Four days of razor clam digs approved starting Dec. 6

The Department of Fish and Wildlife has approved four days of razor clam digging on evening minus-tides at select beaches starting Dec. 6.

State shellfish managers approved the dig after marine toxin tests showed the clams are safe to eat. No digging will be allowed on any beach before noon.

The dig is approved on the following dates, tides and beaches:

Dec. 6, Thursday, 6:01 p.m.; -0.7 feet; Twin Harbors, Copalis

Dec. 7, Friday, 6:40 p.m.; -0.7 feet; Twin Harbors, Mocrocks

Dec. 8, Saturday, 7:16 p.m.; -0.6 feet; Twin Harbors, Copalis

Dec. 9, Sunday, 7:53 p.m.; -0.4 feet; Twin Harbors, Mocrocks

Coastal shellfish manager Dan Ayres recommends hitting the beach an hour or two before low tide for the best digging. He said diggers should come prepared with good lighting devices and always keep an eye toward the surf.

The state has tentatively scheduled another dig for Dec. 20-23, pending results of future toxin tests. More information on planned digs can be found online at wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/shellfish/razorclams/.

All diggers age 15 or older must have an applicable 2018-19 fishing license to harvest razor clams on any beach.

Licenses, ranging from a 3-day razor clam license to an annual combination fishing license, are available online at 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.