OLYMPIA, Wash. — The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) has approved five days of razor clam digging at Copalis and Mocrocks beaches from Saturday, Nov. 7, through Wednesday, Nov. 11.
They say digging at Long Beach and Twin Harbors remains postponed until further notice due to elevated marine toxin levels.
The WDFW says test results from Long Beach and Twin Harbors indicate that domoic acid levels continue to exceed health guidelines set by the Washington State Department of Health. Domoic acid is a naturally occurring toxin produced by marine algae that can be harmful or fatal if consumed. Before any beach can open for harvesting, state health officials require two test samples taken seven to 10 days apart showing toxin levels below safety thresholds.
Officials advise diggers to monitor surf conditions on the NOAA National Weather Service website, particularly when swells are forecast above 11 feet.
The approved digs are restricted to late afternoon and evening low tides occurring between noon and midnight. Digging at Mocrocks is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 7, at 5:06 p.m. (-0.2 feet), Tuesday, Nov. 10, at 6:54 p.m. (-0.7 feet), and Wednesday, Nov. 11, at 7:29 p.m. (-0.5 feet). Copalis will be open on Sunday, Nov. 8, at 5:44 p.m. (-0.6 feet), and Monday, Nov. 9, at 6:19 p.m. (-0.7 feet).
Diggers are advised to anticipate traffic congestion in coastal communities and at beach access points, as the most successful harvesting typically occurs one to 2 hours before low tide.
WDFW says a summer 2026 stock assessment conducted by the department found lower razor clam populations on Copalis and Mocrocks compared to recent years, which may result in fewer open dates during the 2026-2027 season.
State regulations establish a daily limit of 15 razor clams per person. Diggers must retain the first 15 clams harvested regardless of size or shell condition, and each person’s catch must be stored in an individual container.
All harvesters age 16 or older are required to hold a valid 2026-2027 recreational fishing license prior to digging.
Kalaloch Beach on the northern Olympic Peninsula coast will remain closed throughout the season due to lingering population depression among harvestable clams.
Final approval for future beach openings remains dependent on marine toxin testing results, which are typically finalized roughly a week before each scheduled digging series.
The WDFW is accepting public input on proposed razor clam schedules by email at razorclams@dfw.wa.gov.