Another April Razor Clam Dig Weekend Proposed

Olympia, WA - State fishery managers are planning another morning razor-clam dig this month on Washington's ocean beaches, as long as marine toxin tests show the clams are safe to eat.

As usual, the final word on beach openings will be announced once toxin test results are available, said Dan Ayres, coastal shellfish manager for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW).

Proposed beach openings for upcoming digs, along with morning low tides, are:

• April 21, Saturday (7:28 a.m., -0.3 feet): Long Beach, Twin Harbors only
• April 22, Sunday (8:01 a.m., -0.4 feet): Long Beach and Twin Harbors only
• April 23, Monday (8:35 a.m., -0.4 feet): Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis and Mocrocks

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Copalis Beach lies south of the Copalis River and includes Ocean Shores, Oyhut, Ocean City and Copalis. Mocrocks Beach is north of the Copalis River and includes Iron Springs, Roosevelt Beach, Seabrook, Pacific Beach and Moclips.

The dig is timed to coincide with morning low tides. No digging will be allowed after noon.

Under state law, diggers can take 15 razor clams per day, and are required to keep the first 15 they dig. Each digger's clams must be kept in a separate container.

Diggers need a valid 2012-13 fishing license to participate in the upcoming opening, since all 2011-12 licenses expired March 31. The exception is young people under age 15, who may fish for free.

Licensing options range from a three-day razor clam license to an annual combination fishing license, which can be purchased on WDFW's website (https://fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov ) and from license vendors around the state.