OLYMPIA — Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) shellfish managers confirmed today that the final coastal razor clam digs of the season can proceed as planned at Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis, and Mocrocks beaches from April 30 through May 6.
“There was lots of successful spring digging during this past tide series, and it is looking like more of the same for the last digs of the season,” said Bryce Blumenthal, WDFW’s recreational razor clam manager. “When this next series is complete, we’ll have dug 15 weeks of low tides totaling 103 harvest days and 309 individual digs (on all four coastal beaches) since the season began on Oct. 6, 2025.”
Copalis and Mocrocks beaches are not open every day during each dig series, so be sure to check which beach is open before heading out.
The following digs will proceed as scheduled during morning (midnight to noon only) low tides:
- April 30, Thursday, 6:26 a.m.; -0.3 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
- May 1, Friday, 7:01 a.m.; -0.7 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis
- May 2, Saturday, 7:35 a.m.; -0.8 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis
- May 3, Sunday, 8:08 a.m.; -0.8 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
- May 4, Monday, 8:43 a.m.; -0.7 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
- May 5, Tuesday, 9:21 a.m.; -0.4 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis
- May 6, Wednesday, 10:03 a.m.; -0.1 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis
Most successful digging occurs between one and two hours before the listed time of low tide.
On all open beaches — Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis, and Mocrocks — the daily limit is 15 clams per person. Each digger’s clams must be kept in a separate container, and all diggers must keep the first 15 clams they dig, regardless of size or condition.
WDFW plans to announce tentative digging opportunities in early fall for the 2026-27 season on the Department’s razor clam webpage. This summer, WDFW will monitor domoic acid, a natural marine toxin that is produced by certain types of marine algae and can be harmful or fatal if consumed in sufficient quantities. More information about domoic acid and current levels at ocean beaches can be found on WDFW’s domoic acid webpage and the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) webpage.
Recent marine biotoxin closures do not apply to razor clams or crabs. Certain shellfish species accumulate toxins more quickly, to higher levels, and can harbor them longer than other species. Refer to DOH’s shellfish safety map for details on which species are safe to harvest.
As in past years, WDFW asks beachgoers to avoid disturbing nesting snowy plovers — small birds with gray wings and a white breast — by staying out of the dunes and posted areas along the southwest coast. Snowy plover nests are nearly invisible, and it is vital to give birds the space to live and thrive during the nesting period, especially along the southern end of Twin Harbors — known as Midway Beach — and north of Second Avenue in Ocean City to the north end of Copalis Beach and the north end of Long Beach. Avoid leaving leftover food or trash — which attracts predators — on the beach and picnic areas, keep pets on a leash, stay out of dunes, and avoid areas which are clearly marked with posted signs. Learn more about snowy plovers by going to this WDFW webpage.
Washingtonians will need a 2026-27 recreational fishing license valid from April 1, 2026, through March 31, 2027. WDFW offers two mobile apps designed to make your outdoor experience easier and more efficient. MyWDFW serves both hunters and anglers, offering electronic tagging, harvest reporting, and access to licenses and permits. Fish Washington® is tailored for anglers, providing fishing regulations, digital catch cards, and license management. All diggers 16 or older must have an applicable fishing license to harvest razor clams on any beach. Licenses may be purchased online or from hundreds of license dealers across the state.
Kalaloch Beach off the northern Olympic Peninsula coast has been closed to harvesting this season, as clams there remain small and low in numbers.
The 2025-26 Razor Clam Management Plan is available on WDFW’s website. WDFW welcomes public input on proposed razor clam schedules and considers this feedback when finalizing each season’s digs. Public comments may be emailed to [email protected]. For more information, refer to WDFW’s razor clam webpage.
WDFW works to preserve, protect, and perpetuate fish, wildlife and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities.