Final razor clam digs get tentative dates in May

Tentative dates have been set for the final razor clam digs of the season for people willing to venture out to the coast and dig up the mollusks.

Shellfish managers with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife said in an announcement that the final round of digs are planned for May 10 through May 15 with a daily limit of 15 clams per person.

Each digger’s clams must be kept in a separate container, and all diggers must keep the first 15 clams they dig, regardless of size or condition, to prevent waste.

The digs are scheduled at a number of beaches in Grays Harbor County and Pacific County. Would-be clam diggers are advised to use caution upon arrival.

“We’re starting to see a lot of soft sand accumulating on beaches, increasing the likelihood of getting your vehicle stuck,” said Bryce Blumenthal, a Recreational Clam Manager with the Department of Fish and Wildlife, in a statement included with the announcement.

“Be careful when driving on and off the beach approaches and stay below the high tide line where the sand is harder packed.”

The following is a list of tentative dates for final clam digs. Digging is only allowed during low tides, which are noted below, from 12 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Saturday, May 10, 5:58 a.m.; 0.1 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors and Copalis.

Sunday, May 11, 6:32 a.m.; minus 0.4 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors and Mocrocks.

Monday, May 12, 7:05 a.m.; minus 0.7 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors and Mocrocks.

Tuesday, May 13, 7:38 a.m.; minus 0.9 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors and Copalis.

Wednesday, May 14, 8:13 a.m.; minus 0.9 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors and Copalis.

Thursday, May 15, 8:49 a.m.; minus 0.8 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors and Mocrocks.

Would-be diggers were also advised to double-check schedules before heading out.

“Not all coastal beaches are open for every dig, so diggers are encouraged to make their intended destination is open before heading out,” the Department of Fish and Wildlife said in the announcement. “Most successful digging occurs between one to two hours before the listed time of low tide.”

And, as always, the Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) asked diggers to be mindful of wildlife.

“As in past years, WDFW is asking beachgoers to avoid disturbing nesting snowy plovers — a small bird with gray wings and a white breast — by staying out of the dunes and posted areas along the southwest coast,” the Department of Fish and Wildlife said.

“Snowy plover nests are nearly invisible, and it is vital to give birds the space to live and thrive during the nesting period, especially along the southern end of Twin Harbors — known as Midway Beach — and north of Second Avenue in Ocean City to the north end of Copalis Beach and the north end of Long Beach.”