WDFW Announces Razor Clam Digs Dec. 2–8 at Four Coastal Beaches; Additional Dates Tentative Through Jan. 6

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) has approved razor clam digging at Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis and Mocrocks beaches from Dec. 2–8, pending final marine toxin test results.

“Winter is coming, and so are the lowest tides of the season,” said Bryce Blumenthal, WDFW coastal shellfish biologist. “We’re hopeful stormy weather will stay away so harvesters can take advantage of these early-December digs.”

Health and safety checks: The Washington State Department of Health requires testing for domoic acid — a naturally occurring marine toxin produced by certain algae — before any beach may open. Domoic acid levels must be below guideline thresholds; final approval typically arrives days to a week before scheduled digs. Current domoic acid levels and background information are available on WDFW’s domoic acid webpage.

Confirmed low-tide digs (noon–midnight window):

• Dec. 2, Tue — 4:11 p.m.; -0.6 ft — Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis
• Dec. 3, Wed — 4:59 p.m.; -1.4 ft — Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
• Dec. 4, Thu — 5:47 p.m.; -1.9 ft — Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
• Dec. 5, Fri — 6:34 p.m.; -2.1 ft — Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis
• Dec. 6, Sat — 7:22 p.m.; -1.9 ft — Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis
• Dec. 7, Sun — 8:10 p.m.; -1.4 ft — Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
• Dec. 8, Mon — 8:59 p.m.; -0.8 ft — Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks

Additional tentative dates (subject to testing):

• Dec. 18 — 5:34 p.m.; -0.2 ft — Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis
• Dec. 19 — 6:09 p.m.; -0.4 ft — Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
• Dec. 20 — 6:44 p.m.; -0.5 ft — Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
• Dec. 21 — 7:19 p.m.; -0.4 ft — Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis
• Dec. 22 — 7:54 p.m.; -0.3 ft — Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis
• Dec. 23 — 8:31 p.m.; -0.1 ft — Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
• Dec. 31 — 3:55 p.m.; -0.6 ft — Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis
• Jan. 1 — 4:47 p.m.; -1.2 ft — Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis
• Jan. 2 — 5:37 p.m.; -1.6 ft — Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
• Jan. 3 — 6:23 p.m.; -1.7 ft — Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
• Jan. 4 — 7:07 p.m.; -1.5 ft — Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis
• Jan. 5 — 7:50 p.m.; -1.1 ft — Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis
• Jan. 6 — 8:32 p.m.; -0.5 ft — Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks

Digging tips and rules: Most diggers have the best success between one and two hours before the listed low-tide time. On all open beaches the daily limit is 15 razor clams per person. Each digger’s clams must be kept in a separate container, and diggers must keep the first 15 clams they harvest, regardless of size or condition.

All harvesters age 16 or older must carry a valid 2025–2026 shellfish license; licenses can be purchased through WDFW’s licensing website or from licensed vendors statewide. WDFW recommends buying a license before traveling to coastal communities.

Beach driving and safety: Late-fall sand buildup can make beach driving hazardous. Drive only on the uppermost hard-packed sand near the high-tide line to avoid damaging clam beds or crushing buried female Dungeness crabs. Obey the 25-mph speed limit and avoid parking on beach approaches, which can create congestion and unsafe conditions.

Kalaloch Beach on the northern Olympic Peninsula will remain closed due to persistently low populations of harvestable clams.

The 2025–2026 Razor Clam Management Plan is posted on WDFW’s website. WDFW welcomes public comment on proposed schedules and considers feedback when finalizing digs; comments can be emailed to razorclams@dfw.wa.gov. For updates on final openings and tide times, check WDFW’s razor clam and domoic acid webpages before heading to the beach.

WDFW Mission: WDFW works to preserve, protect and perpetuate fish, wildlife and ecosystems while providing sustainable recreational and commercial opportunities.