where to go clamming in washingtonwhere to go clamming in washington

Involve the kids: Depending on their age, kids can participate by throwing clams in the bag, measuring or counting, or simply playing on the beach, says Speck. The best clamming is in the big flat directly off the parking area. So whether youre going clamming early in the morning, late at night, or in the middle of the day, you can drive yourself, fellow clammers, and all your gear right up to where you dig. But now that I have, I understand why people are willing to head to Washington beaches in droves in dark, freezing rain to chase down these surprisingly fast-moving bivalves. Rubber-dipped gardening gloves wont keep your hands dry but they will keep them cleaner and protect hand from glass and other small impediments. Clam Digging In Long Beach WA | AnchorAndHopeSF Approximately 6 miles of beach on the north end of the peninsula may be closed to traffic at various times during the year please follow all posted directions regarding these closures. How many clams can be kept in Washington? One of the best things about Washington beaches is that cars are allowed on the sand! Re: Clamming. Razor clams make excellent clam chowder and clam fritters, but honestly the most delicious way to eat them is cut fresh clams up into bite-sized chunks and saute them in garlic butter. For each digger, a container should be kept separate from the rest of the container. During the fall and winter, most of these low tides are at night (hardcore clammers head out with lanterns). But when I was introduced to Washington clam digging, I discovered the freshest, best-tasting razor clams on the planet. There are a handful of areas that are typically open to the public for clamming digging each year, from Olympic National Park's . More information about domoic acid,as well as current levels at ocean beaches, can be found on WDFWs domoic acidwebpage and on the DOH webpage.As in past years, WDFW is asking beachgoers to avoid disturbing nesting snowyplovers a small bird with gray wings and a white breast by staying out of the dunesand posted areas along the southwest coast. The Best Pet-friendly site in Washington State: Sky Haus. She prefers to cook the first portion of her harvest the next day. Steamer clams are just 2 to 4 inches below the surface, while butter clams are a foot deep and horse clams are roughly 1.5 feet deep (you need a shovel for these deeper clams). When planning your trip be sure to check their website for updated dates, locations, and tide levels. Notable regions here are: Region 6 - west side of north Whidbey Including Deception Pass. Fishing, Clamming, Crabbing - Whidbey and Camano Islands Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. WDFW to use prescribed burns on south Puget Sound wildlife areas to If youre using a shovel, push it into the sand at a hard angle no less than four inches from the clam show, and pull the shovel with all your weight back and up, scooping out a plug of sand to search through. -1.6, -2.8, etc.) WDFW has information on public areas designated for shellfish harvesting. According to Dan Ayres, the WDFWs coastal shellfish manager, this seasons dig opportunities should be good because marine toxin levels are expected to remain below the health guidelines. My husband and oldest daughter find a good digging spot while my younger daughter and I explore the habitat. Put together a clamming day kit that will live in your car, suggests Camille Speck, a Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) shellfish biologist who works out of the Port Townsend office. At any one given time, the WDFW can have some fifty plus areas listed for closure or advisory of potential closures caused by pollution or harmful toxins. There are 7 beach approaches for vehicles along the peninsula. They also move FAST so youll need more than just your hands to dig them out. However, both North Bay and Willapa Bay. Look for the show: Before you start digging, look for a hole or dimple in the sand or mud. Weve also included a section on razor clammingon the Washington coast. Other hikes take you to some beautiful waterfalls, and you can even . The Ultimate Guide to Clam Digging in Washington State Outside of the cave you can find a hot tub and a second fireplace. She likes to purge her clams overnight. https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, How to Have 5 Types of Fun on 1 PanamaVacation. Break th, Public Fireworks Displays on the Peninsula Slight dimples, donut holes and keyholes are easiest to spot on a smooth, sandy beach. To remove the meat from the shell, hold the clam in one palm and slide your thumb under the edge of the shell on both sides to remove and discard the outer membrane. When you buy or click through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The Pacific razor clam, or Siliqua patula, is a bivalve only found on the western edge of the North American continent, from southern Alaska to northern California. The Puget Sound area also has a plethora of spots on private bays. This is not my favorite part, and lets be honest I make my husband do it. Clamming is done right at the tide line, and rogue waves can suddenly crash over people. I created this blog because of my love for seafood and my desire to share that love with others. how to go clamming in washington - localguidewashington.com To make things a bit easier, Ive narrowed a list down to sites with these attributes: Copyright 2013 - 2019. North Bay (Case Inlet) | Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife Washington state laws require each clammer keep their hauls separate, so make sure each person digging has their own bucket, bag, or clam net. Make sure you are dressed appropriately and have plenty of strong flashlights with you. Youll put your caught clams in to your net, hoping some of the sand at least will shake off of them. What about where? First, you look for the show, a little dimple or hole in the sand right at the water line at low tide, where the clam has stuck its neck out. Only a license, shovel, and bucket are required. The low tide exposes the clam beds, making it easier to find and collect clams. make for easier clam digging because the clams are closer to the surface. My family always has some of our catch the first day. Its a recipe for disaster if you catch razor clams, and my little boys adore it. Beaches in Oregon and Washington for Razor Clamming A Shellfish/Seaweed License is required for harvesting razor clams and must be in the harvesters immediate possession and available for inspection during harvest and transport. Since low tides on May 11-14 are near or after 12 p.m., digging will be allowed from 4 a.m. until 4 p.m. for those specific days only. The most successful digging occurswithin two hours before the listed time of low tide.Digging is allowed from midnight until 12 p.m. only on May 4-10. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js Oregon Coast clam digging: Low tide to create good conditions Razor clam beaches. License: The most important item is a shellfish/seaweed license that is good from April 1 to March 31 of the following year. Yes to further expand on this, you do need a license, for each claim digger, children under the age of 15 may not need one. Southeast region is not very populated and is known for valleys and deep fertile soil. Photo credit: NOAA Without a permit, you can't clam dig. Stay together and watch the ocean. You want to clean off as much sand as possible. The cost of a clamming license varies depending on the type of license and the length of time it is valid for. Its also legal to harvest seaweed here. Depending on the season, you may not be able to go clamming in Washington. Our kids have been the beneficiaries of the kindness of strangers who were willing to point out of a good spot for digging multiple times. Sometimes it indicates how close the clam is to the surface, and if they are really close, you might even see them squirt water! Plug the hole on the gun with a finger, lift, and drop a tube of sand onto the beachthen search through it for your clam. Before you can go swimming in Washington, you must first obtain a license. At the tide line, rogue waves can easily crash over people if clams are thrown into the water. Read on to learn the basics of this endeavor and the best beaches for clamming. Shes the writer/editor at University Prep. Where to go Crabbing in Washington State (Secret Spots) There is really good ocean beach Razor Clamming. Clamming In Washington: Your Guide To Daily Limits, Minimum Sizes, And Where To Go. Each digger must use a separate container, but may share digging equipment. Each person has a 15 clam limit per dig. In other words, no throwing em back, even if they are tiny and/or you smash them to bits while digging them up. Stay on the hard-packed sandnear the high tide line to avoid crushing clam beds and snowy plover nests.Several sections of coastal beaches are closed to driving between now through LaborDay, except on days and hours when the recreational razor clam digging is open. Theres a great number of national parks too. While a fishing license is not required if you are fishing for common carp, crawfish, bullfrogs, smelt (in freshwater), or to collect relic shells, it is required if you are fishing for other types of fish. A unique bubble dome tent located in Hoodsport on a 68 acre estate offers a perfect escape from the noise and clutter of modern life. This Whidbey Island beach has two access points (one of which has benefitted from natural set of Penn cove mussels from the nearby aquaculture operation) and a good population of native littlenecks and butter clams. Ilwaco, Jazz & Oysters is an OPACC member. The Best Family-friendly site in Washington State: C+A+V+E. There are also some butter clams, eastern softshell clams and cockles on this beach at lower abundance. Anglers who are only licensed in Oregon may fish in Washington sloughs and tributaries, but they may not fish on the Washington coast. The minimum size for clams here is 1 1/4 inches (the size limit on all other beaches is 1 1/2 inches). Watch out for sneaker waves, stay away from logs in or at the waters edge, keep your eye on the tide and drench all beach fires dead out before leaving. Once you've identified a beach, check two websites to see if a beach is open: The WDFW opens beaches based on historical and projected recreational use patterns and the abundance of shellfish populations. Especially if you have kids. The general rule is the larger the hole, the larger the clam, but Ive noticed thats not always the case. A perfect place for the city glamping. When clams are not visible, the only way to find them is with a clam rake or pick. A great getaway for nature lovers or those looking for social distancing close to Olympia.Location:Olympia, WashingtonPrice:$$Amenities:sleeps up to 2, kitchen, half bathroom, compost toilet, fire pit, propane grill, large deckGreat for:Couples, small weddingsActivities:walking, hiking, cycling. This beach on Hood Canal, has pit toilets and an easy trail to the beach with clamming just a few hundred feet from the parking lot. Cook clams at 145F for at least 15 seconds to kill Vibrio bacteria. The 2022 Glampys: The Coolest Glampsites You Can Book Right Now, Lets Get Spooky! Whether you bring home your full limit or just one or two from your Washington clam digging escapade, they should be cleaned and cooked or properly preserved within 24-48 hours to keep them at peak freshness. Public clam, mussel, and oyster beaches | Washington Department of Fish Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Cookie Policy. The license can be obtained from a license dealer or online in a matter of seconds. by Harley Gutirrez | Feb 16, 2023 | Clams. For more, Ocean Beach Hospital & Medical Clinics welcomes in, Clamshell Railroad Days July 15th and 16th at the, Save the date for the 76th Annual Long Beach Rodeo, Anchor Realty is an OPACC member. Fill each hole: After you are done digging, fill the hole. Depending on the season, you may not be able to go clamming in Washington. weight limit before you dig up 40 clams. Insider tip: If they confirm the dates, go for the Long Beach Razor Clam Festival on Saturday, April 20. The Ultimate Guide to Clamming in Washington & Best Locations Delicious. From Kalaloch on the northern Pacific coast to Long Beach near the Oregon border and along Puget Sound, you can see recreational clam diggers using clam shovels or tubes to capture the. As a beginner, its easier to start with a clam gun rather than a clam shovel. Insider tip: start digging one to two hours before the tide reaches its lowest point and keep digging for several hours. Privacy Policy, Seattle Activities for Kids, Parenting Articles and Resources for Families. You deserve it. Puget Sound is divided into various regions. Youll need a scale that hooks onto a bucket (also sold at most sporting goods stores) for larger clams (like butter and cockle clams), since you will exceed the 10 lb. Youll want tall boots and a raincoat at minimum. Razor clams may not be returned to the beach. This helps us keep this blog going, so thank you! All diggers age 15-years or older are required to have a current license to harvest razor clams on any beach. Whether you come home with a daily limit on these resourceful creatures depends on your location, technique, and timing. 1 helpful vote. If you are looking for a romantic island getaway close to Seattle, this charming glamping site will make you enjoy the beauty of the outdoors, with all the comforts and luxury of the indoors. For kids ages 12 to 17, an annual combination license costs $10, regardless of residency status. Save. Not only is there great fishing, crabbing and clamming here. Razor clams make excellent chowders and clams. The plastic clam guns are cheaper, but when you are pulling hard on the sand, the tops can break. The Department of Health (DOH) makes sure the population is safe for humans to eat. When and Where to Go Clam Digging on the Washington Coast. Clam season runs from fall through spring. You must stay on the upper hard-sand area. Located in Washingtons Methow Valley, Rolling Huts are the perfect glamping site if youre into hiking, mountain biking or cross-country skiing. This summer, WDFW will monitor, domoicacid, a natural marine toxin produced by certain types of marine algae, that can beharmful or fatal if consumed in sufficient quantities. Photo courtesy: Jason Walsh. Besides the incredible hiking trail system, seafood is definitely abundant in the Pacific Northwest. Commercial Clammer. The learning curve for clamming is blessedly short. For razor clams, holes do not have to be refilled as is required for hardshell clam digging. You will be amazed by these beautiful sites when you visit them. So now you know how to clam. Kids like to play in the lagoon backwater here and there is a first come, first serve campground here. Last year, Dan Ayres, WDFWs coastal shellfish manager, predicted good digs this season, as marine toxin levels remained below health guidelines. Each adult and child needs a clam permit. Be especially wary at night and with children. diggers are allowed 15 razor clams per day, and they must keep the first 15. The transparent tent allows you to see and fall asleep under the stars and wake up watching the sun rise. Cut off the dark, tough tip of the siphon with your knife or kitchen shears, then butterfly the razor clam open by snipping from the siphon down the neck and to the foot, opening it flat. What to Bring Permit While the best low tide clamming days may see some crowds, this is a truly Pacific Northwest experience. in the shell. Clams can be found in the sand and mud flats during low tide. "You repeat this a time or two and you find the razor clam inside the sand, says Dan Ayres, WDFWs coastal shellfish manager. In the spring, the low tides are in the morning, making for easier daylight digging (although the dig may start before the sun rises, depending on the low-tide time). Mudflats Mudflats are more prevalent in sheltered locations like bays and estuaries. Once the tube is down in the sand, you put your finger on the hole on the top of the tube to create suction and then pull the tube out, pulling out the sand and (hopefully) the clam with it. shellfish contains a wide range of toxins that are poisonous to humans. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) have over 400 areas listed for bay clams on their website at www.wdfw.wa.gov. Popular Clam-Digging Places in Washington | USA Today - Travel Tips Most of the Washington States population lives in this region. Each diggers clams must be kept in aseparate container, and all diggers must keep the first 20 clams they dig, regardless ofsize or condition.Not all beaches are open for every dig, so diggers are encouraged to make sure theirintended destination is open before heading out. admincp March 21, 2023 News No Comments. Place ones that are too small back in the muck.