THE FOLLOWING IS A PRESS RELEASE FROM THE WASHINGTON DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) confirmed today the first round of razor clam digging opportunities at Copalis and Mocrocks beaches only from Oct. 26 to 29.
“With the ongoing closure at Long Beach and Twin Harbors, we have structured the upcoming opening at Copalis and Mocrocks to maximize a quality digging series while protecting coastal clam populations and preserving opportunity throughout the fall season,” said Bryce Blumenthal, a WDFW coastal shellfish biologist. “By shifting to a four-day digging window we can align digging time with the lowest tides of the tidal cycle. While managing one open beach at a time requires us to be more strategic, this approach gives diggers the best chance at successful harvest during the best tides of the week.”
WDFW’s summer 2026 stock assessment found fewer razor clams on Copalis and Mocrocks than in recent years, and diggers can expect fewer digging days during the 2026-2027 season. Razor clam abundance on Twin Harbors and Long Beach remains near average. Razor clam populations naturally rise and fall from year to year with ocean conditions, and the allowable harvest on each beach is set as a share of the population size.
The most successful digging occurs between one and two hours before the listed time of low tide. The following digs during late afternoon/evening (noon to midnight only) low tides will proceed as scheduled:
- Oct. 26, Monday, 7:18 p.m.; minus-1.2 feet; Mocrocks only
- Oct. 27, Tuesday, 8:01 p.m.; minus-1.5 feet; Copalis only
- Oct. 28, Wednesday, 8:47 p.m.; minus-1.5 feet; Copalis only
- Oct. 29, Thursday, 9:38 p.m.; minus-1.2 feet; Mocrocks only
Even though marine toxin levels and ocean conditions will allow for digging at Copalis and Mocrocks, the situation can change rapidly and ongoing water sampling for marine toxins could cancel announced digs at any moment. Before heading to a beach, diggers should refer to the WDFW emergency rules webpage.
When traveling to the coast, diggers will also need to anticipate traffic congestion within local communities and at approaches to beaches. Not all beaches are open for every dig, so diggers are encouraged to make sure their intended destination is open before heading out.
Digging at Long Beach and Twin Harbors are closed until further notice after test results on razor clams indicate domoic acid levels continue to exceed the health guidelines set by the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) webpage for safe consumption.
Domoic acid, a natural toxin that certain marine algae produce, can be harmful or fatal if consumed in sufficient quantities. For more information about domoic acid, as well as current levels at ocean beaches, refer to WDFW’s domoic acid webpage and the DOH webpage.
All beach openings are dependent on final approval of marine toxin testing, which usually occurs about a week or less before the start of each digging series. Before a beach can open for digging, the DOH requires two test samples seven to 10 days apart and domoic acid levels under the guideline level.
In previous years, the 2020-2021 razor clam digging season closed early due to domoic acid; 2022-2023 had a domoic acid closure in late fall and winter; and 2023-2024 had a small-window closure at Mocrocks during the beginning of the season. Razor clam digging in 2021-2022, 2024-2025, and 2025-2026 was open the entire season.
The 2026-2027 Razor Clam Management Plan is available on the WDFW razor clam webpage. WDFW welcomes public input on proposed razor clam schedules and considers this feedback when finalizing each season’s digs. Public comments may be emailed to: razorclams@dfw.wa.gov. For more information, refer to the WDFW’s razor clam webpage.
