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Home > Take Me Fishing Blog > June 2022 > Facts About Washington Coast Razor Clam Fishing
Razor clams are one of the most popular shellfish in the Pacific Northwest, so popular, in fact, that spring weekends may see over 1,000 clam diggers per mile along some sections of Washington beaches. Pursuing this mollusc for culinary reasons makes Washington Coast razor clam fishing a pursuit for the whole family.
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) conducts an annual summer assessment of razor clam populations focusing on numbers under and over 3 inches. They then determine what the total allowable catch is for each of the various beaches, and set limited harvest periods from October through early May. The actual dates and open beaches are subject to change, primarily if collected samples are found to have marine toxins, making clams unsafe to eat. When this happens, harvest dates may be delayed or closed, and some beaches may be open while others are not. Digging for razor clams on closed beaches is prohibited.
Razor clams are found on coastal beaches that are exposed at low tide. Razor clam digging in Washington State primarily occurs at five beaches, also referred to as management zones. WDFW identifies these as Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis Beach, Mocrocks, and Kalaloch. A description of these, plus map, as well as all pertinent information about seasons, regulations, and digging can be found on the WDFW website.
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Ken Schultz was a longtime staff writer for Field & Stream magazine and is the former Fishing Editor of ESPNoutdoors.com. He’s written and photographed nineteen books on sportfishing topics, plus an annual fishing tips calendar, and his writing has appeared on various websites for more than two decades. His author website is kenschultz.com
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