Woodland Creek Community Center 6729 Pacific Avenue SE, Lacey, WA 98503
Club News and Current Events
South Sound Chapter –June 2023
Martin F Chen - President
On Monday June 5 we will reinstate, what pre-pandemic, had been our annual Shelton School District special needs kids fish in. This event is what I and many other members have expressed is the most rewarding kids fishing event we take part in each year. This year we expect around 70 kids to join us at the Green Diamond Employees Park on Mason Lake which means we will need as many volunteers as we can get first to set up the pond and then to help the kids. We plan to assemble the pond on Sunday June 4. The plan is to depart the Mud Bay Park and Ride at 8:00 AM and caravan to the Green Diamond Employees Park on Mason Lake. The actual event will take place on Monday June 5 with the kids at the park from 9 to 2. We will be leaving the Mud Bay Park and Ride at 7:00 and again caravan to the park. It is important that volunteers try to join the caravan as the park is gated with a lock so please plan to join the caravan. However, if you miss the caravan you can call Mike Silvers at 360 951-5160 and he will give you the combination.
As you can see on the attached calendar, we have several other upcoming events. The first is a kids fishing event on June 17 and 18 at the Rods and Reels Expo 2023 at the Thurston County Fairgrounds. We will need volunteers on June 16 to set up the pond and on June 17 and 18 the help the kids fish. More details on the times will be sent later.
The next significant event will be the annual garage sale on July 15. Now is the time to clean out your garage and donate those items you aren’t using to the club. We will accept and sell anything other than clothing. This is a major fund raiser for the club. Donations may be taken to Mike Silvers home at 4554 14th Ave SE, Lacey, WA. More info regarding this event will be sent as we get closer to the date.
A third upcoming event is our annual seafood banquet at the Lacey Community Center provided we can find someone to volunteer to coordinate the event. If you are interested please let any board member know as soon as possible.
This club, like most clubs, depends on the willingness of its members to volunteer their time and energy toward its common goal. As discussed above we need everyone’s help to further our efforts to introduce kids to the joy of fishing. But the need goes beyond that. We are faced with the impending loss of Mike Silvers who has served as the outing coordinator for many years. We definitely need some one to come forward soon so they have time to absorb some of the vast knowledge of the club and its events before he leaves us in the Fall. On the same bent, all of us have enjoyed the semiannual banquets that have been organized by Dee Glenn. Dee has retired after providing this service to the club for over 20 years. We will be unable to continue holding these banquets unless someone agrees to assume this duty. If you are interested in either position please let Martin Chen or me know.
The summer fishing season in upon us. Hopefully, we will all get an opportunity to fish. Width that in mind we have established a list of folks with boats who might want a partner or two and a list of those who without boats who would like a ride. I am attaching the current lists to this email. If you are not on either list and would like to be added please let me know a ramorrow@paccifier.com.
Our next meeting will be Thursday June 1 beginning at 7:00 PM at the Lacey Community Center. The speaker will be Dayv Lowery. Dayv began work with the WDFW in 2006 where he held positions researching and managing fisheries for Dungeness crab, salmon, forage fishes, and marine fishes. In 2012, he became the Senior Research Scientist in charge of the WDFW's programs for marine fish and forage fish biology, stock assessment, and ecology in Puget Sound. In 2020, Dayv transitioned to the federal government, briefly working for the U.S. Navy, before moving to the PRD of NOAA Fisheries, where I focus on rockfish assessment and recovery in Puget Sound.
I look forward to seeing everyone Thursday night.
Allen Morrow
South Sound Chapter –May 2023
Martin F Chen - President
The 2023 Lacey Kids Fish-in was a resounding success thanks to the many members who volunteered their time. First putting the rods together on April 10, helping set the net on April 14 and then on the day of the event. We gave 494 kids a new rod and reel and a chance to catch in many cases their first fish although the efforts for many were futile as the fish didn’t always cooperate by biting the hook. In any event our efforts were appreciated by those 
who participated in 
the event. Lacey wants to reward us for our efforts by bringing dinner for all members at our May 4 meeting. So, come hungry.
We have a number of upcoming events as you can see on the attached calendar. The first is a kids fishing opportunity at Columbus Park on Saturday April 29. We will have the pond at this event and give kids 8 and younger a chance in most cases to catch their first fish. We will need volunteers for this event beginning at 8:30 AM and ending around 4:00 PM. The next event is a clam dig at Hope Island on May 6. More details on the event will be sent later and available at the May meeting.
I am pleased to announce that Jonathan Farney, a new member has agreed to replace Dee Glenn as our Treasurer. As most of you know Dee announced her intention to retire as our Secretary/Treasurer effective June 1 several months ago after 20 years serving in this position. Jonathan’s agreement to be Treasurer solves part of the problem of replacing her but we still need someone to step up and become Secretary. The duties of this position primarily involve taking minutes at the general and board meetings. Please let Martin Chen know if you are interested in this position.
Dee isn’t the only one of our mainstay members who has announced that his intention to vacate his duties. Mike Silvers, who has served as our outings and other events coordinator for many years will retire on August 1 and plans to move to Idaho. As a result, we also are faced with the need to find a new volunteer (or volunteers) for all the tasks that he performs for us. His efforts are what make this club a viable organization. It is imperative that someone comes forward soon so that they can shadow him for a time.
I am attaching the latest edition of the Boat Share list. If you would like to be added to the list either as a boat owner or passenger please let me know at ramorrow@pacifier.com or at the May meeting.
Our next meeting will on Thursday May 4. The speaker that night will Mike Silvers on the topic of fishing Westport in a small boat. Mike has years of experience in this fishery and we need to learn from him before he is gone. Don’t forget that Lacey is providing dinner so come hungry.
Allen Morrow
Just a reminder for those who have not paid your club dues yet, time is getting short . Dues are $35.00 and can be paid at the general meetings or you can mail them to PSA, P.O.Box 1002, Olympia, Washington 98507. If your dues are not paid by April you will be removed from the membership list, will not get The Reel News and will be removed from the e-mail list.
Also we need a member to volunteer for the secretary/treasurer position. I am retiring from this position after 21 years. I will help the member learn the job and it is not difficult. Along that line we need a member to volunteer to be banquet chairman. I can also help train for this position.
If you are interested you can call me at 360-491-0431 to ask any questions.
Dee Glenn
360-491-0431
We had 2 boats and 6 fishing for flat fish on March 4 - fishing was slow, but, a few fish were caught - starry flounder, rock sole, Irish lord and sculpin. Was a good day on the water.
Our club's bylaws require us to elect these officers, president, vice president, secretary/treasurer and two board members, at the March meeting. The purpose of this email to solicit candidates for these essential positions. The very survival of the South Sound Chapter Puget Sound Anglers is dependent upon members of the club stepping up and taking on one of these positions.
This year the most critical position is secretary/treasurer. Dee Glenn, who has graciously served in this position for twenty years has decided to retire effective March 31, 2023. She has agreed to serve jointly with the person elected at the March meeting for up to one year to provide the necessary training. If no one is elected to the position at the March meeting the club will almost surely die because we will have nobody to do what she does to keep us functioning. If you are interested in taking on her duties, but need more information, please give Dee a call at 360 491 0431.
Please let me know at ramorrow@pacifier.com or 360 866 0189 if you are interested in any of these positions.
Allen Morrow
Chair Nominating Committee
South Sound Chapter – April 2023
Martin F Chen - President
We began our annual give a “kid an opportunity to catch a fish season” with a two-day event at Cabela’s during which many of our members gave up part of their weekend to help 300 kids catch a trout. This was just the start of our kid fishing programs for the year. We have two events planned for the month of April beginning with Kids-In at Longs Pond on April 15. This promises to be a great event. Over 450 kids have been registered as of the end of March. We will need all the help we can get to ensure that it is a success starting with rod assembly on Monday April 10 beginning at 5:00 PM at the White House (adjacent to the Lacey Community Center). Pizza will be provided for dinner. We also will need a few volunteers to help put the net and fish in the pond on the morning of Friday April 14 beginning at 8:00 AM. Finally, we will need as many volunteers as we can get to help the kids fish on Saturday April 15 beginning at 6:30, but if you can’t make the early morning time help will be appreciated throughout the day. The next event will be on April 29 at Columbus Park on Black Lake. More information regarding this event will be forthcoming.
The weather in March and WDFW river closures weren’t very conducive for fishing activities, but some of us did manage to get out. We had a local bottom fishing trip (flatfish) March 4, but success was somewhat limited by bad weather. Several members had successful outings to the Cowlitz and Columbia rivers, but reports were few and far between. We were finally able to have a combination clam dig and surf perch outing to Grayland on the 26thafter getting reports that the clams were readily available and big. Seven of us were able get our clam limits, the surf perch didn’t cooperate.
On March 25, we held our annual club boat show and safety inspection event at Swan Town Marina. Thirteen members brought their boats to show off and get inspected by Viki Sharp of the United States Power Squadron. Viki reported that all 13 boats passed and received a decal indicating that fact which can keep you from being subject to an additional inspection at a boat launch or on the water. She attributes this success rate to the fact that we are all concerned about our safety when enjoying being on the water. If you couldn’t make the event and would like to have your boat inspected she will come to your home or meet you somewhere in the local area. If you are interested call her at 360 866-7134 to make an appointment. Let her know that you are a PSA member.
In recent weeks the apparent position of PSA’s State Board regarding the use of gill nets in the mainstream of the Columbia River has caused concern for many of our members. I have been advised that at this point the need for a formal discussion of this issue by all members of our Chapter will be on agenda of our April board meeting on the 19th with the intent to organize a debate by both sides of the issue at our May general meeting if possible. Hopefully, this will result in a decision by our Chapter that can be used in future years.
If you haven’t paid your 2023 dues you need to do so before the end of the meeting on April 6. If you don’t pay up by then you will be removed from our membership roles and will no longer get the Reel News and our shared email messages.
Our next general meeting will be on Thursday April 6 beginning at 7:00. The speaker will be a WDFW biologist on the topic of crab populations and fishing opportunities in Puget Sound. We have a number of other future events as you can see on the attached calendar.
Finally, we are entering the fishing season for many of us. Last year we initiated a list of those with boats who might want to find a partner and those without boats who might want to go out with someone. I am attaching what I believe is the current list in word format. If you would like to be added to either category or I missed you please let me know at ramorrow@pacifier.com.
South Sound Chapter – March 2023
Martin F Chen - President
February has come and gone. The month began with a very informative presentation by Jason Morgan from the Northwest Straits foundation on their efforts to locate and remove derelict nets and crab pots from Puget Sound. We had high hopes that we would be able to have a couple of clam digs and surf perch outings but the weather gods put a damper on those efforts.
We are now entering the busiest time of our year. There are a lot of events on the attached calendar during March and April that require active volunteer participation. Perhaps the most critical of these events will occur on Thursday March 2 when we elect officers for the upcoming year at our annual meeting. This year we will elect a President, Vice President, Secretary/Treasurer and two board members. All of these positions are important for the continued operation of our club, but this year the need to elect a new Secretary/Treasurer is paramount. Dee Glenn, who has held this office for over 20 years, has announced that she plans to retire effective June 1. We currently have candidates for all these positions other than Secretary/Treasurer. We currently have around 110 members and It is essential that someone within that group will step up and take on that role. If you are interested but need more information regarding the duties please call Dee at 360 491-0431 or me at 360 866-0189.
Other events in March begin on Saturday March 4 with a Flounder fishing outing in Area 13. You need to let Martin Chen know if you plan to attend either at the March 2 meeting or by phone at 360 490-3383. The plan is to meet at Zittles Marina at 9:00 AM for assignment to a boat or at the Luhr Beach Launch if a prior arrangement has been made with a boat operator who plans to launch there. If you are new to this fishery you might want to go to our web page and look at Bottom Fishing Areas 11, 12 and 13 under the Fishing Info and Info Links Tab.
The next March event is on Saturday and Sunday 3/18 and 19. We have been asked to man a kid’s fish pond at Cabela’s. We will need volunteers to help the kids fish at this event. Cabela’s will furnish breakfast, lunch and snacks. If you want to volunteer, plan to be at Cabela’s at 8:00 AM on one or both days.
The final March event will be on Saturday 3/25. This is the date for our annual Club Member Boat Show and Coast Guard Safety inspection. This is an opportunity to get your boat inspected to ensure it meets all the Coast Guard safety requirements and to show it off to your fellow club members. The plan is to assemble at Swantown Marina’s upper parking lot around 9:00 AM. Viki Sharp from the United States Power Squadron will conduct the inspections from 10:00 to noon or as long as it takes to inspect every boat.
Events don’t stop in March. We have our two biggest kid fishing events beginning the second week of April with the kid’s fish-in at Longs Pond. We will need volunteers to assemble the rods on Monday April 10, to put in the net on April 14 and to help the kids fish on April 15. Volunteers will also be needed on April 28 and 29 to assemble the pond and help the kids fish at Columbus Park on Black Lake. Exact times for each event will be posted closer to the events.
Just a reminder your dues are due by the first of April. If they aren’t paid by that date you will be removed from the list of active members and will no longer get the Reel News and any club communications. They can be paid at the March meeting or by sending a check in the amount of $35.00 payable to South Sound Chapter Puget Sound Anglers to PO Box 1002, Olympia, WA 98507-1002.
Although most of us aren’t actively fishing this time of year, we are looking forward to getting out as the weather improves. I am attaching our current Boat Share list (in both PFD and Word). If you aren’t on either the boat owner or passenger list and would like to be added look for the signup sheet at the March meeting or contact me at 360 866-0189.
The speaker at the March meeting will be Art Tachell on the topic of fishing in Marine Area 11. Art is the President of the Gig Harbor PSA Chapter and a very knowledgeable source of fishing information in that area. The member drawing amount is growing. Bob Green, not only missed a great talk, but the opportunity to take home $300 by staying home on February 2. Don’t miss your chance to take home $350.00 by missing the March meeting.
Additional Clam Digs announced - Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) shellfish managers today confirmed razor clam digging reopens at Mocrocks beaches Feb. 4 followed by opportunities there on Feb. 6 and Feb. 8. This is in addition to Copalis Beach digs on Feb. 5 and Feb. 7.
The Lacey Community Center is closed for the first two weeks of January so our January 5th meeting will be held at the Mountain View Church at 940 Israel Rd, Tumwater 98501. It's at the corner of Israel Rd and 11th Avenue Southwest, across 11th Ave from Tumwater High School and across Israel Rd from State Parks, and the I 5 Freeway is the western border of the property. If you enter off Israel Rd, go immediately left and park near the southwest corner of the building. If you enter off 11th, keep heading west. Walk along the west (freeway) side of the building until you find the 2nd set of double glass doors. Enter and look for the room 418 on the right. Setup begins 6 pm and meeting will start at 7 pm.
Coming south from Lacey or north from Centralia on I 5, exit on to Tumwater Blvd, make the a left at the stoplight onto 11th Avenue SW and continue to Israel Rd. Left on Israel and then right into parking lot.
The speaker will be Martin Chen who will share his knowledge of fishing for bottom fish in Marine Areas 11, 12 and 13. We hope to see you all there.
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South Sound Chapter – November 2022
Martin F Chen - President
I hope everyone is having a great holiday season. We started it with our annual Christmas banquet which unfortunately was held on a miserable weather night. However, 51 members and guests did make it and we all enjoyed a good meal and companionship.
We will kick off 2023 with our January general meeting on the 5th with one significant change from the usual meeting format. The Lacey Community Center will not available that evening so the meeting WILL BE HELD AT MOUNTAIN VIEW CHURCH, 940 ISRAEL RD. SW, TUMWATER, WA 98501, ROOM 418. The Speaker that evening will be Martin Chen who will share his knowledge of how, where and when to fish for flat fish (flounders) in Puget Sound.
This is the time of year when we typically have scheduled a number of clam digs, but mother nature’s toxic Domoic Acid has put a stop to that activity. We do plan to have a couple of other outings and other events in the upcoming months as you can see in the attached proposed calendar for the first four months of 2023. The first of these is a surf perch outing and wienie roast on January 15, 2023. We will have more information regarding this event at the January meeting. Please take an especially close look to the April Kids-in fishing events and put them on your calendar.
We are always looking for other outing opportunities. If you have one please let me or Mike Silvers know about it. For example, we have had several successful crab outings to Willipa Bay that were not on anyone’s calendar. Someone just suggested that crabbing was good at and put out a notice and it came together. If you are planning a fishing outing of any kind and don’t want to go alone and have room for another person you can also use the attached Boat Share list to see if anyone would like to accompany you. This list, although called the Boat Share list, isn’t limited to boating outings. You can also use it for shore bound activities.
Just a reminder as we enter the new year that your dues are due. The dues for 2023 will remain at $35.00 for a family membership. You can pay them at the January 5 meeting or mail them to Dee Glenn, 4608 17th Ave. SE, Lacey, WA 98503.
Allen Morrow
360 866-0189
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South Sound Chapter – November 2022
Martin F Chen - President
Come one, come all to the annual Club Holiday party on Thursday December 1 at the Lacey Community Center. As has been the custom for many years the club provides turkey, ham, dessert and drinks. You provide side dishes and salads. The evening will begin with a social hour at 6:00 PM with dinner at 7:00 PM and end with a raffle offering over $1,000 worth of items of all sorts. The raffle items include some for kids, wives, household, fishing and other outdoor activities. This is an opportunity for you to find something you need or perhaps gift items for those on your Christmas list.
We had 2 successful outings earlier this month. The first on 11/12 was a chum outing to Mill Creek. We had 3 boat loads of members and guests participate in the event. Everyone had a great time even though there were thousands of Chum milling around us and in some cases almost jumping into the boat that didn’t want to bite. I think everyone did get to play at least one fish with at least 4 fish going into the box on my boat.
The second event was a crabbing outing to Tokeland on 11/19. It was a good day on the water.
Five boats launched at Tokeland with 15 people and everybody caught their limits. The weather cooperated and made it a great day. About 1/3 of our crabs were soft shelled. Once the tide started running the crab stopped coming. We went from 12 in a pot to 1. It appears that this is a slack tide fishery. We are planning another crab outing to Tokeland on Sunday December 4. The morning slack tide is at 10:00 AM. The plan is to leave the Mud Bay Park and Ride no later than 6:30 AM which should put us in Tokeland early enough get the pots set by 9:00 AM. Hopefully, there will be fewer soft shelled crab but not enough to permitting a commercial opening before that date. If you are interested in coming either as a passenger or boater please let Mike Silvers (setthehook55@gmail.com, 360 951 5160) or Allen Morrow (ramorrow@pacifier.com, 360 866 0189) know. There will also be a sign-up sheet at the Holiday Party.
We had hoped to have several clam dig outings this Fall but, the notorious Domoic acid toxin has caused WDFW to close all beaches to clam harvest. Test results, released on Nov. 23 for razor clams, indicate domoic acid levels on all beaches, have exceeded the health guidelines for safe consumption set by Washington Department of Health (WDOH) officials. WDFW shellfish staff will continue to regularly dig test samples of razor clams to monitor the situation. WDOH requires two test samples taken 10 days apart must fall under the health guideline level before a beach can reopen for digging. WDFW will announce future opportunities when marine toxin tests show it is safe to do so. Based on this information it is unlikely that clam digging will be allowed for the rest of this year.
We are always looking for new outing opportunities. For example, in the past they have included boat ramp and river bank clean ups. If you have any suggestions please let any board member know. Outings don’t have to always be related to fishing.
The next general meeting will be on January 5. The speaker and location (the Lacey Community Center is usually closed the first two weeks of the year) will be announced later. Also your annual dues ($35.00) is due the first of the year. It can be paid at the meeting. Finally, the member drawing is up to $300 if you are at the meeting and your name is drawn. Jay Evans missed an opportunity to collect $250 at the November meeting.
South Sound Chapter – November 2022
Martin F Chen - President
Happy Halloween!
As we approach the month of November it appears that the winter rains have finally arrived. Hopefully this means the we have put the many days of smoky air and threat of fire behind us for another year. It is also means that WDFW has finally reopened the Grays Harbor and Willipa Bay tributary rivers for fishing subject to the permanent rules. WDFW has also opened Marine Areas 10 and 11 for the retention of chum salmon. Hopefully, they will extend this to Marne Area 13 in the near future.
As you can see on the attached calendar the Board has come up with a number of outings for the month of November. We hope that there is something on the agenda that will interest everyone. It is our hope that we will be able to continue to find opportunities like these throughout the winter months. All of these outings are subject to WDFW approval and weather conditions.
The first outing is a clam dig and wienie roast on Sunday November 6. There will be a 0.0 low tide that day at 5:08 PM. The plan is to leave the Mud Bay Park and Ride at 1:00 PM and car pool or caravan to Grayland. If you want to meet us on the beach we will be going to a new spot on the beach. To get there turn right on Grayland Beach Road as you enter Grayland. The road is between the Ocean Spring Resort and the Pomegranate Gifts Store (a red building). The street address is 1757 SR 105 S, Grayland if you want to put it in your GPS. When you get to the beach turn right and go the first creek. We should be around 100 yards north of the creek. Look for a gray Toyota pickup with our banner. If you plan to be there please either sign up at the November 3 meeting or let Mike Silvers know at 360 951 5160 or setthehook55@gmail.com.
The next Saturday, November 12 we are planning a chum catch and release (catch and keep if WDFW changes the rule) outing in Marine Area 13. The plan is to leave Swantown at 9:00 AM and go to Little Skookum Bay or Mill Creek in Hammersly Inlet. More information about this outing and a signup sheet for those interested in either bringing their boat or looking for a ride will be available at the November meeting.
Finally, we are planning a crab outing to Tokeland on November 19. At this point the plan is to leave the Mud Bay Park and Ride at 6:30 AM which should get us to Tokeland with the boats in the water in time to set the pots before the high tide at 9:30 AM. Again, more information regarding this outing and a signup sheet will be available at the November meeting.
Another upcoming event is our annual Christmas Party on December 1. This is a potluck dinner with the club providing turkey and ham entrees and everyone else bring the side dishes. To make this event a success we will need volunteers to help set up the room, work in the kitchen, organize the raffle and clean up the room. Most importantly, we will need several volunteers to cook the turkeys and hams which the club will pay for. Dee will have signup sheet at the November meeting for those interested.
I look forward to seeing everyone at the November 3 meeting. The speaker will be Wayne Hammond from Northwest Salmon Research. It is their mission to help preserve and enhance our unique salmon culture through support of salmon research and educational activities, understanding best practices, sharing outcomes and raising public awareness about the importance of increasing the numbers of healthy, sustainable adult salmon stocks for the shared benefit of ALL stakeholders. Wayne will be discussing their net pen programs.
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Outings, Events and Announcements
Happy thanksgiving everyone.
A couple of us are planning a fishing expedition to Mayfield Lake for trout on Black Friday (November 27). So far we have 2 boats committed and are looking for those without boats who would like to fish or those who want to join us with their boat. If you are interested please let me or Mike Silvers know by Thanksgiving day. You can reach me at ramorrow@pacifier.com and Mike at setthehook55@gmail.com.
Details will be finalized and announced once we have an idea of the number people interested in this outing.
Allen Morrow, President
South South Chapter Puget Sound Anglers
AT THIS TIME WE WILL BE HAVING LIMITED OUTINGS. PLEASE STAY SAFE AND HEALTHY AND CHECK BACK LATER FOR ANY UPDATES TO OUR EVENTS. Thank you!
Who wants to go Razor Clam Digging?
We are digging Twin Harbors this Saturday. We will have a bon fire at our normal location behind Grayland Beach State Park. Instead of taking Cranberry Road to gain access to the beach we will be using Grayland Beach Road then turning South about 1 1/2 miles. Drive until you find fresh water running onto the beach. We will be parked there. Cranberry Road was a little soft last dig.
WDFW approves 10 days of coastal razor clam digs beginning Friday, March 17, tentative dates announced for April
OLYMPIA – Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) shellfish managers today confirmed coastal razor clam digging reopens at Twin Harbors, and Copalis on Friday, March 17. This is in addition to Mocrocks which opens on Saturday, March 18.
"As wonderful as it is to now be able to offer harvest days on Twin Harbors, we are disappointed that Long Beach still remains above the domoic acid toxicity closure level," said Bryce Blumenthal, a WDFW coastal shellfish biologist. "Diggers can expect abundant populations of nice-sized clams on open beaches. Digs switch to morning low tides on March 23-26 providing the first daylight opportunities of spring."
The following digs during evening (p.m.) low tides will proceed as scheduled:
- March 17, Friday, 4:10 PM; 0.0 feet; Twin Harbors, Copalis
- March 18, Saturday, 5:06 PM; -0.5 feet; Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
- March 19, Sunday, 5:54 PM; -0.7 feet; Twin Harbors, Copalis
- March 20, Monday, 6:38 PM -0.7 feet; Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
- March 21, Tuesday, 7:18 PM; -0.5 feet; Twin Harbors, Copalis
- March 22, Wednesday, 7:56 PM; 0.0 feet; Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
The following digs during morning (a.m.) low tides will proceed as scheduled:
- March 23, Thursday, 8:29 AM; -0.3 feet; Twin Harbors, Copalis
- March 24, Friday, 9:13 AM; -0.4 feet; Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
- March 25, Saturday, 9:57 AM; -0.2 feet; Twin Harbors, Copalis
- March 26, Sunday, 10:44 AM; 0.2 feet; Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
Future tentative digs planned during morning (a.m.) low tides are scheduled (digging extended to 1 PM on April 12 only):
- April 6, Thursday, 7:34 AM; 0.3 feet; Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
- April 7, Friday, 8:10 AM; -0.1 feet; Twin Harbors, Copalis
- April 8, Saturday, 8:48 AM; -0.3 feet; Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
- April 9, Sunday, 9:29 AM; -0.4 feet; Twin Harbors, Copalis
- April 10, Monday, 10:15 AM; -0.4 feet; Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
- April 11, Tuesday, 11:09 AM; -0.2 feet; Twin Harbors, Copalis
- April 12, Wednesday, 12:12 PM; 0.1 feet; Twin Harbors, Mocrocks (digging extended until 1 PM)
- April 19, Wednesday, 6:44 AM; -0.4 feet; Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
- April 20, Thursday, 7:28 AM; -0.9 feet; Twin Harbors, Copalis
- April 21, Friday, 8:09 AM; -1.2 feet; Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
- April 22, Saturday, 8:50 AM; -1.1 feet; Twin Harbors, Copalis
- April 23, Sunday, 9:31 AM; -0.8 feet; Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
- April 24, Monday, 10:14 AM; -0.4 feet; Twin Harbors, Copalis
- April 25, Tuesday, 11:01 AM; 0.1 feet; Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
The Washington Department of Health (WDOH) labs indicate domoic acid levels at Long Beach remain slightly above the health guideline cutoff range. WDFW will announce digging opportunities when marine toxin tests show it is safe to do so.
Domoic acid, a natural toxin produced by certain types of marine algae, can be harmful or fatal if consumed in sufficient quantities. WDFW shellfish staff will continue to regularly dig test samples of razor clams to monitor the situation. More information about domoic acid, as well as current levels at ocean beaches, can be found on WDFW's domoic acid webpage and on the DOH webpage.
The daily limit is 15 razor clams per person. Under state law, a daily limit consists of the first 15 clams dug regardless of size or condition, and each digger's clams must be kept in a separate container. Digging is prohibited in the razor clam reserves, which are marked by 10-foot poles with signs. A reserve located just south of the Ocean City approach on Copalis. The most successful digging occurs between one and two hours before the listed time of low tide.
With the spring fast approaching, Washingtonians should consider purchasing 2023-2024 recreational hunting and fishing licenses, and from hundreds of license vendors around the state. WDFW recommends buying your license before current licenses expire after March 31. All diggers age 15 or older must have an applicable fishing license to harvest razor clams on any beach. To be notified of in-season rule changes as they are announced sign up for email notifications at wdfw.wa.gov/about/lists.
Shellfish and seafood enthusiasts can also start making plans to attend the Ocean Shores Razor Clam and Seafood Festival on March 17-19, and the Long Beach Razor Clam Festival on April 8-9. These two long-running events celebrate the unique contribution of razor clams to Washington's culture and coastal communities.
Let me know if you are coming and there will be hot dogs waiting for you. If you want to car pool from Mud Bay let me know. If nobody wants to car pool I will probably go down a little earlier.
I'll see you there.
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Mike Silvers
Puget Sound Anglers South Sound Chapter
setthehook55@gmail.com
cell/text (360)951-5160