NEWS RELEASE
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
March 22, 2023
Contact: Bryce Blumenthal, 360-249-4628 ext. 232
Public Affairs contact: Mark Yuasa, 360-902-2262
WDFW approves razor clam digging at Long Beach beginning
Thursday, March 23 in addition to digs planned at other coastal
beaches
OLYMPIA – Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) shellfish managers
today confirmed coastal razor clam digging reopens at Long Beach on Thursday, March
23 in addition to digs planned at Twin Harbors, Copalis and Mocrocks.
“For the first time this razor clam season, domoic acid toxicity is below closure levels
coastwide in Washington,” said Bryce Blumenthal, a WDFW coastal shellfish biologist.
“We still have plenty of harvestable nice-sized razor clams on all beaches for some
equally great digging during the first daylight low tides opportunities of spring.”
The following dig during evening (p.m.) low tide will proceed as scheduled:
March 22, Wednesday, 7:56 PM; 0.0 feet; Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
The following digs during morning (a.m.) low tides will proceed as scheduled:
March 23, Thursday, 8:29 AM; -0.3 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis
March 24, Friday, 9:13 AM; -0.4 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
March 25, Saturday, 9:57 AM; -0.2 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis
March 26, Sunday, 10:44 AM; 0.2 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
Future tentative digs during morning (a.m.) low tides are scheduled (digging extended to
1 p.m. on April 12 only):
April 6, Thursday, 7:34 AM; 0.3 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
April 7, Friday, 8:10 AM; -0.1 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis
April 8, Saturday, 8:48 AM; -0.3 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks (Long
Beach Razor Clam Festival)
April 9, Sunday, 9:29 AM; -0.4 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis (Long
Beach Razor Clam Festival)
April 10, Monday, 10:15 AM; -0.4 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
April 11, Tuesday, 11:09 AM; -0.2 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis
April 12, Wednesday, 12:12 PM; 0.1 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
(digging extended until 1 PM)
April 19, Wednesday, 6:44 AM; -0.4 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
April 20, Thursday, 7:28 AM; -0.9 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis
April 21, Friday, 8:09 AM; -1.2 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
April 22, Saturday, 8:50 AM; -1.1 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis
April 23, Sunday, 9:31 AM; -0.8 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
April 24, Monday, 10:14 AM; -0.4 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis
April 25, Tuesday, 11:01 AM; 0.1 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
Not all beaches are open for every dig, so diggers are encouraged to make sure their
intended destination is open before heading out. WDFW will announce digging
opportunities via the WDFW razor clam webpage when marine toxin tests show it is
safe to do so.
Domoic acid, a natural toxin produced by certain types of marine algae, can be harmful
or fatal if consumed in sufficient quantities. WDFW will continue to regularly dig test
samples of razor clams to monitor the situation. More information about domoic acid, as
well as current levels at ocean beaches, can be found on WDFW’s domoic acid
webpage and on the DOH webpage.
The daily limit is 15 razor clams per person. Under state law, a daily limit consists of the
first 15 clams dug regardless of size or condition, and each digger’s clams must be kept
in a separate container. Digging is prohibited in the razor clam reserves, which are
marked by 10-foot poles with signs. The reserves are located just south of the Ocean
City approach on Copalis; and 2.8 miles north of the Oysterville approach on Long
Beach. The most successful digging occurs between one and two hours before the
listed time of low tide.
With the spring fast approaching, Washingtonians should consider buying 2023-2024
recreational hunting and fishing licenses, available from hundreds of license vendors
around the state. WDFW recommends buying your license before current licenses
expire after March 31. All diggers age 15 or older must have an applicable fishing
license to harvest razor clams on any beach. To be notified of in-season rule changes
as they are announced sign up for email notifications at wdfw.wa.gov/about/lists.
Shellfish and seafood enthusiasts can also start making plans to attend the Long Beach
Razor Clam Festival on April 8-9. This long-running event celebrates the unique
contribution of razor clams to Washington’s culture and coastal communities.
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife works to preserve, protect, and
perpetuate fish, wildlife and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife
recreational and commercial opportunities.
Individuals who need to receive this information in an alternative format, language, or who need
reasonable accommodations to participate in WDFW-sponsored public meetings or other activities may
contact the Title VI/ADA Compliance Coordinator by phone at 360-902-2349, TTY (711), or email
(Title6@dfw.wa.gov). For more information, see https://wdfw.wa.gov/accessibility/req
WDFW has information on public areas designated for shellfish harvesting. One of those areas is the Nahcotta Tidelands known for harvesting oysters. Here are links for more information on what is open and what licenses is needed.
Click here for Nahcotta Tidelands season information
Clamming is a great family activity but caution is always advised when you are on the beach. Watch out for sneaker waves, stay away from logs in or at the water’s edge, keep your eye on the tide and drench all beach fires dead out before leaving. The dunes are off-limits to foot and vehicle traffic. All beach approaches have public restrooms and please pack your trash out with you. Approximately 6 miles of beach on the north end of the peninsula may be closed to traffic at various times during the year – please follow all posted directions regarding these closures.
Clamming Checklist
A Shellfish/Seaweed License is required for harvesting razor clams and must be in the harvester’s immediate possession and available for inspection during harvest and transport. Everyone claiming a limit must actively participate in the harvesting process, unless they possess a disability permit.
Call the Biotoxin Hotline at 1-800-562-5632 before harvesting shellfish anywhere in Washington State.
The first fifteen razor clams regardless of size or condition must be retained. One daily limit of fresh shellfish may be in possession. Razor clams may not be returned to the beach. For razor clams, holes do not have to be refilled as is required for hardshell clam digging.
Razor clams may be taken by hand, hand-operated shovel, or tube (clam gun) with a minimum outside diameter of 4″ or (4″ x 3″ if elliptical). Each digger must use a separate container, but may share digging equipment.
For more detailed information visit https://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing
Vehicle Information
It is illegal to drive any vehicle, or lead or ride a horse on the clam beds. You must stay on the upper “hard-sand area”. Pressure from the weight of the vehicles or digging action of horses’ hooves cause clam mortality.
There are 7 beach approaches for vehicles along the peninsula. Starting from the north end, they are:
- Oysterville Road
- Bay Avenue
- Klipsan Beach (south of 227th)
- Cranberry Road
- Bolstad Road
- Sid Snyder Road
- Seaview (at 38th Street)
Local Places to Buy a Shellfishing License
JACKS COUNTRY STORE
26006 Highway 103
Ocean Park, WA 98640
(360) 665-4988
DENNIS COMPANY #1
2nd and Pacific ST
Long Beach, WA 98631
(360) 642-3166
SEAVIEW MOBIL STATION
3909 Pacific Highway, Seaview, WA
(360) 642-4023
PIONEER MARKET
2006 N Pacific Hwy 103
Long Beach, WA 98631
(360) 642-4004
CHINOOK COUNTRY STORE
775 HWY 101
Chinook, WA 98614
(360) 870-7310
ILWACO FOOD MARKET
108 SPRUCE ST. W
Ilwaco, WA 98624
(360) 642-2413
For a complete list places selling clamming licenses in Pacific County
Visit https://wdfw.wa.gov/licenses/dealers?name=&city=&county=65
BUY ONLINE
Licenses may be purchased online at https://fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov/login
Children under the age of 15 do not need a razor clam license.