Onmygame
7/24/2016 5:15:00 PMMost here in this 'tree hugger' state (as you put it) know that July just isn't a clamming time of the year. Late Fall, Winter, and early Spring are the time to harvest mollusks (clams, mussels, oysters).
Much of the closure this time of year is because of algal issues - not pollution.
Still - one has to be mindful of polluted areas and avoid them entirely.
Much of the closure this time of year is because of algal issues - not pollution.
Still - one has to be mindful of polluted areas and avoid them entirely.
fajitamondays
7/24/2016 9:18:00 PMThat's frustrating. I'd say stick with the DOH website for definitive updates on shellfish harvest closures (http://www.doh.wa.gov/CommunityandEnvironment/Shellfish/RecreationalShellfish). Hood Canal might be a good bet.
GasGuzzlin
7/24/2016 10:57:00 PMSo pretty much every season except summer. Go figure. I just assumed that if the season is open in an area, it would be a good time to target that species. I did totally overlook the DOH website though, not realizing it would be more accurate than both the hotline an wdfw. Live and learn I guess. I lived here once in the early 90's and the fishing, crabbing, clamming situation appears to be way worse now. Sadly, I've witnessed the same trend in Alaska over the years. It isn't nearly as bad as Washington, but it's heading that direction. Hopefully the conservation efforts, hatcheries, and regulations can turn it all around over time.
Trouttrakr
7/27/2016 12:48:00 PMHey although due to time of year we haven't been very active, if you've ever heard of "Meetup" online I have a group called "Shellfish in Seattle". If you want to message me directly, just email me. We deal with everything having to do with shellfishing and take trips to favorite places. It is tough on the southeast side of the sound. The meat isn't that good as well in most places. But, if you find a place with a lot of water flow and a deep drop off next to shore you can find good clamming this time of year. That's mostly north of hood canal.
bandseeker
8/1/2016 7:39:00 AMGasguzzlin, the Puget Sound is actually world famous for geoduck, oysters, and clams. It is renown for having some of the best tasting shellfish in the world due to the constant temperature of the water, varying 4 degrees up and down a year. The algae problem is for vibrosis not caused by pollution but by higher temps in shallower depths. The pollution issue is really limited to big city areas, Olympia, Tacoma, and Seattle. Once the fall comes, shelllfishing is fantastic. We have a beach about 20 minutes from Dupont we go to every spring and there are plenty of oysters and shellfisn there. You should take a tour at the Nisqually Reach Conservation Center, it is very enlightening and explains all the great conservation programs in the sound. By the way, I am a Republican but I love my environment.