Tag: WDFW

3 Day Weekend Dovetails with 3 Days of Clamdigging

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clam-girl  clam

With schools closed Monday in observance of the Dr. Martin Luther King holiday,its a great time to head to the Washington coast and for some family-friendly clam digging.

Friday through Saturday digs have been approved for Ocean Shores Beaches, dovetailing nicely into the long weekend.

 Date

Day

Time

Low Tide

Beaches Scheduled to be Open
Jan. 13, Friday 7:17 p.m. -1.4 feet Copalis, Mocrocks
Jan. 14, Saturday 7:59 p.m. -1.0 feet Copalis, Mocrocks
Jan. 15, Sunday 8:40 p.m. -0.4 feet Copalis, Mocrocks

If you are new to clam digging, the Washington State Fish & Wildlife Department has created a great “how-to” page with a nifty video, Digging Razor Clams with Kids in Washington.

Since The Polynesian provides the only apartment-style lodging in Ocean Shores, its the perfect place to stay, providing full kitchens and plenty of room for you,  family and friends to relax.  Besides the spacious ocean front rooms and suites, you can enjoy the sparkling indoor pool and spa and game room. Just steps to the beach, there’s always plenty to do!

Right now, you can take advantage of special seasonal rates too:  stay three nights, pay for two.

Looking ahead, WDF&W has also set aside five more dates for clamming on  Ocean Shores at the end of the month:  Friday-Tuesday, January 27-31, 2017.

So make reservations now for winter adventures on the Washington coast.

 

 

Clam Digging: Fill your Buckets for the New Year!

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Razor clam diggers can mark the year’s end with digs scheduled Dec. 30 and 31 at Copalis and Mocrocks beaches in Ocean Shores.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) approved the two-day dig after marine toxin tests confirmed the clams on those two beaches are safe to eat.

“Diggers can fill their buckets just in time for the new year,” said Dan Ayres, coastal shellfish manager for WDFW.

The best digging typically occurs one to two hours before low tide, said Ayres, noting that digging is not allowed at any open beach before noon.

The upcoming dig is approved on the following beaches, dates and evening low tides:

  • Dec. 30, Friday, 7:22 p.m.; -0.4 feet; Copalis, Mocrocks
  • Dec. 31, Saturday; 7:57 p.m.; -0.4 feet; Copalis, Mocrocks

Book your room now for a stay at The Polynesian.   If you can’t make it for New Years, there are 19 additional dig dates scheduled now in January and February.  And, be sure to ask about seasonal specials with rates starting at $87 per night.

Proposed razor clam digs, along with evening low tides and beaches

 

Jan. 13, Friday 7:17 p.m. -1.4 feet Copalis, Mocrocks
Jan. 14, Saturday 7:59 p.m. -1.0 feet Copalis, Mocrocks
Jan. 15, Sunday 8:40 p.m. -0.4 feet Copalis, Mocrocks
Jan. 27, Friday 6:26 p.m. -0.5 feet Copalis
Jan. 28, Saturday 7:01 p.m. -0.6 feet Copalis
Jan. 29, Sunday 7:37 p.m. -0.5 feet Copalis, Mocrocks
Jan. 30, Monday 8:13 p.m. -0.3 feet Copalis, Mocrocks
Jan. 31, Tuesday 8:50 p.m. 0.2 feet Copalis, Mocrocks
Feb. 7, Tuesday 3:53 p.m. -0.1 feet Copalis, Mocrocks
Feb. 8, Wednesday 4:46 p.m. -0.6 feet Copalis, Mocrocks
Feb. 9, Thursday 5:33 p.m. -0.9 feet Copalis, Mocrocks
Feb. 10, Friday 6:16 p.m. -1.0 feet Mocrocks
Feb. 11, Saturday 6:57 p.m. -0.8 feet Mocrocks
Feb. 12, Sunday 7:34 p.m. -0.5 feet Mocrocks
Feb. 24, Friday 5:21 p.m. -0.1 feet Copalis, Mocrocks
Feb. 25, Saturday 5:58 p.m. -0.3 feet Copalis, Mocrocks
Feb. 26, Sunday 6:34 p.m. -0.4 feet Copalis, Mocrocks

Under state law, diggers at open beaches 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 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 on WDFW’s website at https://fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov and from license vendors around the state.

 

 

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

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Photo credit: Columbian

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.

Two days added to Copalis (Ocean Shores) Razor Clam Digging Season

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State shellfish managers just announced two additional days of razor clam digging, for Monday and Tuesday,  April 25-26.

Lucky for guests of The Polynesian Resort, those dates fall during our 50% off room rate promotion.  Clam diggers are encouraged to make reservations early.

Dan Ayres, WDFW coastal shellfish manager, said the department added the additional days of digging at Copalis, which were not originally included in the list of tentative digs previously announced by the agency.  He said, the dig was added after catch estimates indicated that there are still clams available for harvest to allow for two weekday openings at the beach.

Ayres recommends that diggers arrive at the beaches an hour or two before low tide for best results. However, digging is not allowed on any beach after noon.

  • April 25, Monday, 9:18 a.m.; -0.2 feet;  Copalis
  • April 26, Tuesday, 9:56 a.m.; -0.1 feet; Copalis

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 on WDFW’s website at https://fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov and from license vendors around the state.

It’s another great reason to visit The Polynesian Resort in Ocean Shores!

Clam digging a go, Thursday through Saturday!

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Clam diggers get a thumbs up for three consecutive mornings at Copalis Beach in Ocean Shores, and a bit further north at Mocrops Beach.

The three-day dig was announced by Dan Ayers, the Washington Dept. of Fish & Wildlife coastal shellfish manager.

Ayers noted that diggers should be aware that the opening switches from evening (previously announced) to morning tides: 

  •  April 7, Thursday, 7:07 a.m.; -0.6 feet; Copalis, Mocrocks
  • April 8, Friday, 7:54 a.m.; -1.1 feet, Copalis, Mocrocks
  • April 9, Saturday, 8:42 a.m.; -1.3 feet; Copalis, Mocrocks

The agency approved the digs after marine toxin tests showed the clams on those beaches are safe to eat.  More dates are expected to be announced for later in April.

The Polynesian is t pefect place to stay,  offering the only apartment-style lodging accommodations in Ocean Shores.  The affordable, fully- furnished suites provide plenty of room for clamsfamilies and small groups.

Razor clam dig OK’d for Easter weekend!

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Razor Clam diggers have a green light to dig razor clams Easter weekend, March 25-27
clams at Mocrocks Beach, just north of Ocean Shores.

This is great news for our guests, said Ginny Hll, manager of the The Polynesian Resort.   “Last weekends’ dig was incredibly bountiful.  It didn’t take long at all for clam diggers to reach their limits.”

She encouraged those interested in clamming this weekend to books rooms at The Polynesian now.

The Polynesian offers the only apartment-style lodging accommodations in Ocean Shores. The affordable, fully furnished suites provide plenty of room for families and small groups. With complete kitchens, it’s easy to cook in.

The dig at Mocrocks is scheduled on morning tides and ends at noon each day. Low tides during the three-day dig at Mocrocks are:

  • March 25, Friday, 8:31 a.m.; 0.7 feet; Mocrocks
  • March 26, Saturday, 9:06 a.m.; 0.6 feet; Mocrocks
  • March 27, Sunday, 9:42 a.m.; 0.7 feet; Mocrocks

Mocrocks Beach extends from the Copalis River to the south boundary of the Quinault Indian Reservation.

The timing is perfect.  The town’s  Easter Egg hunt hosted by the Fire Department is set for Easter Sunday at 1pm at the Ocean Shores Elementary school. All ages are welcome to join the fun.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), which sets seasons for the fishery, also announced proposed dates for clam digging on April 7-10 and April 23, 25-26. They will confirm those dates about a week prior.

 

 

 

Feb 19-20 Clam Digging Set Ocean Shores

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Pacific Razor Clam

Pacific Razor Clam

State shellfish managers have proposed two days of razor clam digging in February at Copalis beach in Ocean Shores.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) has tentatively scheduled a dig on evening tides for Friday, Feb. 19 and Saturday, Feb. 20, with final confirmation to be announced about a week earlier.

Specifically:

  • Feb. 19, Friday, 4:33 p.m.; 0.0 feet, Copalis
  • Feb. 20, Saturday, 5:17 p.m.; -0.1 feet, Copalis

The WDFW identifies Copalis Beach from the north jetty at the mouth of Grays Harbor to the Copalis River.

Recreational digging for razor clams is truly a family sport. It can be enjoyed by children and senior citizens alike.  With its family-friendly, apartment-style accommodations, The Polynesian Resort in Ocean Shores is a favorite destination for clam diggers.

All you need to have some fun on the beach is a clam shovel or specialized tube, a bucket or container to put your clams in and most importantly, a clam license.   When low tides occur at night, you’ll benefit from a lantern or flash light, too.

All diggers age 15 or older must have an applicable 2015-16 fishing license to harvest razor clams on any beach.  Licenses can be purchased on line or at various retailers,  including the Ace Hardware in Ocean Shores.

Comprehensive information about razor clams, from updates on tentative digs to how-to advice on digging and cooking, is available at wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/shellfish/razorclams/.

 

 

Clam Digging How-To Guide Available

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 clams_shovelAs clam diggers wait for the final thumbs-up on the tentative razor clam dig scheduled for Dec 24-26 at Copalis Beach, it’s a great time for experienced and rookie shell fishermen to acquaint themselves with the regulations around this popular winter recreation.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) produces a comprehensive guide to Washington State shell fishing that you can download here.  It includes everything from how-to advice on digging and cooking to updates on dig dates.

For example, 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. Diggers may not harvest any part of another person’s daily limit, unless they possess a designated harvester card.

At this point, the tentative dig dates are:

  • Dec. 24, Thursday, 5:47 p.m.; -1.2 feet, Copalis
  • Dec. 25, Friday, 6:30 p.m.; -1.3 feet, Copalis
  • Dec. 26, Saturday, 7:12 p.m.; -1.1 feet, Copalis

Book your holiday stays today at The Polynesian in Ocean Shores and be sure to pack a shovel!