2/24/2023

Lot's of available dates

The following tentative digs during evening (p.m.) low tides are scheduled:

• March 3, Friday, 4:31 PM; 0.6 feet; Mocrocks
• March 4, Saturday, 5:09 PM; 0.4 feet; Copalis
• March 5, Sunday, 5:42 PM; 0.2 feet; Mocrocks
• March 6, Monday, 6:13 PM 0.1 feet; Copalis
• March 7, Tuesday, 6:41 PM; 0.3 feet; Mocrocks
• March 8, Wednesday, 7:09 PM; 0.5 feet; Copalis

• March 17, Friday, 4:10 PM; 0.0 feet; Copalis (Ocean Shores Razor Clam and Seafood Festival)
• March 18, Saturday, 5:06 PM; -0.5 feet; Mocrocks (Ocean Shores Razor Clam and Seafood Festival)
• March 19, Sunday, 5:54 PM; -0.7 feet; Copalis (Ocean Shores Razor Clam and Seafood Festival)

• March 20, Monday, 6:38 PM; -0.7 feet; Mocrocks
• March 21, Tuesday, 7:18 PM; -0.5 feet; Copalis
• March 22, Wednesday, 7:56 PM; 0.0 feet; Mocrocks

The following tentative digs during morning (a.m.) low tides are scheduled:

• March 23, Thursday, 8:29 AM; -0.3 feet; Copalis
• March 24, Friday, 9:13 AM; -0.4 feet; Mocrocks
• March 25, Saturday, 9:57 AM; -0.2 feet; Copalis
• March 26, Sunday, 10:44 AM; 0.2 feet; Mocrocks

Mocrocks forecast on NWS Seattle today:

Friday: W wind 9 to 11 kt becoming SW in the afternoon. Rain. WNW swell 13 ft. Wind waves around 1 ft.

Feb. 28, 2023
Contact: Bryce Blumenthal, 360-249-4628 ext. 232
Public Affairs contact: Mark Yuasa, 360-902-2262
Coastal razor clam digging at Mocrocks starts Friday, March 3, Copalis also opens Saturday, March 4
OLYMPIA – Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) shellfish managers today confirmed coastal razor clam digging reopens at Mocrocks Friday, March 3 followed by opportunities March 5 and March 7. This is in addition to Copalis open on Saturday, March 4, March 6, and March 8.
"Hopefully the weather will be kind to us for the upcoming six days of harvest on Copalis and Mocrocks only," said Bryce Blumenthal, a WDFW coastal shellfish biologist. "The low tides will not be as deep as previous digs, but there should be plenty of daylight digging opportunity considering how early they occur."
The following digs during evening (p.m.) low tides will proceed as scheduled:
• March 3, Friday, 4:31 PM; 0.6 feet; Mocrocks
• March 4, Saturday, 5:09 PM; 0.4 feet; Copalis
• March 5, Sunday, 5:42 PM; 0.2 feet; Mocrocks
• March 6, Monday, 6:13 PM 0.1 feet; Copalis
• March 7, Tuesday, 6:41 PM; 0.3 feet; Mocrocks
• March 8, Wednesday, 7:09 PM; 0.5 feet; Copalis
Details on these and future tentative digs planned on March 17-22 during evening (p.m.) low tides and March 23-26 during morning (a.m.) low tides can be found by going to the WDFW razor clam webpage.
The Washington Department of Health (WDOH) labs indicate domoic acid levels at Long Beach and Twin Harbors beaches remain slightly above the health guideline levels. WDFW will announce future digging opportunities on those beaches when marine toxin tests show it is safe to do so.
Domoic acid, a natural toxin produced by certain types of marine algae, can be harmful or fatal if consumed in sufficient quantities. WDFW shellfish staff will continue to regularly dig test samples of razor clams to monitor the situation. WDOH requires two test samples taken around seven days apart, must fall under the health guideline level before a beach can reopen for razor clam digging. More information about domoic acid, as well as current levels at ocean beaches, can be found on WDFW's domoic acid webpage.
The daily limit is 15 razor clams per person. Under state law, a daily limit consists of the first 15 clams dug regardless of size or condition, and each digger's clams must be kept in a separate container. Digging is prohibited in the razor clam reserve located just south of the Ocean City approach on Copalis, which are marked by 10-foot poles with signs. The most successful digging occurs between one and two hours before the listed time of low tide.
Shellfish and seafood enthusiasts can also start making plans to attend the Ocean Shores Razor Clam and Seafood Festival on March 17-19, and the Long Beach Razor Clam Festival on April 8-9. These two long-running events celebrate the unique contribution of razor clams to Washington's culture and coastal communities.
With the spring fast approaching, Washingtonians should consider purchasing 2023-2024 recreational hunting and fishing licenses, and from hundreds of license vendors around the state. WDFW recommends buying your license before current licenses expire after March 31. All diggers age 15 or older must have an applicable fishing license to harvest razor clams on any beach.
For additional details, go to the WDFW's razor clam webpage and the DOH webpage. To be notified of in-season rule changes as they are announced sign up for email notifications at wdfw.wa.gov/about/lists.
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife works to preserve, protect, and perpetuate fish, wildlife and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities.

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Looks like they UPGRADED the swell in Friday's forecast... could be a bit surge-y

Friday:
WNW wind 10 to 12 kt becoming SW in the afternoon. Showers. WNW swell 18 ft. Wind waves 1 to 2 ft.

Saturday at Copalis looking a bit "sporty" as well...

Saturday
SSE wind around 19 kt, with gusts as high as 29 kt. Rain. W swell 9 ft. Wind waves around 3 ft.

Any board members try razor clamming this weekend? My son and I took eyeFISH's warning, and stayed off the beach. Last year under heavy swell and surging waves, I managed to fill barn boots and hip boots with seawater. The limits we took home those trips were the worst of the season with many small clams and too many broken clams. Really, has there been any good digs this season? Seems like they all have been beset by severe weather and rough seas...

March 22, 2023
Contact: Bryce Blumenthal, 360-249-4628 ext. 232
Public Affairs contact: Mark Yuasa, 360-902-2262
WDFW approves razor clam digging at Long Beach beginning Thursday, March 23 in addition to digs planned at other coastal beaches
OLYMPIA – Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) shellfish managers today confirmed coastal razor clam digging reopens at Long Beach on Thursday, March 23 in addition to digs planned at Twin Harbors, Copalis and Mocrocks.
“For the first time this razor clam season, domoic acid toxicity is below closure levels coastwide in Washington,” said Bryce Blumenthal, a WDFW coastal shellfish biologist. “We still have plenty of harvestable nice-sized razor clams on all beaches for some equally great digging during the first daylight low tides opportunities of spring.”
The following dig during evening (p.m.) low tide will proceed as scheduled:
• March 22, Wednesday, 7:56 PM; 0.0 feet; Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
The following digs during morning (a.m.) low tides will proceed as scheduled:
• March 23, Thursday, 8:29 AM; -0.3 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis
• March 24, Friday, 9:13 AM; -0.4 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
• March 25, Saturday, 9:57 AM; -0.2 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis
• March 26, Sunday, 10:44 AM; 0.2 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
Future tentative digs during morning (a.m.) low tides are scheduled (digging extended to 1 p.m. on April 12 only):
• April 6, Thursday, 7:34 AM; 0.3 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
• April 7, Friday, 8:10 AM; -0.1 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis
• April 8, Saturday, 8:48 AM; -0.3 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks (Long Beach Razor Clam Festival)
• April 9, Sunday, 9:29 AM; -0.4 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis (Long Beach Razor Clam Festival)
• April 10, Monday, 10:15 AM; -0.4 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
• April 11, Tuesday, 11:09 AM; -0.2 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis
• April 12, Wednesday, 12:12 PM; 0.1 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks (digging extended until 1 PM)
• April 19, Wednesday, 6:44 AM; -0.4 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
• April 20, Thursday, 7:28 AM; -0.9 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis
• April 21, Friday, 8:09 AM; -1.2 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
• April 22, Saturday, 8:50 AM; -1.1 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis
• April 23, Sunday, 9:31 AM; -0.8 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
• April 24, Monday, 10:14 AM; -0.4 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis
• April 25, Tuesday, 11:01 AM; 0.1 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
Not all beaches are open for every dig, so diggers are encouraged to make sure their intended destination is open before heading out. WDFW will announce digging opportunities via the WDFW razor clam webpage when marine toxin tests show it is safe to do so.
Domoic acid, a natural toxin produced by certain types of marine algae, can be harmful or fatal if consumed in sufficient quantities. WDFW will continue to regularly dig test samples of razor clams to monitor the situation. More information about domoic acid, as well as current levels at ocean beaches, can be found on WDFW's domoic acid webpage and on the DOH webpage .
The daily limit is 15 razor clams per person. Under state law, a daily limit consists of the first 15 clams dug regardless of size or condition, and each digger’s clams must be kept in a separate container. Digging is prohibited in the razor clam reserves, which are marked by 10-foot poles with signs. The reserves are located just south of the Ocean City approach on Copalis; and 2.8 miles north of the Oysterville approach on Long Beach. The most successful digging occurs between one and two hours before the listed time of low tide.
With the spring fast approaching, Washingtonians should consider buying 2023-2024 recreational hunting and fishing licenses, available from hundreds of license vendors around the state. WDFW recommends buying your license before current licenses expire after March 31. All diggers age 15 or older must have an applicable fishing license to harvest razor clams on any beach. To be notified of in-season rule changes as they are announced sign up for email notifications at wdfw.wa.gov/about/lists.
Shellfish and seafood enthusiasts can also start making plans to attend the Long Beach Razor Clam Festival on April 8-9. This long-running event celebrates the unique contribution of razor clams to Washington’s culture and coastal communities.
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife works to preserve, protect, and perpetuate fish, wildlife and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities.
Engage with WDFW






________________________________________
This message has been sent to the WDFW News Releases mailing list.