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Dig in for another set of razor clamming adventures!
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Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis, and Mocrocks to host digs
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife shellfish managers have confirmed the season's next round of razor clam digging opportunities at Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis, and Mocrocks, running Dec. 18-23.
“With the holidays just around the corner, this next tide series is the last chance to gather razor clams for holiday meals and gifts,” said Bryce Blumenthal, WDFW’s recreational razor clam manager. “We are now in the thick of the winter digging season, so be sure to check the weather and ocean forecast before digging and plan accordingly.”
The set of digs at Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis, and Mocrocks running Dec. 18-23 will proceed after marine toxin results from the Washington Department of Health showed razor clams are safe to eat at those beaches.
WDOH requires two test samples taken seven to 10 days apart, and domoic acid levels must fall under the guideline level before a beach can open for digging. Domoic acid, a natural toxin produced by certain types of marine algae, can be harmful or fatal if consumed in sufficient quantities.
On all open beaches, the daily limit is 15 clams per person, and each digger’s clams must be kept in a separate container.
Not all beaches are open for every dig, so diggers are encouraged to make sure their intended destination is open before heading out.
For more information on these digs, go to WDFW's razor clam webpage.
In the fall, the beaches still have a lot of soft sand built up, which can make beach driving hazardous. WDFW asks that diggers carefully drive on the uppermost part of the hard-packed sand near the high tide line to avoid crushing clam beds and buried female Dungeness crabs. Be sure to obey the 25-mph speed limit and avoid parking on the beach approaches, which creates congestion leading on and off the beach.
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 Below are the approved and tentative dates for razor clam digs, along with low tides and beaches. Most successful digging occurs between one and two hours before the listed time of low tide. Digging is only allowed from noon to midnight unless otherwise noted during digs when low tide occurs in the late afternoon or evening.
APPROVED, EVENING TIDES ONLY:
- Dec. 18, Thursday, 5:34 p.m.; -0.2 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis
- Dec. 19, Friday, 6:09 p.m.; -0.4 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
- Dec. 20, Saturday, 6:44 p.m.; -0.5 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
- Dec. 21, Sunday, 7:19 p.m.; -0.4 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis
- Dec. 22, Monday, 7:54 p.m.; -0.3 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis
- Dec. 23, Tuesday, 8:31 p.m.; -0.1 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
Final approval of marine toxin testing usually occurs about a week or less – sometimes two to three days – prior to the start of each digging series. More information about domoic acid, as well as current levels at ocean beaches, can be found on WDFW's domoic acid webpage.
ADDITIONAL TENTATIVE DATES:
- Dec. 31, Wednesday, 3:55 p.m.; -0.6 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis
- Jan. 1, Thursday, 4:47 p.m.; -1.2 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis
- Jan. 2, Friday, 5:37 p.m.; -1.6 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
- Jan. 3, Saturday, 6:23 p.m.; -1.7 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
- Jan. 4, Sunday, 7:07 p.m.; -1.5 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis
- Jan. 5, Monday, 7:50 p.m.; -1.1 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis
- Jan. 6, Tuesday, 8:32 p.m.; -0.5 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
 Enter your razor clamming photos!
Are you a clam gun guru or a shovel superstar? It’s time to put your razor clamming prowess on display!
Join the Razor Clam Face-Off and show off your skills. Snap a photo of your epic clam-digging adventure and submit it on our site using the hashtag for your team, #TeamClamGun or #TeamClamShovel, from the “Promotion” dropdown menu.
We’ll feature standout photos on our social media. The team with the most submissions will win bragging rights.
So, grab your license and gear, hit the beach, and let’s dig in!
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The gear
Getting started digging razor clams can be pretty straightforward. Here’s what you’ll need:
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Clam gun or shovel
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Container/net to store your clams
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License
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Flashlight, headlamp, and/or lantern for night digs
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Rain gear and a towel can come in handy
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As can knee boots, hip waders, or chest waders
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Watchful eye: Keep an eye on waves, especially during night tides
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Licenses
All diggers age 16 or older must have an applicable 2025-26 fishing license to harvest razor clams.
Licenses range from a three-day razor clam license (starting at $11.79) to an annual combination fishing license or Fish Washington license. They are available from WDFW online, through the MyWDFW and Fish Washington® apps, over the phone at 360-902-2464, and from some 600 license vendors around the state. Search for license dealers near you using our webpage.
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