Annual Razor Clam Conservation Closure Coming Up On North Coast

THE FOLLOWING IS A PRESS RELEASE FROM THE OREGON DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE

Harvesting razor clams is closed July 15 – Sept. 30 on Clatsop beaches (from Tillamook Head in Seaside to the mouth of the Columbia River.)

This annual conservation closure lets newly set young clams establish themselves on the 18 miles of Clatsop beaches. Protecting these clams is vital to their population and future clamming opportunities as more than 90 percent of the total razor clam harvest in Oregon occurs here. The annual closure began in1967.

ODFW staff assess razor clam stocks during the conservation closure. The 2021 assessments showed the highest abundance of clams since surveys began in 2004. This translated into a very productive harvest season.

Razor clam harvesting is open on other state beaches from Tillamook Head south to the California border.

The best opportunities outside Clatsop beaches are in the Newport area, with the most consistent producers being Agate Beach, North Jetty, and South Beach. Other razor clam harvest areas include Winchester Bay, Bandon and Gold Beach among others.

Bay clam harvesting is currently open coast-wide.

Always check for toxin-related closures before harvesting clams or crabs by calling the shellfish safety hotline 1-800-448-2474. Closures are also noted on ODA’S Recreation Shellfish page and on ODFW’s Recreation Report – Clamming and Crabbing Report.

For more information about clamming on the Oregon coast, visit ODFW’s Crabbing and Clamming page online.