WDFW Announces 42 Days of Pre-Fishing for Shore Razorfish

OLYMPIA — Washington state Department of Fish and Game shellfish managers have announced 42 preliminary razorfish fishing days at four coastal beaches from Oct. 3 to Dec. 31.

“The 2024-2025 recreational razor clam season will provide similar harvest opportunities to the previous season as long as marine toxin levels remain below closure levels,” said Bryce Blumenthal, WDFW coastal shellfish biologist.

“Razor clam populations on South Coast beaches are still strong and healthy enough to produce abundant catches in the fall, and this season’s runoffs coincide with Thanksgiving weekend, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day.”

Dates for 2025 will be announced as the season progresses.

The opening of all beaches is contingent on final approval of marine toxin testing, which typically occurs a week or less before each excavation round begins.

The Washington State Department of Health (WDOH) requires two test samples to be taken seven to 10 days apart, and the domoic acid level must drop below acceptable levels before the beach can be opened for digging.

Domoic acid, a natural toxin produced by some types of marine algae, can be harmful or fatal if consumed in sufficient quantities. More information about domoic acid, as well as current levels at ocean beaches, can be found on the WDFW domoic acid webpage.

On all open beaches—Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks and Copalis—the daily limit is 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.

“It’s important for diggers to preserve the clams they dig up to prevent waste,” Blumenthal said. “It’s not uncommon to come across a few small clams, especially this early in the season.”

Saturday, December 28, 4:58 PM; 0.0 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis
Sunday, December 29, 5:36 PM; -0.4 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
Monday, December 30, 6:14 PM; -0.7 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
Tuesday, December 31, 6:51 PM; -1.0 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis

Additional information

During excavations when the tide is low in the afternoon or evening, digging is prohibited before noon.

All collectors aged 15 years and over must have an appropriate fishing licence to collect razor clams at any beach.

Licenses can be purchased on the WDFW licensing website and at hundreds of license vendors throughout the state. WDFW recommends purchasing a license before visiting coastal beach communities.

As in past years, WDFW is asking beachgoers not to disturb nesting snowy plovers — small birds with gray wings and white bellies — by staying off the dunes and designated areas along the southwest coast.

Snowy plover nests are nearly invisible, so it’s critical to provide the birds with space to live and thrive during the breeding season, especially along the southern end of Twin Harbors — known as Midway Beach — the northern end of Long Beach and the area north of Ocean City on Copalis Beach.

When driving on the beach, observe the 25 mph speed limit and enter only at designated access points. Stick to packed sand near the high tide line to avoid crushing clam beds and snowy plover nests.

The 2024-2025 Razor Mussel Management Plan will be available on the WDFW website soon. For more information, visit the WDFW Razor Mussels website.