. 14, Fri., 7:15 p.m., -1.8 ft., Twin Harbors, Mocrocks, Long Beach, Copalis
- Dec. 15, Sat., 8:01 p.m., -1.6 ft., Twin Harbors, Mocrocks, Long Beach, Copalis
- Dec. 16, Sun., 8:47 p.m., -1.0 ft., Twin Harbors, Mocrocks, Long Beach
Ayres noted that the best digging occurs one to two hours prior to low tide.
Clam diggers are limited to 15 razor clams per day, and are required to keep the first 15 clams they dig. Each digger’s clams must be kept in a separate container.
All diggers age 15 or older must have an applicable 2012-13 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 on WDFW’s website at https://fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov and from license vendors around the state.
Information about beach locations and additional digs proposed in the weeks ahead is available on WDFW’s website at http://goo.gl/ooxEO.
