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History of Clam Digging in Long Beach
Clam Digging in long beach Washington initially started decades ago as a tradition on the Long Beach Peninsula. It became the one of the many reasons for reeling in visitors from various countries to the west. Wellington Marsh, Sr and contributors organized the first Clam digging festival in 1940. Thousands of visitors went in flocks to enjoy the experience of clam digging and their delicious hand-caught razor clams. The first clam festival also noticed the “World’s Largest Clam Fritter” that was cooked in the “World’s Largest Frying Pan”.
Note: All information is well-researched and taken from Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.
The festival’s final year was in 1948 due to the extreme decline of razor clams in the region of Long Beach. To an astonishment, clam diggers had dug out Razor Clams weighing approximately 6 million pounds. Talk about full stomach.
The local authority for the tourism noticed a terrible financial losses as they did not include fees for visitors to dig in the beach and since they were being fed from the “World’s Largest Pan” , most of the nearby restaurants failed miserably by remaining empty throughout the season.
Dates for Clam Digging in Long Beach Washington
Luckily for you the Clam Digging in Long Beach Washington is back this April. The Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife has allowed the digging of Razor Clams in the area of Long Beach for 7 days starting from April 8, 2024. Unfortunately all costal beaches will not be open for every dig by the public, therefore its necessary to check on the location before going to it as most of the diggers prefer to dig an hour before the mentioned low tides by the Fishery & Wildlife Department of Washington.
April confirmed dates for Clam Digging
Monday, April 8, 6:44 A.M., -0.5 feet, Mocrocks
Tuesday, April 9, 7:29 A.M.,-1.2 feet, Long Beach, Mocrocks
Wednesday, April 10, 8:14 A.M.,-1.5 feet, Long Beach Twin Harbors, Copalis
Thursday, April 11, 9:00 A.M.,-1.4 feet, Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
Friday, April 12, 9:48 A.M.,-1.1 feet, Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
Saturday, April 13, 10.40 A.M. to 1:00 P.M.,-0.5 feet, Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
Sunday, April 14, 11:38 A.M. to 1;00 P.M.,0.1 feet, Long Beach, Copalis
Recreational License for Clam Digging
Any digger who is aged 15 or above should be carrying a valid fishing license to dig razor clams on any beach. The Annual Fish Washington License for Washington Residents will cost $66.55. Meanwhile, the Annual Shellfish/Seaweed License for Non-Residents will cost $34.10.
Do’s and Don’ts during Clam Digging
It is recommended to keep the area of the beaches clean by not leaving over leftover food or trash, which may attract predators on to the beach and other allotted picnic areas.
Stay out of the dunes as it may disturb nesting snowy plovers. Snowy plovers are birds with grey wings and white breast. And since their nesting area is almost invisible to the eyes , it is best to stay out of the dunes so that space can be given to the bird to live and thrive.
Keep your pets on leash to avoid any mishappen.
It is recommended to drive on the beach at a significant safe speed of 40 KMPH. It is best to stay on the harder patches of the beaches to avoid crushing any snowy plovers nests which might go unnoticed of during driving.
The main event of the Long Beach Razor Clam Festival will be held on May 10 to May 11 to pay tribute to razor clams significant contribution towards Washington’s fishing communities and historical heritage.
