Northwest Fishing Reports

First morning razor-clam dig
of the year set for March 10-11


OLYMPIA – State fishery managers approved a morning razor clam dig at four ocean beaches this weekend (March 10-11) after marine toxin tests confirmed that the clams on those beaches are safe to eat.

The dig, scheduled at Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis and Mocrocks beaches, marks the first time this season that clam diggers will be allowed to harvest razor clams on morning tides. No digging will be allowed after noon at any of those beaches.

“This is the first in a series of multi-day morning digs tentatively scheduled in the coming weeks,” said Dan Ayres, coastal shellfish manager for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW). “A lot of people wait all year to dig razor clams on morning tides.”

Morning low tides and beach openings for this weekend are:

Saturday, March 10, (7:39 a.m. -0.3 ft.): Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis, Mocrocks
Sunday, March 11, (9:28 a.m. -0.4 ft.): Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis, Mocrocks
Ayres recommends that diggers hit the beach about two hours before morning low tide for best results. He also reminds prospective diggers that Daylight Savings Time begins March 11, which is why there is an extra hour between the low tides this weekend.

“It’s important that everyone is operating on Daylight Savings Time for the dig on Sunday, because the beaches close to digging at noon,” Ayres said.

Under state law, diggers 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.

All diggers age 15 or older must have a 2011/2012 fishing license to harvest razor clams on any beach. Licensing options range from a three-day razor clam license to an annual combination fishing license, which can be purchased on WDFW's website (https://fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;) and from license vendors around the state.

Shellfish managers have also tentatively proposed two other morning digs through early April, although final approval will depend on the results of future marine toxin tests. Proposed beach openings, along with morning low tides, for those digs are:

March 24, Saturday (8:25 a.m., +0.3 ft.): Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis, Mocrocks
March 25, Sunday (8:59 a.m., +0.3 ft.): Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
April 7, Saturday (7:36 a.m., -1.2 ft.): Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks, Kalaloch
April 8, Sunday (8:23 a.m., -1.5 ft.): Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks, Kalaloch
April 9, Monday (9:11 a.m., -1.5 ft.): Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Kalaloch

If you haven't done this before, it makes for a really fun weekend. Bring your surf rod and catch some surf perch while your at it.

Dagnabbit.

Had a trip planned for Long Beach (Groupon motel deal) for the weekend, only to see the clam dig news this afternoon. Went to Cabela's and picked up a 3-day pass, now only to learn that the digging's only good till noon. We had planned to arrive Sunday after noon. I was originally only going for a 2-day saltwater fishing, but added the extra day cause I thought I'd go clamming for the first time. Good thing it's only <$7 difference for the wife and I. On the bright side, this would have saved me a ticket for late clamming (was even gonna bring the headlamps for an evening dig when everyone else was done - hah! Amateur I know. Ugh...

So, anywhere local to Long Beach I can dig for other clams?

The devil is in the details.........
This is where I would start to find a back up beach.
http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/shellfish/be ... apArea/14/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
cross reference that with the regs, ect.
If that doesn't work, run up to Oysterville and buy oysters in the shell(if they still have them that way there), toss em on the BBQ and enjoy. Don't worry about it, just have some fun!

The weather predicted this weekend is nasty. Dont know if I want to try it for the first time with wind and waves beating on me.

It certainly can be nasty, I've been a few times when the GF just stayed in the car or made a short appearance on the beach then back to the car for her. At the same time people are out there in shorts. LOL
Now, I just wish she had the gumption to make the drive down there. Maybe she'll be up to it next Fall. She made a pretty good spotter for a few years while we learned the trade.

Weather looks terrible, but the 3-day pass, Discover Pass and motel have been paid for and no refunds... So... off we go... we'll miss the razor clams, but maybe we'll get lucky and score some fish... during the eye of the storm...

I made the trip down to Ocean Shore Saturday night. The rain looked nasty when I had the high beam lights on. I thought to myself what did I get myself into and if I would be staying in the hotel all day. After four hours of sleep and daylight savings time, I drove around for breakfast. The weather got better. No rain and some gusts here and there. It took a little over 2 hours to get my limit. Due to my inexperience, I broke some clams and kept them like required by law. I cant wait to do it again. Next time, I want to start 2 hours before low tide instead of at low tide. Too many foot prints and dug up sand everywhere. Check my report to see the picture of broken clams. Driving over the Humptulips Wynoochee and not checking out Duck Lake sucked. The weather man was wrong and I didnt bring any steelheading gear.

just posted a razor clam report.

Great! Here's a WDFW link. Note angle of clam gun in relation to the ocean or dunes, angle slightly towards dunes or away from ocean. The shows can be really small. Certainly, a couple hours prior to low tide is the way to go. I shoot for 3 if daylight just to watch the beach transform into a total zoo or sea of people.. The night(early or late) digs are fun to watch but, I haven't done as well on them so tend to avoid.
http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/shellfish/ra ... o_dig.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
There are also tons of vids on youtube.
You got some big ones it looked like on the report.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yEeAbJZv8Bc" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; cleaning the clam

Did you see a few people with shorts? LOL I've never been to a dig that I didn't enjoy..... Fast pace when you get into a group of shows. Some of my best digging has been after most people leave an area, foot prints, holes,,, and easy to spot shows.. Seems the clam clears the hole after the traffic/vibration leaves the area. It's all good!

My friend was wearing shorts with fishing boots. I had on waders with northwest raingear. It was a good workout too. Sand gets pretty heavy after a while. My back was fine though, used mostly my legs to pull the clam out. The ocean winds felt good after getting hot from digging.

There were definitely a wide range of people out there. You can see three generations in certain family groups. Everyone was nice and friendly including all of the small businesses in town.

Thanks Mark for the links. I checked them all out last night when I got home. This time was a learning experience. I will be more prepared next time. Razor clam cooked like calamari sounds good right now.

I'll have to try out the Ocean Shore dig sometime. I've always stuck with Grayland, just cause that's where I learned, gotta get out of the box....
That's hilarious! You made quite a pair, shorts and waders.. LOL The guys and gals that work the shows in the surf or water wear the waders. Although, I've been tempted in the past. I wear more of a windbreaker and light weight rain pants($10 for the complete set), a sweatshirt underneath depending on the temp, rubber boots, rain pants keep the sand out of the boots and off the jeans or sweat pants underneath. Again, way to go and maybe I'll see ya out there next dig! Certainly, lift with your legs!

Missed the dig, but at least got to enjoy some fried razor clams at Ole Bob's down in Ilwaco. Saw a dead whale for the first time; It had been washed up on Long Beach for a few days - crazy. Weather Sun night/Mon AM was terrible - winds from 35-60mph. Power got knocked out on the peninsula for a period of hours. Still looking forward to hitting Long Beach/Ilwaco again when the weather's good. Beautiful place.

March 16, 2012
Contact: Dan Ayres, WDFW (360) 249-4628


WDFW approves morning razor clam dig March 24-25


OLYMPIA – State fishery managers have approved a morning razor clam dig at several ocean beaches March 24-25 after marine toxin tests confirmed that the clams on those beaches are safe to eat.

Four beaches – Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks and Copalis – will be open for digging March 24, and all except Copalis also will be open for digging Sunday, March 25.

No digging will be allowed either day after noon at any of those beaches.

“We’re nearing the end of the season at Copalis, but we still have more clams available for harvest on other beaches,” said Dan Ayres, coastal shellfish manager for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW). “We have tentatively scheduled another dig in April and perhaps more to come.”

Morning low tides and beach openings for the upcoming dig are:

March 24, Saturday (8:25 a.m. +0.3 ft.): Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis, Mocrocks
March 25, Sunday (8:59 a.m., +0.3 ft.): Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
Ayres noted that the March 24 dig coincides with the Ocean Shores Razor Clam Festival, featuring craft booths and a chowder cook-off. Since Ocean Shores – along with Oyhut, Ocean City and Copalis – is part of Copalis Beach, it will not be open to digging March 25.

Aryes cautions diggers to observe the boundary between Mocrocks Beach and Copalis Beach, which are adjacent to one another north of Grays Harbor. Mocrocks Beach, which will be open to digging both days, lies north of the Copalis River and includes Iron Springs, Roosevelt Beach, Seabrook, Pacific Beach and Moclips.

Under state law, diggers 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.

All diggers age 15 or older must have a valid 2011-2012 fishing license to harvest razor clams those days. However, starting April 1, diggers will need a new 2012-13 to participate in additional openings this season.

Licensing options range from a three-day razor clam license to an annual combination fishing license, which can be purchased on WDFW's website (https://fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;) and from license vendors around the state.

Shellfish managers have tentatively proposed a morning dig in early April, although final approval will depend on the results of future marine toxin tests. Proposed beach openings, along with morning low tides, for that dig are:

April 7, Saturday (7:36 a.m., -1.2 ft.): Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks, Kalaloch
April 8, Sunday (8:23 a.m., -1.5 ft.): Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks, Kalaloch
April 9, Monday (9:11 a.m., -1.5 ft.): Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Kalaloch
Updated information on razor clam seasons is available on WDFW’s toll-free Shellfish Hotline at (866) 880-5431.

Just a reminder to those who purchased Combo fishing licenses. There is no need for additional licensing to participate in razor clamming, just bring your combo license.
pg 128 current regs:
A Combination or a Shellfish/Seaweed License
is required for all shellfish (except crawfish )
and seaweed harvest. A catch record card, and
endorsement is required to fish for Dungeness
crab in Puget Sound. (See License
Requirements, page 14).

http://wdfw.wa.gov/news/mar3012a/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
March 30, 2012
Contact: Dan Ayres, WDFW (360) 249-4628
Barb Maynes (ONP), 360-565-3005


Razor clam dig opens April 7-9
to those with 2012-13 license


OLYMPIA - Fishery managers have approved a morning razor clam dig at several ocean beaches April 7-9 after marine toxin tests confirmed that the clams on those beaches are safe to eat.

Three beaches - Long Beach, Twin Harbors and Kalaloch - will be open for morning razor clam digging all three days. Mocrocks will be open for two days, April 7-8, and Copalis will be open April 7 for one day only.

No digging will be allowed any day after noon at any of those beaches.

Most diggers will need a valid 2012-13 fishing license to participate in the upcoming opening, since all 2011-12 licenses expire at the end of the day March 31. The exception is young people under age 15, who may fish for free.

"We strongly advise diggers to obtain a new license before they leave home," said Dan Ayres, coastal shellfish manager for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW). "It can be very frustrating to be stuck in line waiting to buy a license at low tide."

Licensing options range from a three-day razor clam license to an annual combination fishing license, which can be purchased online (https://fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;), by phone (1-866-246-9453) and from sporting goods stores and other retail license dealers around the state.

Under state law, diggers 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.

Ayres noted that Copalis was added to the line-up for the upcoming dig because fewer clams were harvested on that beach than expected in late March.

"We still have enough clams available for one more day of digging at Copalis," Ayres said. "I'm sure that beach will be a welcome addition to the upcoming dig."

In addition, Kalaloch Beach inside Olympic National Park will open for digging April 7-9 for the first time this season. The beach has been closed to digging since October due to a low abundance of clams, but park officials say the razor clam population is robust enough to sustain three days of digging.

"We are pleased to be able to provide this opportunity for park visitors from both near and far," said Olympic National Park Acting Superintendent Todd Suess. "Spring is a great time to visit the park's beaches, whether you're clamming or simply enjoying the shoreline and scenic beauty."

Morning low tides and beach openings for the upcoming dig are:

April 7, Saturday (7:36 a.m., -1.2 ft.): Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis, Mocrocks, Kalaloch
April 8, Sunday (8:23 a.m., -1.5 ft.): Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks, Kalaloch
April 9, Monday (9:11 a.m., -1.5 ft.): Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Kalaloch
Aryes cautions diggers to observe the boundary between Mocrocks Beach and Copalis Beach on days when the latter is closed to digging.

Copalis Beach lies south of the Copalis River and includes Ocean Shores, Oyhut, Ocean City and Copalis. Mocrocks Beach lies north of the Copalis River and includes Iron Springs, Roosevelt Beach, Seabrook, Pacific Beach and Moclips.

Q. Will I need a Discover Pass to drive on ocean beaches for clam digging or other recreation?
A. You will not need a Discover Pass to access the beach or to drive or park on the beach. However, you will need a Discover Pass to park in any developed State Parks parking areas upland from the beach.

http://discoverpass.wa.gov/faq/#where" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

razor clamming is some of the most fun you can have on the beach (during daylight hours) but as per usual... I realize there's a dig the day after the dig! lol.

Dustin07 wrote:razor clamming is some of the most fun you can have on the beach (during daylight hours) but as per usual... I realize there's a dig the day after the dig! lol.

Been there, done that! That's the very reason I started posting these dates in here and since there are so many brand new members to WA Lakes.