Razor clam dig cleared to run Wednesday through Saturday

OLYMPIA - Clam diggers can return to coastal beaches Wednesday (Jan. 15) through Saturday (Jan. 18) to dig razor clams during a month packed with digging opportunities.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) approved the latest dig after marine toxin tests showed the clams are safe to eat.

As in previous openings, all digs are scheduled on evening tides. No digging will be allowed on any beach before noon.

“The timing of the upcoming dig appears to be shaping up nicely,” said Dan Ayres, WDFW shellfish manager. “After a week of thirty-foot waves, the ocean is settling down with a chance of sun breaks.”

Upcoming digs are scheduled on the following dates, beaches and low tides:

• Jan. 15, Wednesday, 6:19 p.m.; -0.1 feet; Twin Harbors
• Jan. 16, Thursday, 6:51 p.m.; -0.1 feet; Twin Harbors
• Jan. 17, Friday, 7:22 p.m.; 0.0 feet; Twin Harbors, Long Beach, Mocrocks
• Jan. 18, Saturday, 7:53 p.m.; 0.2 feet; Twin Harbors, Long Beach, Mocrocks

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.

All diggers age 15 or older must have an applicable 2013-14 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.

For information about additional razor clam digs tentatively scheduled through February, see WDFW’s website at http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/shellfish/razorclams/current.html.