Washington Coast Okays A Week of Clam Digs Starting Today at Long Beach, Copalis, More

Published 04/01/26 at 6:45 a.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Long Beach, Washington) – Today is the first day of a week that really matters – if you're a fan of clam digging on the Washington coast. From April 1 through April 7, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) has approved seven consecutive days of razor clam digging at Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis, and Mocrocks, with additional tentative dates planned through early May.

WDFW coastal shellfish biologist Bryce Blumenthal said recent morning digs produced good results and high hopes.

“We had some nice conditions and successful digging during the first weekend of morning harvest during the last tide series,” Blumenthal told Oregon Coast Beach Connection. “Hopefully, the swell and weather don’t have any tricks up their sleeves and will allow similar success for the upcoming April Fools’ Day digs."

He also reminded diggers that the 2026–2027 license year begins April 1 and a new recreational fishing license is required.

Copalis and Mocrocks will not be open every day, and WDFW urges diggers to confirm beach-specific openings before traveling.

All digs remain contingent on marine toxin results from the Washington State Department of Health. Beaches can only open when domoic acid levels fall below state health thresholds. DOH typically issues final clearance within a week of each tide series.

Domoic acid is like the curse of shellfish enthusiasts. It's a naturally occurring toxin produced by certain algae and can be harmful if consumed in high amounts, and has a tendency to shut down not only clam-digging fun but crabbing and other shellfish activities on the Washington coast and Oregon coast. Sometimes it happens for months at a time.

However, all is hunky dory on the Washington side. More Washington Coast

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.

Washington Coast Weather

Approved morning digs (midnight to noon only):

April 1, Wednesday, 6:45 a.m., 0.5 feet, Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
April 2, Thursday, 7:22 a.m., 0.1 feet, Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
April 3, Friday, 7:57 a.m., -0.2 feet, Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis
April 4, Saturday, 8:32 a.m., -0.2 feet, Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis
April 5, Sunday, 9:08 a.m., -0.1 feet, Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
April 6, Monday, 9:46 a.m., 0.2 feet, Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
April 7, Tuesday, 10:30 a.m., 0.5 feet, Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis

Additional tentative morning digs (midnight to noon unless noted):

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 (digging extended until 2 p.m.)
April 23, Thursday, 12:11 p.m., -0.2 feet, Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis (digging extended until 2 p.m.)

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 and store them separately. All diggers age 16 and older must have a valid fishing license. Licenses for the new license year may be purchased online or from authorized dealers statewide. WDFW’s MyWDFW and Fish Washington apps provide digital licensing tools, harvest reporting, and fishing regulations. See https://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/ shellfishing-regulations/razor-clams

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 continues to accept public comments on proposed digging schedules at razorclams@dfw.wa.gov.

WDFW manages fish, wildlife, and ecosystems statewide while supporting sustainable recreational and commercial opportunities.

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