Washington's coastline offers an array of shellfishing opportunities during various times of the year. From delicious, fresh Dungeness crab to thick, heavyweight geoduck clams, you'll get a good workout gathering your catch. Before heading out, make sure you read and understand all shellfishing regulations and are aware of all closed areas. Knowing the rules and problems helps ensure you safely catch and enjoy a healthy bounty of shellfish.
Licenses Required
Shellfishing in Washington requires purchase of a state shellfishing license. Buy the license online or at sporting goods or bait and tackle shops in the communities along the coast. As of October 2010, shellfish licenses range in price from $12 annually for residents to $27.60 annually for non-residents. If you want to fish, too, buy a combined fishing and shellfishing license, available daily or annually.
Catch Record Cards
If you plan to fish for crab, get a copy of the state's catch record cards. You'll need to fill in the card to report your Dungeness crab catch for both summer and fall/winter seasons. Plan to enter your report online, or you can mail the completed cards.
What You Might Catch
You'll find a wide array of shellfish along Washington's coast, including clams, oysters and crabs. Try for the unique geoduck clams, one of the largest burrowing clams in the world. The clams average 2 lbs. each, featuring long necks and tasty flesh. Other clam species you might find include Manila, butter, horse and Eastern soft-shell clams. Or, you can fish for mussels or razor claims. You'll also find plenty of shrimp and squid offshore.
What You Need
Equipment required to catch shellfish varies depending on the species you're going after. For geoduck and other clams, you'll need a shovel and a pail so you can dig along exposed beach areas. To fish for crab, you'll need to use a crab pot and bait.
Locations and Seasons
Dungeness crab fishing season varies each year depending on the location. Fish from boats or docks all year long along the Columbia River. Areas near LaPush, Willapa Bay and the San Juan Islands open for crabbing at various times during the year. Dig for razor clams between October and May along intertidal coastal beaches exposed to low tides, such as near Long Beach from the Columbia River north to the mouth of the Willapa Bay. Geoduck clams are found on intertidal beaches during extreme low tides in the Puget Sound. Around 20 dates per year are set by Washington Fish & Wildlife based on these low tide days. Dig for geoducks at Hope Island State Park and Dosewallips State Park.
Post-Harvesting Etiquette
After you finish harvesting your shellfish for the day, fill all holes back in so no one falls into them and gets hurt. Bring a cooler or get your shellfish into a chilled container immediately. Cook shellfish thoroughly to avoid contamination or other problems.
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