Shellfishing under way

In Puget Sound, several marine areas are open this month for recreational crabbing.

On the coast, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife has tentatively scheduled 41 razor clam digs beginning this month through Dec. 31. Beach surveys indicate an average razor clam population at Copalis this year while Twin Harbors, Long Beach and Mocrocks show excellent numbers of clams.

"Overall, there are a lot of clams out there and we expect this to be another great season," said Dan Ayres, coastal shellfish manager for WDFW.

Available dates and beaches to dig for razor clams can be found at http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/shellfish/razorclams/current.html, or by calling the Razor Clam Hotline at 1-866-880-5431.

Remember, if you are at least 15 years old, you need to have a state license to harvest shellfish. Licensing options specific to clams or crabs are available as well as licenses to harvest both, with periods ranging from three days to an entire year. For more licensing information, including the locations of local vendors, go to https://fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov.

For general information about fishing, hunting and wildlife viewing available this month, look for the Weekender Regional Reports posted on WDFW's website at wdfw.wa.gov/weekender/.