How to Dig Pacific Razor Clams

Last Updated: June 29, 2021

The Pacific razor clam (Siliqua patula) is an exceptionally meaty shellfish which ranges from California to Alaska. Recreational digging for razor clams is truly a family sport. It can be enjoyed by children and senior citizens alike. All you need is a clam shovel or specialized tube (clam gun), a container to put your clams in and most important, your clam license. Follow these steps and you'll be digging clams like a pro.

Steps

1
Locate a clam. Clams reside just under the surface of the sand. They can be deep, as much as a couple feet; or very shallow. To locate a razor clam, while slowly walking along tap the ground in front of you with your shovel blade, clam gun or simply stomp your feet, the vibration will cause the clam to dig itself deeper to escape an assumed threat. As the clam retreats the suction causes a hole or depression to appear on the surface of the sand, this is called a clam show. Depending on the depth of the clam, the water content of the sand, and other factors, show can manifest itself in different ways. These are typically known as a dimple, a doughnut, or a keyhole clam show.
- Dimple; a depression with distinct edges and a bottom but no other deformations of the sand.
- Doughnut; a depression with a bottom and raised edges resembling a doughnut.
- Keyhole; a hole with no discernible bottom and distinct edges with no other deformations of the sand.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:
Using a Clam Shovel

1
Position your shovel. Place the blade of the shovel from 4 to 6 inches (10.2 to 15.2 cm) from the show with the back of the shovel toward the surf. The handle of your shovel should be pointing landward.
2
Begin digging. Position your body weight over the shovel and push straight down while dropping to one knee. While keeping the blade as vertical as possible gently rock the shovel from side to side to make it easier to push into the hard sand. It is very important to keep the shovel as vertical as possible to avoid breaking the clam.
3
Pull the handle back just enough to break the suction. Cracks will appear in the sand.
4
Remove sand by lifting the shovel up and landward. Pulling the sand out of the hole, be very careful to avoid breaking the clam.
5
Scoop sand in this way 2 - 4 times. Reaching into the hole you made with your hand, you should feel the clam. You may need to scoop out a little more sand by hand. Retrieve your razor clam.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:
Using a Clam Gun

1
Position your gun. Facing the Ocean, place the clam gun directly over the clam show. Quickly remove it to ensure that you are indeed centered over the clam show.
2
Slant the clam gun so that the handle is tilted just slightly toward the dunes.
3
Work the clam gun in a twisting motion to assist in plunging the gun into the sand.
4
Push the gun into the sand. Plunge the clam gun 6 to 10 inches (15.2 to 25.4 cm) below the surface. Repeat 2 to 3 times. If you are stronger you should be able to push the gun into the sand 12 to 18 inches (30.5 to 45.7 cm) and only need one plunge.
5
Place your thumb over the air vent and pull upward keeping your back straight while using your legs to pull the gun up and out.
6
Check for your clam. Each time you pull up a core, check it for a clam.
7
If the clam didn't come up with the gun, reach into the hole and retrieve your clam.

Warnings

A license is required to harvest shellfish, make sure you have the proper license.

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Each clam digger must have their own container, but may share a digging device.

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You must keep the first 15 clams you dig even if they are small, or broken up. Look for larger show and keep that shovel blade vertical. Larger show doesn't necessarily mean larger clams, but your chances should improve.

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Clam digs can be very sporadic. Know when and what beaches are open, this can and does change daily.

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If you dig like you would in a garden you will surely destroy your clam. Keep that shovel blade vertical.

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