WDFW approves seven days of coastal razor clam digs beginning April 12; more digs planned through May 15

OLYMPIA — Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) shellfish managers confirmed seven days of razor clam digs on coastal beaches beginning Saturday, April 12.

“We’ve had a great start to our spring season with successful morning digs,” said Bryce Blumenthal, WDFW’s recreational razor clam manager. “Hopefully that trend will continue with this next set of April digs. If you haven’t already, don’t forget to buy a new license for the 2025-26 harvest year.”

Not all coastal beaches are open for every dig, so diggers should make sure their intended destination is open before heading out. Most successful digging occurs between one and two hours before the listed time of low tide.

The following confirmed digs April 12-18 will proceed as scheduled, after marine toxin results from the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) showed razor clams are safe to eat.

Confirmed dates during morning (midnight to noon only) low tides:

• April 12, Saturday, 6:57 a.m.; 0.4 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
• April 13, Sunday, 7:29 a.m.; 0.0 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis
• April 14, Monday, 8:00 a.m.; -0.2 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis
• April 15, Tuesday, 8:33 a.m.; -0.3 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
• April 16, Wednesday, 9:08 a.m.; -0.2 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
• April 17, Thursday, 9:48 a.m.; 0.0 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis
• April 18, Friday, 10:33 a.m.; 0.3 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis

Tentative dates during morning (midnight to noon only) low tides:

• April 26, Saturday, 5:53 a.m.; -0.6 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis
• April 27, Sunday, 6:40 a.m.; -1.5 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
• April 28, Monday, 7:25 a.m.; -2.0 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
• April 29, Tuesday, 8:12 a.m.; -2.2 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis
• April 30, Wednesday, 9:00 a.m.; -2.0 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis
• May 1, Thursday, 9:52 a.m.; -1.6 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis
• May 2, Friday, 10:47 a.m.; -0.9 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks (digging extended until 2 p.m.)
• May 3, Saturday, 11:48 a.m.; -0.2 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks (digging extended until 2 p.m.)

Tentative dates during morning (midnight to noon only) low tides:

• May 10, Saturday, 5:58 a.m.; 0.1 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis
• May 11, Sunday, 6:32 a.m.; -0.4 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
• May 12, Monday, 7:05 a.m.; -0.7 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
• May 13, Tuesday, 7:38 a.m.; -0.9 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis
• May 14, Wednesday, 8:13 a.m.; -0.9 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis
• May 15, Thursday, 8:49 a.m.; -0.8 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks

DOH requires test samples for marine toxins, and domoic acid levels must fall under the guideline level before a beach can open for digging. Domoic acid, a natural toxin produced by certain types of marine algae, can be harmful or fatal if consumed in sufficient quantities. Final approval usually occurs about a week or less before the start of each digging series. More information about domoic acid, as well as current levels at ocean beaches, can be found on WDFW’s domoic acid webpage.

On all open beaches, the daily limit is 15 clams per person. Each digger must have their clams in a separate container and must keep the first 15 clams they dig, regardless of size or condition, to prevent waste.

Now that spring has arrived, Washingtonians must have a valid 2025-26 recreational fishing license. You can buy your 2025-26 license products online or at a license dealer near you. All diggers age 15 or older must have an applicable fishing license to harvest razor clams on any beach.

As in past years, WDFW reminds beachgoers to avoid disturbing nesting snowy plovers — a small bird with gray wings and a white breast — by staying out of the dunes and posted areas along the southwest coast. Snowy plover nests are nearly invisible, and it is vital to give birds the space to thrive during the nesting period, especially along the southern end of Twin Harbors — known as Midway Beach — and north of Second Avenue in Ocean City to the north end of Copalis Beach and the north end of Long Beach.

Other ways to help protect snowy plovers include keeping pets leashed and not leaving leftover food or trash on the beach and picnic areas, as this attracts predators.

The Razor Clam Management Plan is available on WDFW’s website. For more information, refer to WDFW's razor clam webpage.

WDFW works to preserve, protect, and perpetuate fish, wildlife and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities.