For a Fun Family Event and Tasty Treat, Dig Razor Clams on the Washington Coast

The Pacific razor clam(Siliqua patula) is an exceptionally meaty shellfish of about 6" in length, which ranges from California to Alaska. These clams can be dug at low tide with permit during the strictly enforced harvesting seasons. As of the time of this article, there are only two remaining beaches and times for harvesters to get out there. Digs are planned for the weekend of May 4^th-6^th in Long Beach and Twin Harbors (see below for details).

How to dig

First, get a Shellfish/Seaweed License. These annual permits cost $10.95 for a state resident (only $.8.76 for seniors), and can be obtained from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife online at fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov/ or by calling 1-866-246-9453, and from retail dealers. You will wear this license permit while you dig. You can just dig with your hands, or dig with a shovel or tube. Each digger must have his/her own container, but you can share tools.

It is illegal to drive any vehicle, or lead or ride a horse on the clam beds because pressure from the weight of the vehicles or digging action of horses' hooves cause clam mortality.

Where to go

There are five major clam areas (see map in sidebar), although only two have not yet met their annual quota. Clams can be dug in

Long Beach from the Columbia River north to the mouth of the Willapa Bay
Twin Harbors from Willapa Bay north to the south jetty at the mouth of Grays Harbor
Copalis Beach from the north jetty at the mouth of Grays Harbor to the Copalis River
Mocrocks from the Copalis River to the south boundary of the Quinault Indian Reservation and
Kalaloch from the South Beach campground north to ONP Beach Trail 3

For the remainder of the 2007-2008, the following low-tide digs are planned:

Friday, May 4, low tide will be at 8:35 a.m.: dig at Twin Harbors only
Saturday, May 5, low tide will be at 9:12 a.m.: dig at Twin Harbors or Long Beach
Sunday, May 6, low tide will be at 9:50 a.m.: dig at Twin Harbors, Long Beach

The dig is planned only for Twin Harbors and Long Beach because the recreational harvest has reached annual quotas on other beaches, said Dan Ayres, coastal shellfish manager for WDFW.