Grab Your Bucket: Three clamming dates set for mid-October

Photo credit: Columbian
The first razor clam digs of the fall season are planned for mid-October on Washington ocean beaches.
Releasing the tentative schedule earlier than usual this year allows people plenty of time to make plans to go digging this fall, according to managers from the Washington Dept. of Fish and Wildlife.
It also gives you extra time to secure the best rooms and fall rates at The Polynesian Resort.
The first proposed razor clam digs at Copalis Beach, along with evening low tides and beaches are:
- 14, Friday, 5:55 p.m.; 0.2 feet; Copalis,
- 15, Saturday, 6:42 p.m.; -0.6 feet, Copalis,
- 16, Sunday, 7:28 p.m.; -1.1 feet, Copalis,
WDFW typically confirms that the dig will go forward about a week before the opening, based on final marine toxin tests.
Last year, the start of the season was delayed due to elevated levels of domoic acid, a natural toxin produced by certain types of marine algae. Recent testing indicates current levels are well within public health standards.
If you have never gone clam digging, here’s what you need to know.
- Under state law, diggers are required to keep the first 15 clams they dig.
- Each digger’s clams must be kept in a separate container.
- All diggers age 15 or older must have an applicable 2016-17 fishing license to harvest razor clams on any beach.
- Licenses, ranging from a three-day razor clam license to an annual combination fishing license, are available from license vendors around the state and WDFW’s licensing customer service number at (360) 902-2464.