Grays Harbor News Group
A Thanksgiving Day dig is among the seven-day razor clam window approved by the Department of Fish and Wildlife on Thursday.
“It’s great to find time for digs over the Thanksgiving holiday,” said Dan Ayres, state coastal shellfish manager. “Razor clams are a great addition to your feast, and it’s fun to bring guests from out of state along for a distinctive Washington experience.”
Evening digs have been approved starting Sunday, Nov. 21, at Long Beach, Twin Harbors and Copalis beaches.
The upcoming dig is for the following dates and low tides:
■ Nov. 24, Sunday, 4:47 pm, -0.4 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis
■ Nov. 25, Monday, 5:34 pm, -1.0 feet; Long Beach Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
■ Nov. 26, Tuesday, 6:18 pm, -1.3 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis
■ Nov. 27, Wednesday, 7:02 pm, -1.4 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
■ Nov. 28, Thursday, 7:44 pm, -1.2 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis
■ Nov. 29, Friday, 8:29 pm, -0.7 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
■ Nov. 30, Saturday, 9:10 pm, -0.2 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis
No digging is allowed before noon for allowed digs, when low tide occurs in the evening.
For a list of proposed razor clam digs on Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis and Mocrocks beaches through December, please see: https://wdfw.wa.gov/news/wdfw-announces-additional-tentative-razor-clam-digs-through-december.
Final approval of the tentatively scheduled openings in December will depend on whether results of marine toxin tests show the clams are safe to eat.
Additional safety considerations are important to those who engage in digs near dusk and at night.
“Diggers want to be sure to come prepared with good lighting devices and always keep an eye on the surf, particularly at this time of year when low tides come at dusk and after dark,” said Ayres.
Fish and Wildlife is also asking for razor clam fans around the state to weigh in on the perennial question: Which is better, clam gun or shovel? To register support for a favored digging method, clam diggers can post a photo or video, complete with hashtag #TeamClamShovel or #TeamClamGun on any social media before the end of the season
All diggers age 15 or older must have an applicable 2019-20 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 online at https://fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov and from license vendors around the state.
Under state law, diggers at open beaches can take 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.
