Washington’s clam, oyster, and mussel seasons underway

Spring low tides earlier than in recent years; some state park beaches remain closed

OLYMPIA – Daytime low tides have returned, providing more opportunity for recreational shellfish gathering on many of Washington’s clam, oyster, and mussel beaches that are now open or will soon reopen.

State harvesting seasons on public tidelands vary by beach. Refer to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) website for regulations, season dates, and shellfishing tips.

The two-page 2025 Puget Sound clam, mussel, and oyster season guide (PDF) is now available online, as well as a beach search tool and bivalve shellfish identification chart (PDF). Harvesters must correctly identify clams, as regulatory limits or biotoxin status can vary by species. The 2025 tides chart (PDF) highlights the best days for bivalve foraging.

“Many big low tides are occurring earlier this spring than in recent years,” said Camille Speck, WDFW Puget Sound intertidal bivalve manager. “Oysters are typically in prime condition during the spring, and clamming should be optimal through September.”

Minimum size and harvest limits on public beaches help to sustain shellfish beds. Please refer to statewide shellfish and seaweed rules for more information. A valid saltwater fishing, shellfish/seaweed, or combination license is required to harvest shellfish from these areas. Licenses are available online, at hundreds of license dealers around the state, and at WDFW regional offices.

Before heading out, review the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) shellfish safety map for biotoxin-related closures and other advisories. Water quality conditions may change quickly, so please check the map on the day you plan to harvest. WDFW works closely with DOH to ensure safe, legal harvest of shellfish on state beaches.

Kopachuck State Park remains closed to all bivalve shellfishing for the 2025 season due to construction. Dosewallips State Park is open year-round for oysters, but state and tribal co-managers are suspending clam harvest in 2025 due to a multi-year decline in clam abundance.

“We encourage shellfish gatherers to use our season guide and website search tool to find other nearby beaches that are open,” Speck said. “Puget Sound offers opportunities for recreational clam, oyster, and mussel harvest throughout the year, including at many parks and tidelands that draw lighter crowds and could yield better results.”

Each recreational shellfish harvester must use a separate container and must be actively participating in shellfish gathering. Digging equipment may be shared. Unfilled clam gathering holes and sediment piles can damage habitat and kill clams. Harvesters must refill holes created while digging.

In Washington, private tidelands owners may have their own shellfishing rules for their property. Treaty tribes also reserve rights to harvest shellfish on most tidelands and beaches. More information is available on the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission website.

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.