It is a boom year for razor clams in Grays Harbor!
State fishery managers have approved the second of two razor clam digs on morning tides at various ocean beaches in Grays Harbor County. The digs are set for April 17-20.
- April 17, Thursday, 8:43 a.m.; -0.8 feet; Twin Harbors, Long Beach
- April 18, Friday, 9:26 a.m.; -0.8 feet; Twin Harbors, Long Beach, Mocrocks
- April 19, Saturday, 10:14 a.m.; -0.7 feet; Twin Harbors, Long Beach, Copalis, Mocrocks
- April 20, Sunday, 11:06 a.m.; -0.4 feet; Twin Harbors, Long Beach, Copalis, Mocrocks
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) has approved the harvest schedule pending future marine toxin tests showing the clams on those beaches will be safe to eat. Dan Ayres, WDFW coastal shellfish manager, said this event could be one of the season’s best razor clam digs.
“We’ve seen three good waves of successful spawning events this winter,” said Ayers. “Clamming is strong now and should remain strong.”
Ayres reminded diggers that best results typically occur one to two hours before low tide.
Under state law, diggers can harvest 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 the Washington DFW’s website at https://fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov and from license vendors in Grays Harbor County.
Comprehensive information about razor clams – from updates on tentative digs to how-to advice on digging and cooking – is available at: http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/shellfish/razorclams/.