State approves razor clam dig starting March 2

OLYMPIA – Clam diggers can return to two coastal beaches Monday, March 2, through Thursday, March 5, to dig razor clams during a month packed with potential digging opportunities.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife approved the dig at Long Beach and Twin Harbors after marine toxin tests showed the clams are safe to eat.

As in previous openings, the dig is scheduled on evening tides. No digging will be allowed on any beach before noon.

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.

The four-day dig is scheduled for the following dates, beaches and low tides:

March 2, Monday, 4:49 p.m.; 0.5 feet, Long Beach, Twin Harbors

March 3, Tuesday, 5:26 p.m.; 0.4 feet, Long Beach, Twin Harbors

March 4, Wednesday, 5:59 p.m.; 0.4 feet, Long Beach, Twin Harbors

March 5, Thursday; 6:30 p.m.; 0.5 feet, Long Beach, Twin Harbors

WDFW shellfish managers have tentatively scheduled a nine-day dig beginning March 16. Low tides will switch to morning from evening tides midway through the proposed dig on the following dates, beaches and tides:

March 16, Monday, 4:15 p.m.; 0.3 feet, Long Beach, Twin Harbors

March 17, Tuesday, 5:08 p.m.; -0.2 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors

March 18, Wednesday, 5:57 p.m.; -0.5 feet, Long Beach, Twin Harbors

March 19, Thursday, 6:42 p.m.; -0.5 feet, Long Beach, Twin Harbors

March 20, Friday, 7:26 p.m.; -0.4 feet, Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis, Mocrocks

Seasonal switch to morning tides

March 21, Saturday, 7:55 a.m.; -0.5 feet, Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis, Mocrocks

March 22, Sunday, 8:42 a.m.; -0.7 feet, Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis, Mocrocks

March 23, Monday, 9:31 a.m.; -0.6 feet, Long Beach, Twin Harbors

March 24, Tuesday, 10:21 a.m.; -0.3 feet, Long Beach, Twin Harbors

All diggers age 15 or older must have an applicable 2014-15 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 http://ift.tt/1czn9Tv and from license vendors around the state.