The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) has just announced 42 tentative days of razor clam digging opportunities along the Washington coast, running from Oct. 3 through Dec. 31. If you’ve never experienced the excitement of digging for razor clams, now’s the perfect time to plan your trip to Westport.

woman digging for razor clams in the dark with a headlamp on in Westport, Washington

Twin Harbor Clamming Dates for 2024:

Oct. 3 - Oct. 7
Oct. 15 - Oct. 21

Nov. 1- Nov. 5

Nov. 13- Nov. 19

Nov. 29 - Dec. 5

Dec. 12 - Dec. 18

Dec. 28 - Dec. 31

Refer to the WDFW regulations to ensure Twin Harbors is open, as toxicity levels are checked a week in advance of the dig date and can affect harvest. No digging is allowed before noon on days when low tide occurs in the afternoon or evening, which currently applies to all dates listed. Be sure to check their websites for the latest updates.

Map of the approved Twin Harbor clamming areas

Where to go Razor Clamming

With prime low tides and razor clam populations being strong and healthy on Washington’s southern coastal beaches (not to mention the scenery is incredible), the Twin Harbor digging area is the best place to go clamming. Head out to Westport and find a quiet paradise made for clammers, new and experienced, with everything you need to get arm-deep in a show available at one of our shops in the Westport Marina. Most successful digging occurs between one and two hours before the listed time of low tide.

Razor clams on a truck bed in Westport, Washington

What are Razor Clams?

Pacific razor clams are native to our Washington beaches and range from 3 to 6 inches in length providing a delicious meaty clam to fry, bake, or add in chowders. These clams burrow right outside of the waterline and provide an affordable, simple, and family-friendly way to harvest fresh seafood.

If you’re 15 years or older, a shellfish license is required to participate in razor clam digging, and all WDFW regulations must be followed. There are several licensing options available depending on your needs:

Combination Licenses: Available for 1, 2, or 3 days, or annually, covering freshwater, saltwater, and shellfishing.
Razor Clam-Only License: Offered as a 3-day or annual option.
Annual Shellfish License: This option allows you to harvest not only clams but also crabs.

Be sure to select the license that best fits your trip, and check the WDFW website for the latest regulations and beach openings.

What to Wear Razor Clamming

You’ll see everything out there—from hardcore diggers in neoprene wetsuits to more creative outfits (yes, garbage bags are an option). Rubber rain pants over long boots? A classic. But trust us, tuck your pants into your boots, or you’ll regret it.

When it comes to gear, the rule is simple: anything goes as long as it keeps you dry and comfy. Your toes will thank you.

Since clamming often happens in fall and winter, check out our packing list for a complete list of what to bring to the coast. Here’s a quick snapshot: rubber boots, a raincoat, and warm clothes. Some people use waders (big waterproof pants) to stay dry (we highly recommend this option).

a boy using a razor clam gun to extract clams in the dark in Westport, Washington

What to Bring

Forget the bucket—it’s just begging to get knocked over by a rogue wave, and you’ll watch all your hard-earned clams wash away. Instead, wrap a belt or bungee cord around your waist and hang a sturdy net (we are talking potato sack or onion sack) that lets water drain, making cleaning clams a breeze. Of course, there are also commercial clam bags that attach to belts or can be slung over your shoulder. Find yours at one of our shops. These are easy to clean and tough enough to withstand years of clam digging.

When it comes to digging gear, there are two main options: clam guns or shovels.

Clam Gun: A tube that creates suction to pull the clam out of the sand.Clam guns come in a variety of styles, from basic PVC tubes to fancy, vented aluminum plastic combinations, but they all work using suction and should be 4 inches in diameter.
Razor Clam Shovel: A long, narrow shovel for the pros who want a little extra challenge (and clamming cred).

the stars along the Washington Coast with headlamps lighting clam diggers in Westport Washington

How to Harvest Razor Clams

Step 1: Find the “Show”

Head to the beach a few hours before low tide for the most success. Look for small holes or dimples in the sand—these “shows” indicate where clams are hiding. Stomping your feet near the waterline can cause clams to squirt water, making them easier to spot.

4 diggers all in ankle-deep water plunging their clam guns into the sand

Step 2: Dig the Clam

If you’re using a clam gun, place it over the hole and push it down. The clam gun should be slightly towards the ocean of the show (clams are rarely directly beneath their sign but often positioned a little towards the ocean). Plug and hold the small hole in the clam gun handle with a finger to create the suction and liiifftttt with your legs to pull the tube and pull up the sand and—if all goes well—your clam.

Pro Tip: Razor clam shells can be sharp (hence the “razor”), so be careful when digging around, and while digging should be done quickly, you don’t want to go so fast that you crunch or cut your clam in half. You will often feel if you’ve hit your clam with a gun, if so make a minor angle adjustment to redirect your tube.

Shovel clamming involves more skill and takes some practice to perfect. Insert your shovel perpendicular to the clam show, about six inches away. Push the shovel forward and leverage the handle to tilt the blade, pinching the clam’s neck in the sand and moving some of the sand up and out. In one movement, slide out the shovel and replace it with your hand, then begin to carefully find the clamshell, grasp it tightly and pull it from the sand.

If you don’t get the clam on the first try, dig, dig, dig again—clams can move quickly down into the sand! Need additional help? Check out https://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/basics/digging-razor-clams for more information.

Step 3: Collecting Your Clams

You must keep every clam you dig, even if it’s small or broken—throwing them back is illegal as they won’t survive. After collecting your daily limit up to 15 clams per person (always the first 15 you find) clean your clams.

Boy picking up razor clam and washing it in the ocean.

Step 4: Cleaning and Storing Your Clams

Clams should be kept on ice or in the fridge under a damp towel—never in water. They can be refrigerated for up to four days or frozen for later enjoyment. The cleaning process is worth the effort for the clean, delicious flavor of fresh razor clam meat. Need some inspiration? Here’s one of our favorite Razor Clam Pizza recipes!

The Westport Clamming Community

Westport isn’t just about clamming—it’s about the community. Many locals and visitors have turned clam digging into a family tradition. Westport also offers much more to explore beyond our sandy beaches. When you’re not clamming, take a tour of Washington’s tallest lighthouse, explore Light State Park, or hit the waves at the Jetty. Head to our website to browse local overnight accommodations and start planning your next unforgettable stay on the Washington Coast.

Photos in this blog are from Capture. Share. Repeat.