Thank you! Crabs snares used with fishing poles work well but not nearly as well as folding crab traps. Softshell and purple varnish clams often are often grouped with bay clams, but they have their own bag limits (see Check the regulations below). Bring a gauge to measure them, a bucket and a small rake with roughly six-inch teeth. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Photos from WDFW. The lower the tide, the more sand there is to dig in. Cloudflare Ray ID: 7dfdb4138d309bb2 So before you dig, please learn the current harvest limit for the town where you'll be digging, and take care not to exceed it. 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 value in the sign up sheet for participants is providing us with your email address to send you photos of our clam dig. But it's super-simple to make your own! In my humble opinion, best months are June, July, August, and September. Public clam, mussel, and oyster beaches | Washington Department of Fish Those . After some great fall and winter razor clamming, we still have plenty of harvestable clams ready to go for some equally great digging during spring low tides, said Dan Ayres, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) coastal shellfish manager. For size and harvest limits, please see statewide shellfish and seaweed daily limits and shellfish size rules. The live farther down in the sand - anywhere from 6 inches to a foot down. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. If you plan to buy equipment at the clinic please arrive 30 minutes early. Cut the pool noodle lengthwise, from top to bottom. Razor Clam Dig Dates for Washington State Beaches Announced, Fall 2021 With the spring fast approaching, Washingtonians should consider purchasing2022-2023 recreational hunting and fishing licensesbefore current licenses expire after March 31. "Hi Bill, I had great success with the clams this year thanks to your class, and now we're enjoying Oregon's Chowder through the winter. All diggers age 15 or older must have an applicable fishing license to harvest razor clams on any beach. A low tide of-0.09 feet occurs at 13:11 PDT.We meet at the gravel turnout just north of the Bay House Restaurant. Current conditions and opportunities to crab and clam. More information about domoic acid, as well as current levels at ocean beaches, can be found on, To participate, razor clam diggers must purchase their new, 2023-2024 recreational fishing or shellfishing licenses. Final approval of all scheduled openings is dependent on marine toxin test results. All diggers age 15 or older must have an applicable fishing license to harvest razor clams on any beach. Knowledge of what is expected of you contributes to the success of our program while you are digging clams or crabbing. Tentative March, April WA Coast Razor Clam Dig Schedule Out Digging is allowed from midnight until 12 p.m. only on April 19-25 and during the tentative digs on May 4-10. All Rights Reserved. A shrimp gun is great to help take the work out of deeper clams, by using the water in the hole to soften the mud or sand. 7 Days of Digs Approved; 20 Clam Limit Still Goes If you'd rather buy before you get here, check Walmart and Amazon. After the lecture, we met at the gravel turnout on the east shore of Siltez Bay to dig for purple varnish clams. Friday, May 16, 2014 @ 9:00am Each diggers clams must be kept in a separate container. Is digging quahogs a good activity for kids? Razor clam | Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife Great times! The announced dates below are TENTATIVE for the remainder of the calendar year. So I always recommend that newbie clammers go for quahogs instead of steamers! So, even when swells seem small, keep an eye on both the ocean and on the kids. Dropping crab pots for Dungeness or red rock crab is often done by boat, but crabbing from a dock can be successful too. Clam Digging and Crabbing Class Schedule - Activity Guide for Lincoln City Bill Lackner proudly displays two very nice Dungeness crabs taken during one of the free crabbing classes sponsored by the Lincoln City Visitor and Convention Bureau at Siletz Bay. The Washington State Department of Fish & Wildlife approved digging from October 19 through October 25, 2021 after toxin tests confirmed the clams were safe to eat. Give the little tykes a pail and net, and they'll happily splash around and chase minnows, while the older kids and adults harvest dinner. OLYMPIA More razor clam digs are planned on coastal beaches as shellfish managers with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) today confirmed the next round of digging . A clam gun is a long tube of plastic or stainless steel about 4-5 inches in diameter and a couple of feet tall. Attendance is free and no class registration is necessary. Crabbing trips require minimal gear, often Incoming and outgoing tides can affect several marine fisheries. At present, the season is on hold due to increased levels of domoic acid making the clams unsafe to eat. Many marinas and stores on the coast rent crab pots, and even small boats for crabbing in the bays. For kids ages 12 to 17, an annual combination license costs $10, regardless of residency status. Wednesday, April 16, 2014 @ 9:00am -1.6, -2.8, etc.) Habitat: Razor clams are found in stable, sandy, surf-swept beaches of the open coast and some coastal bays. Approved Dig Dates, Tide Times, and Beach Locations Appear Below. OUT OF JURISDICTION IS THIS SERIOUSLY HAPPENING? Each clam digger over the age of 14 must have a shellfish license. *As an Amazon Affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases. Clam Digging In Washington: Everything You Need To Know You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked. We now offer shrimp pumps manufactured by H20 Sports for 17.50 at our store. It's just a matter of finding the right spot! PRIVATE CLAM DIGGING LESSONS AT SILETZ BAY. The best time to go clam digging is during a new or full moon, when the tides are at their lowest. The lectures cover all the information on Oregons clam digging and crabbing regulations, identification of all the clam and crab species of interest to recreational clam diggers, harvest methods, cleaning and cooking methods. Each digger will go home with limits of clams. Snowy plover nests are nearly invisible, and it is vital to give birds the space to live and thrive during nesting period, especially along the southern end on Twin Harbors known as Midway Beach and the north end of Long Beach. I showed my grandson how to dig clams and now he's hooked. Razor clam seasons and beaches - Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife Washington State Parks and Clam Digging - aimeedanielson.com These all-inclusive sightseeing passes can save you a bundle on What's on the July 2023 Cape Cod events calendar? Cape Days: Your Go To Cape Cod Guide SMCopyright 2008-2023 -Don R. ("Dee") YoungCapeDays.comAll rights reserved. Washington Razor Clam Season Begins Sept. 22; 56 Dig Days Harvesting bay clams using a shrimp gun is a recent innovation that is gaining popularity with clam diggers in Oregon's bays. Clam digging returns to the coast beginning Sunday, October 3. The daily limit has been increased to 20 clams per person. It doesnt take much gear to go clamming. The clam digging lecture and crabbing lecture cover all aspects of recreational clam digging and crabbing. (800) 720-6339. Visit the ODFW's agency site. To be notified of in-season rule changes as they are announced sign up for email notifications at wdfw.wa.gov/about/lists. And last but certainly not least, K.B. Seven days of clam digging starts on Tuesday, October 19 You need to look no further than Grayland, Ocean City, Copalis Beach, Seabrook, Pacific Beach, and Moclips to harvest your limits of this unique coastal delicacy. Clam Basket Filled with Quahogs of All Sizes We do ask of those who participate in digging clams or crabbing on each Wednesday to attend the lectures to become familiar with Oregons clam digging and crabbing regulations prior to actually digging clams or taking crabs. Clam digger Zachary failed to sign up and I am sure he would like the photos of his children's first limits of clams. We suggest bringing some bottled water to drink and a hand towel. Make sure it's safe to clam Check the shellfish hotline - When there are high levels of domoic acid or other biotoxins in ocean waters, all or part of the Oregon coast may be closed to clam harvesting for public safety. Parking is available between Mos Restaurant and the pavilion. How to clean a razor clam -- A three-minute video showing how easy it is to clean a razor clam. Razor clamming reopens from north jetty Siuslaw River to Seal Rock; In nearly every Oregon estuary, some species of bay clams can be found. Tentative March, April WA Coast Razor Clam Dig Schedule Out, Ocean Shores Razor Clam and Seafood Festival, 2022-2023 recreational hunting and fishing licenses, March 1, Tuesday, 5:50 PM; -0.9 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks, March 2, Wednesday, 6:30 PM; -0.8 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis, March 3, Thursday, 7:07 PM; -0.5 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks, March 4, Friday, 7:42 PM 0.0 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis, March 16, Wednesday, 6:35 PM; 0.0 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks, March 17, Thursday, 7:08 PM; 0.0 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis, March 18, Friday, 7:41 PM; +0.2 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks (Ocean Shores Razor Clam Festival), March 19, Saturday, 8:14 PM; +0.5 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis (Ocean Shores Razor Clam Festival), March 20, Sunday, 8:46 AM; +0.2 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks (Ocean Shores Razor Clam Festival), March 21, Monday, 9:30 AM; 0.0 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis, March 22, Tuesday, 10:18 AM; -0.1 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks, April 1, Friday, 7:36 AM; +0.5 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, April 2, Saturday, 8:07 AM; 0.0 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis, April 3, Sunday, 8:45 AM; -0.1 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks, April 4, Monday, 9:23 AM; 0.0 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis, April 5, Tuesday, 10:01 AM; +0.2 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks, April 6, Wednesday, 10:43 AM; +0.5 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis, April 16, Saturday, 7:03 AM; -0.2 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis (Long Beach Razor Clam Festival), April 17, Sunday, 7:45 AM; -0.8 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks (Long Beach Razor Clam Festival), April 18, Monday, 8:28 AM; -1.2 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis, April 19, Tuesday, 9:14 AM; -1.3 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks, April 20, Wednesday, 10:04 AM; -1.2 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis, April 21, Thursday, 10:59 AM; -0.9 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks, April 29, Friday, 6:31 AM; -0.1 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis, April 30, Saturday, 7:10 AM; -0.5 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks, Feb. 16, Wednesday, 6:42 P.M.; -0.4 feet; Long Beach, Copalis, Feb. 17, Thursday, 7:14 P.M.; -0.3 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Feb. 18, Friday, 7:45 P.M.; -0.1 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis. *, Privacy Policy | Terms of Use | FTC Disclosure | About | Contact | Site Map | Legal, Member of Yarmouth MA Chamber of Commerce. Cant find what you need? Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) shellfish managers confirmed the next round of coastal razor clam digging can proceed as planned, starting tomorrow. Always check withofficial sourcesif you have any questions. Friday, September 12, 2014 @ 8:45pm, COASTAL ENCOUNTERS CLAM DIGGING and CRABBING CLINIC SCHEDULE, During the Coastal Encounters Program we will present a lecture on crabbing and a lecture on clam digging. WDFW mentioned that Kalaloch beach off the northern Olympic Peninsula coast wont be open due to continuing issues with depressed populations of harvestable clams. 2013 Lincoln City Sponsored Clamming & Crabbing Clinics. Start clamming How-to and where-to dig for clams on Oregon's coast Digging for razor and bay clams is fun, easy and tasty. This is a fun activity with tasty dividends that families and friends can enjoy together. Plus, the incredible scenery and sunsets cant be beat! Razor clams Most razor clams are harvested from the beaches in Clatsop and nearby counties on the north coast. We will meet at Siletz Bay each morning following the lecture to either for dig purple varnish clams and softshell clams or crab for Dungeness crabs. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Be patient. Shellfish and biotoxins Learn more about the effect of biotoxins on clams and clam digging. Look for bubbles and indentations in the mud, which are good indications that clams are present. The orientation will familiarize participants with Oregons crabbing regulations, harvest methods, identification, and cleaning and cooking techniques. Water shoes will give your feet the best protection from sharp shells and pointy rocks. Oregon Coast clam digging: Low tide to create good conditions We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Charter trips make tuna fishing accessible to all anglers Current conditions and opportunities to crab and clam. ContactODFW's public service representative at odfw.info@odfw.oregon.gov. CLAM DIGGING Grays Harbor's beautiful ocean beaches are home to some of the best Razor Clam digging on the West Coast. Cross over Schooner Creek and go past the asphalt paved Schooner Creek wayside parking area. Once youve found one clam, there are usually more in the same area. Razor clam diggers can find detailed beach maps that indicate locations and local names for beaches onWDFWs website. Thinking of wearing your flip-flops for clamming? Their shells are thin, brittle and easily damaged. If you make a purchase via a link on this site, I may receive a small commission on the transaction - at no added cost to, Copyright 2008-2023 -Don R. ("Dee") Young. Diggers can expect abundant populations of nice-sized clams on all beaches.. Cant find what you need? We suggest bringing some bottled water for hydration, a hand towel and a first aid kit containing bandages and hydrogen peroxide to treat and dress any cuts. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. These twolong-running events celebrate the unique contribution of razor clams to Washingtons culture and coastal communities. Where to bay clam in Oregon Almost all bays, beaches and estuaries on the Oregon coast have bay clams. Keep an eye on conditions The best clamming is during the lowest tides, but even then, ocean swells can be unpredictable. The lectures begin at 18:30 pm and end at 19:45 or sooner depending on audience participation. Digging for razor or bay clams is a simple and affordable activity that can include the whole family. Each Cape Cod town issues its own permits for shellfishing in the town's waters. The class filled up after the lecture began filling to standing room only. Species Zones The lecture covers Oregons clam digging regulations, clam identification, harvest methods, as well as cleaning and cooking methods. Wednesday, August 6, 2014 @ 2:00pm 9 Days of Razor Clam Digging Approved; 20 Clam Limit This article links to maps of 11 popular clamming areas. caught taking shellfish without one, the consequences can be pretty nasty. Also, keep an eye on other clammers and learn from them. Click HERE to see the product infromation for our Crab Max crab catchers. Main Phone (503) 947-6000 Copyright 2021, Grays Harbor County Tourism. Still wanting to learn more about shellfishing, fishing or hunting in Oregon? Bill, RELATED LINKS OF INTEREST FOR CLAM DIGGERS. Shellfish license State shellfish managers have tentatively scheduled 25 razor clam digs on ocean beaches in March and April. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 9 Days of Razor Clam Digging Approved; 20 ClamLimit, 2022-2023 Tentative Razor Clam DigsAnnounced, Press Release from the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife, 7 Days of Digs Approved; 20 Clam Limit StillGoes, 7 Digs Approved; Limit Increased to 20Clams, WDFW Adds Long Beach to Kick Off AM SpringDigs, 10 Days of Razor Clam Digging Approved; AM Tides & Twin HarborsOpen. So we lightly steam the big guys, then chop the meat into smaller pieces for chowder or baked stuffed clams. Before leaving for a crabbing (or clamming) trip, always check the Oregon Health Authority website or call the OHA hotline at 1-800-448-2474 for any current closures. In most towns, the rule is: no more than one level 10-quart basket of quahogs per week. It's against the law to keep a quahog that's less than 1 inch thick, measured at the fattest part of the shell. 2014 Lincoln City Visitor and Convention Bureau Sponsored Crabbing Classes. Yes, they're buried in the sand. By now youve probably already learned everything you can about clamming from the internet. If you prefer to buy a license in-person, you can go to one of ODFWs license vendors. Clam Digging in Ocean Shores, Washington - Travel Ocean Shores 7 days of clam digging run April 19-25; increased limits remain Clam Digging Schedule Opening date: November 6, 2022 Closing date: March 26, 2023 Total of 11 days (Sundays only) Map of Open / Closed Areas Clam Flat Area: Foot Bridge to Beach Street Bridge Divided into three areas: Area A Partial Open Area B Open Area C Open Youth Day, March 26, 2023 However, clamming also involves water and potentially high waves. 92.51.162.182 Features: This clam has a long, narrow, thin shell with a smooth brown coating. Bill, 7/27 - 11:00 at Driftwood Public Library; 1:00 at the Siletz Bay, Crabbing with the Crab Max using hand lines is user friendly for crabbers of all ages; especially women and children.It is easier for women and children to use the hand line. Call Bill Lackner at 541 265 5847 for additional information about clam digging regulations and the availability of equipment. Park between Moes and the Pavilion at the end of SW 51 ST. A low tide of -0.91 feet occurs at 07.32am. You may have seen him digging bay clams on the Oregon Coast Show or with weather guru Andy Carson from KPTV and or with Joel Porter of KMTR in Eugene, or in featured articles about digging clams and crabbing in the Lincoln City News Guard, the Statesman Journal, The World Daily Newspaper in Coos Bay, the Newport Newstimes and in the the Oregon Coast Today. For example, clamming is best during low and negative tides. They're also delicious when steamed or cooked on the grill and served with drawn butter. Steamers are an entirely different variety of clam. A rake and a bucket are all you really need, but a shovel can be helpful as well. The daily limit is 20 clams. The old saw about never turn your back on the ocean has a lot of truth to it. Salem, OR 97302 Out comes a core of sand with the clam. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. Anyone gathering clams in April will need a new 2022-2023 license to participate. A clam shovel has a narrow, angled blade to dig straight down in the sand. A version of this article appears in print on, https://www.nytimes.com/2021/12/28/magazine/how-to-dig-for-clams.html. (LogOut/ The low productivity only added to the importance of taking home clams for dinner.. 2012 Lincoln City Sponsored Clamming & Crabbing Clinics, 8/10/12 - The last clam digging class at Driftwood Public Library: 12:30 at Siletz Bay was terrific as approximately 50 participants eventually filled the room to overflowing for the lecture on digging the clams of interest to recreational clam diggers. Littlenecks and cherrystones are often served raw "on the half shell". If you're No registration is required. You'll want to dig at low tide; lower tides (e.g. Dig next to rather than on top of the show to prevent cracking the shell or damaging the clam's . Check the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife website for open dates for digging. This will cause the clams to expel any sand theyve ingested, and keep the grit out of your chowder. There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase, a SQL command or malformed data. The Pacific razor clam is one of the most sought after shellfish in the state of Washington. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. All of the participants of the Coastal Encounters program went home with limits of clams', We suggest using the Crab Max folding crab traps that we sell for 30.00 ea or purchase them from local retailers. However, abundances and variety of species is Love the taste of crab and want to try harvesting your own? Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page. They're soft-shelled and oval in shape. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". 7 days of razor clam digging approved by WDFW beginning Feb. 26 The following digs during morning (a.m.) low tides will proceed as scheduled: Future tentative digs during morning (a.m.) low tides are scheduled (digging allowed 4 a.m. until 4 p.m. on May 11-14 only): WDFW will announce digging opportunities via the WDFW razor clam webpage when marine toxin tests show it is safe to do so. Digging Purple Varnish clams from Siletz Bay was featured on the weekly newspaper, The Oregon Coast Today. That could be true. Clam Digging In Long Beach WA | AnchorAndHopeSF Tide chart The best clamming will be during the lowest tides negative tides are the best. Know the tides where you want to dig; the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration releases daily tidal information. They say the clams taste sweeter when they come out of cold water. Lectures last approximately 45 minutes before adjourning to dig clams. CLAMMING and CLAM DIGGING DATES | oceanshoresnews.com Digging for razor or bay clams is a simple and affordable activity that can include the whole family. Payment must be made by cash or check only. WDFW typically makes a final announcement whether a dig can proceed as planned about one to two weeks before each series. Some people prefer a mesh bag to put their clams in, but a bucket will do. ContactODFW's public service representative at odfw.info@odfw.oregon.gov. Beachfront HotelsVacation RentalsBoston - Cape CodWhale Watching. This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks. Crabbing trips require minimal gear, often Albacore tuna fishing can offer nonstop action landing fast-moving, hard-fighting fish. Learn about harvesting the different bay clams on the Oregon coast. 5 gallon bucket Clams tend to live in sand, mud and rocky areas, so start in bays and estuaries. According to a Press Release from the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife, tentative digs to kick off the 2022-2023 Razor Clamming Season in Washington State have been announced. How to Go Clam Digging on Washington's Coast - The Dyrt You can clam year-round, as Johnson does, but because the mollusks are closer to the surface in the summer, thats when most recreational clamming is done. Marine toxins have been elevated but remain below the Washington Department of Health guidelines.. How to bay clam Tips and how-to videos for harvesting cockles, and gaper, butter, littleneck, softshell and purple varnish clams. Get down on hands and knees and lightly rake the sand about one inch below the surface until you hear or feel the rake scrape a shell. How to Dig for Clams - The New York Times orange razor clam net bag or our green net clam bags, My grandsons, Brandon age 11 and Zac age 8. Crab traps There's no better way to dine on the freshest-ever clams than by digging your own! Start clamming | Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife If I don't have a clam rake, can I just dig with my hands? Clam digging can be done on both Ilwaco and Willapa Bay, as well as Twin Harbors, Copalis, and Mockrocks. The Coastal Encounters Program crabbing and clam digging clinics in May are sponsored by the Lincoln City Driftwood Library. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". North coast reopens to razor clamming - ODFW The Washington State Department of fish and game personnel are a fine and friendly group of folks who can answer any questions you may have regarding clam digging, fishing, crabbing, or whatever you choose. Whether you're craving cherrystones on the half-shell or a homemade batch of chowder loaded with your own freshly-dug quahogs they all taste sweeter when you dig 'em yourself! Push the tube into the sand around the clam show, cover the air hole at the top of the gun and pull (using your legs!). Even so, you won't find me out there diggin' in December! You can check the regulations online, or get a printed booklet at an ODFW license vendor, or call your local ODFW office and well send you one. It is a great way to get outside and enjoy the fresh air while also getting some exercise. COASTAL ENCOUNTERS CLAM DIGGING and CRABBING CLINIC SCHEDULE . Take Note: On all open beaches: Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks, and Copalis, the daily limit is 15 clams per person. Children under the age of 16 dig for free; however, all adults and children over the age 14 who dig clams must have an Oregon shellfish license in their possession.