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.

"We're pleased we can offer diggers a chance to get out one more time," said Ayres. "Twin Harbors and Long Beach still have clams available, but the other beaches can't support a dig at this time."

Head to the Beach!

When you get there, plan to arrive an hour before low tide, and have your permit already purchased to save time. Look for clam "show". These are the little air holes in the sand. Clams will also show at the edge of the surf line when you pound the beach with a shovel handle or your foot. They may squirt sand and water out of the hole where they are located. You need to be quick when digging in the surf as razor clams dig quite fast in the soft fluid sand. Remember to only take your daily limit of 15 clams.

Get Your Limit!

Clean them, eat them, (see recipes in the resources section) and enjoy!