Copalis, Mocrocks beaches will have final razor clam digs for season

Starting on Friday, clam diggers have one last chance to dig razor clams this season.

The state Department of Fish and Wildlife approved a final round of digs at Copalis and Mocrocks after marine toxin tests showed the clams on those beaches are safe to eat. No digging will be allowed at either beach after noon.

All other ocean beaches remain closed to digging.

The department routinely closes the razor clam fishery by the end of May to give the clams an opportunity to spawn. The next season will begin in fall, when the older clams have recovered from spawning and a new generation begins to grow beneath the sand.

The upcoming dig is scheduled on the following dates and beaches. Low tides are shown:

▪ Friday: 6:37 a.m.; -0.3 feet; Mocrocks, Copalis

▪ Saturday: 7:12 a.m.; -0.6 feet; Mocrocks, Copalis

▪ Sunday: 7:47 a.m.; -0.8 feet; Mocrocks

Diggers should arrive at the beaches an hour or two before low tide for best results.

Under state law, diggers are required to keep the first 15 clams they dig. Each digger’s clams must be kept in a separate container.

All diggers ages 15 or older must have an applicable 2016-17 fishing license to take razor clams on any beach. Licenses, ranging from a three-day razor clam license to an annual combination fishing license, are at fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov and from license vendors around the state.

For more information on razor clam digging, go to wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/shellfish/razorclams/current.html.

This story was originally published May 17, 2016 at 3:46 PM with the headline "Copalis, Mocrocks beaches will have final razor clam digs for season."