In the Pacific Northwest, razor clams are one of the most popular shellfish because of their abundance and culinary potential. Washington has 11 saltwater clams and one oyster species that can be legally and safely harvested in their respective open seasons. In the spring, you can spot thousands of razor clam diggers that do it for fun or because they like eating them. When the season opens, and the tides are just right, you can find many people from all over and of different ages with a bucket and shovel in hand flocking to the state’s sandy beaches.
Anglers who love fishing early in the morning should try and experience razor clamming, razor clam digging, or razor clam fishing on the Washington Coast. It’s a popular way to spend your morning catching the sunrise in the western state, whether you’re planning to eat the ones you’ve caught or not. Here’s what you need to know about clam fishing on the Washington coast:
When searching for clams, knowing which beach area is imperative if you want to successfully find the ones you wish to and dig them up. Tidal zones are where you’ll most likely find clams. Certain species can be found in certain depths, but most can be found in the middle to subtidal zones. For beginners and those who don’t want to get too wet, you should aim for the middle intertidal zone, the halfway point between the shore and the low tide. Remember to bring rubber boots or waders if you search for clams in subtidal zones.
In Washington, you can harvest various clam species on whichever Pacific beach you visit at varying depths. Here’s a simple breakdown of what species you can dig up and where:
Depth: 4-6 inches
Habitat: Sand, intertidal and subtidal zones
Depth: 18 inches
Habitat: Sand, gravel, cobble, mid-intertidal to subtidal zones
Depth: 8-14 inches
Habitat: Sand, mud, estuaries
Depth: 2-3 feet
Habitat: Sand, mud, gravel
Depth: 1-2 feet
Habitat: Sand, gravel, cobble, mid to low intertidal, extends into subtidal
Depth: 1-2 feet
Habitat: Sand, gravel, cobble, low intertidal zone, extends into subtidal
Depth: 2-6 inches
Habitat: Sand, gravel, mud, upper intertidal zone
Depth: 4-6 inches
Habitat: Sand, gravel, cobble, mud, mid-intertidal zone
Depth: 1-2 inches
Habitat: Sandy, sheltered beaches, gravel, cobble, sometimes on the surface
Depth: On rock surface
Habitat: Intertidal to subtidal zones, on rocks, piers, and other hard, submerged surfaces
Depth: 6-12 inches and deeper
Habitat: Sand, intertidal coastal beaches, +3 foot to -2 foot tides
Depth: Up to 14 inches
Habitat: Sand, gravel
Regarding the specific places to go clamming, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife has established that Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks Beach, Copalis Beach, and Kalaloch are all areas where razor clamming and clamming, in general, is permitted. Still, hundreds of coastal beaches and ocean shores line Puget Sound, which is also an excellent place for clamming. However, some aren’t easily accessible and may require a boat or may involve a tiring hike.
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife assesses razor clam populations in the summer. They focus on including clams that are under and over 3 inches. This allows them to calculate the total number of clams people are permitted to dig or harvest for each beach. They also set limited harvest periods between October and early May. Specific dates are subject to change. You can find updates online on their website. If the WDFW considers marine toxins in the clam samples they’ve collected, harvest dates may be closed or delayed. Some beaches can be opened or closed as well.