Six days of razor clam digs approved starting Jan. 29

Mollusks, anyone? Another round of razor clam digs are set for the end of January and early February in Grays Harbor and Pacific counties.

Shellfish managers with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife said Friday, Jan. 21, that the next round of digging will take place as planned from Jan. 29 to Feb. 3.

“We had some really good digging (opportunities) to start the new year and are excited to be able to finish out January on some really good minus tides,” said Zach Forster, a fish and wildlife shellfish biologist, in a statement.

Diggers are reminded that the daily limit has reverted to the standard 15 razor clams. A daily limit, as per state law, consists of the first 15 clams dug up regardless of size or condition. Additionally, each digger’s clams must be kept in a separate container.

The following digs during evening low tides will proceed after marin toxin results from the Washington Department of Health showed that razor clams are safe to eat.

■ Saturday, Jan. 29 at 4:30 p.m.; -0.7 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors and Mocrocks.

■ Sunday, Jan. 30 at 5:21 p.m.; -1.2 feet; Long Beach and Copalis.

■ Monday, Jan. 31 at 6:08 p.m.; -1.5 feet; Long Beach.

■ Tuesday, Feb. 1 at 6:52 p.m.; -1.5 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors and Coplais.

■ Wednesday, Feb. 2 at 7:34 p.m.; -1.2 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors and Mocrocks.

■ Thursday, Feb. 3 at 8:13 p.m.; -0.7 feet; Copalis.

“Not all beaches are open for every dig, so diggers are encouraged to make sure their intended destination is open before heading out,” the Department of Fish and Wildlife said in a statement. “Diggers should also continue to respect coastal communities and residents by following local and state health guidelines.

“The most successful digging occurs between one and two hours before the listed time of low tide. The early part of the outgoing tides on Jan. 29-30 will occur just before sunset, a rare occurence during the winter season.

“No digging is allowed before noon during digs when low tide occurs in the afternoon or evening.”

All diggers age 15 or older must have an applicable fishing license to harvest razor clams on any beach. Licenses, ranging from a three-day razor clam license to an annual combination fishing license or a Fish Washington license, are available from WDFW’s licensing website at fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov/login, and from hundreds of license vendors around the state. WDFW recommends buying your license before visiting coastal beach communities for this razor clam season.

Details on these and future digs can be found at wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/shellfishing-regulations/razor-clams.

To learn more about razor clam abundance, population densities at various beaches, and how seasons are set, visit wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/shellfishing-regulations/razor-clams#management.