Washington Coast Opens Up Razor Clam Digs Apri 17 - 23

Published 04/15/26 at 6:55 p.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Copalis, Washington) – This is the kind of news you want to share and not “clam up” about. (Photo Seaside Aquarium)

Bad puns aside, Washington coast beaches have some good news for fans of the clams, and it all starts in a couple of days.

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) shellfish managers have approved razor clam digging at Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis, and Mocrocks from April 17 through April 23.

“With two tide series remaining in our spring season, these upcoming digs will have the lowest tides and should provide a great opportunity for successful harvest,” said Bryce Blumenthal, a WDFW coastal shellfish biologist. He noted that soft sand begins to accumulate this time of year, urging diggers to use caution when driving on and off beach approaches and to stay on the hard sand below the high-tide line.

Copalis and Mocrocks will not be open every day, so diggers are advised to check up on which beaches are open before traveling.

The Washington State Department of Health requires testing for that icky marine toxin before any beach can open. Domoic acid levels must fall below state guidelines, and final clearance typically comes within a week of each tide series. Domoic acid is a naturally occurring toxin produced by certain algae and can be harmful or fatal if consumed in high amounts. Current toxin levels are posted on WDFW’s domoic acid webpage.

Recent biotoxin closures affecting other shellfish species do not apply to razor clams or crab. Some species accumulate toxins more quickly and retain them longer. DOH’s shellfish safety map outlines which species are safe to harvest.

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The following digs are scheduled during morning low tides (midnight to noon only, with digging extended until 2 p.m. on April 22 and 23):

- April 17, Friday, 6:58 a.m.; -0.9 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks (Long Beach Razor Clam and Shellfish Festival)
- April 18, Saturday, 7:41 a.m.; -1.5 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks (Long Beach Razor Clam and Shellfish Festival)
- April 19, Sunday, 8:26 a.m.; -1.8 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis
- April 20, Monday, 9:14 a.m.; -1.7 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis
- April 21, Tuesday, 10:07 a.m.; -1.3 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
- April 22, Wednesday, 11:06 a.m.; -0.8 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks (extended until 2 p.m.)
- April 23, Thursday, 12:11 p.m.; -0.2 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis (extended until 2 p.m.)

Additional tentative morning low-tide dates are:

- 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

WDFW notes that the best digging typically occurs one to two hours before low tide.

The daily limit on all open beaches is 15 clams per person. Each digger must keep the first 15 clams they harvest, regardless of size or condition, and must store their clams in a separate container.

With spring underway, diggers will need a valid 2026–2027 recreational fishing license, effective April 1, 2026, through March 31, 2027. WDFW offers two mobile apps: MyWDFW, which provides electronic tagging, harvest reporting, and license access; and Fish Washington, which provides fishing regulations, digital catch cards, and license management. Anyone 16 or older must have an applicable license to harvest razor clams. Licenses are available online or from hundreds of dealers statewide.

See what's happening on the Oregon coast for clamming - See Washington Coast Weather and tides  - See Oregon Coast Weather and tides

Kalaloch Beach will remain closed due to continued low numbers of harvestable clams.

The 2025–2026 Razor Clam Management Plan is available on WDFW’s website. The agency welcomes public input on proposed schedules and considers comments when finalizing each season’s digs. Feedback may be emailed to razorclams@dfw.wa.gov. Additional information is available on WDFW’s razor clam webpage.

Washington Coast

 

 

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