Hand-Harvesting Geoduck Clams in Washington

Before you go: openings, safety, and licenses

• Safety & closures: WA Department of Health Recreational Shellfish Safety Map & hotline (recorded biotoxin/pollution closures, 1-800-562-5632).^[1]
• Open beaches & seasons: WDFW “Clam, mussel, and oyster harvest” shellfish beaches page for beach-specific seasons and emergency changes.^[2]
• Rules & gear (geoduck): WDFW geoduck species page – daily limit, allowable gear, tube ≤ 24″, –2.0 ft tide guidance, and hole-filling requirement.^[3]
• License: Personal-use shellfish/seaweed or combination license required for everyone age 16 and older; carry it while harvesting.^[4]

Key recreational regulations (summary): Daily limit is the first 3 geoducks dug (retain all, including broken clams, regardless of size/condition). Geoducks may be taken only by hand and non-mechanized hand tools such as shovels, forks, mattocks, and rakes. A cylindrical can/tube up to 24″ diameter may be used to support the hole. Do not thrust an instrument through the siphon, and it is unlawful to possess only the siphon/neck portion. Refill your holes immediately after harvest. Most intertidal geoducks on public beaches require –2.0 ft tides or lower to access.^[3][5]

Equipment

Lawful recreational gear is hand-operated only—no motorized pumps, jetting systems, or hydraulic gear. A tube is optional but very helpful to keep the hole from collapsing.^[3]

Step-by-step: digging by hand

1. Time your tide. Choose a beach with open WDFW season and DOH health status, then plan for very low tides; many beaches require about –2.0 ft or lower for intertidal geoducks.^[2][3]
2. Find a “show.” Look for a large keyhole-shaped siphon hole or spurting water in firm sand or gravel at low tide.
3. Place your tube. Center it over the show and press/step it several inches into the substrate so it stands securely.
4. Excavate inside the tube. Scoop sand by hand or with your shovel around the siphon; never stab or cut the siphon. Bail water from the tube as it accumulates.
5. Follow the neck down. As you deepen, feel the siphon and mantle. Use your free hand to gently loosen sand around the shell, working mostly by feel.
6. Free the shell. Work fingers under the shell’s “shoulders,” then rock the clam gently side-to-side to break suction. Avoid tearing the siphon or cracking the shell if possible.
7. Extract and secure. Lift steadily; place the clam immediately into a clean bucket or cooler. Retain the first 3 geoducks you dig; these count as your daily limit.^[5]
8. Refill your hole. Shovel sand back in and tamp lightly to restore the beach profile and reduce hazards.^[3]

If the hole keeps caving in, remove smaller amounts of sand, bail frequently, and spiral your excavation around the siphon to reduce collapse risk.

Field handling & transport

• Keep clams cold (refrigeration or well-iced cooler). Do not store them submerged in fresh water.
• Rinse exterior sand with clean seawater if available; avoid prolonged soaking before processing.
• Plan to process geoducks as soon as practical, ideally on the same day, for best texture and food safety.

Cleaning & preparation (quick method)

1. Bring a pot of boiling water and a bowl of ice water.
2. Blanch each whole geoduck briefly (about 10 seconds, just until the outer skin loosens), then immediately transfer to the ice bath to stop cooking.
3. Remove the shell; peel the thin outer skin from the siphon— it should slip off after blanching.
4. Separate the firm siphon (neck) from the softer mantle (belly) and internal organs.
5. Slice siphon thinly across the grain for sashimi or quick sauté dishes. Use the mantle/belly for chowders, fritters, or stir-fries.

This quick method is consistent with common commercial handling guidance, including Taylor Shellfish Farms’ geoduck processing notes and video. As with any raw seafood, assess risk and source; when in doubt, cook thoroughly.^[6]

Beach-planning checklist

• Check DOH Shellfish Safety Map for biotoxin and pollution closures on the same day you plan to dig; note hotline 1-800-562-5632.
• Confirm WDFW season is OPEN for your specific beach and species (geoduck).
• License (age 16+) and photo ID packed and accessible.
• Target tide station/time noted — aim for about –2.0 ft or lower; plan to arrive 60–90 minutes before low tide.
• Access and parking hours confirmed; public tideland boundaries reviewed.
• Gear packed: shovel, hand tools, tube ≤ 24″, bailer, gloves, boots, headlamp, first-aid kit.
• Cooler with ice/gel packs, bags, drinking water, snacks, warm layers, and a change of clothes.
• After digging: clean the area, refill holes, pack out all trash, and follow food-safe handling at home.

Disclaimer

Important: This guide is a convenience summary for personal planning only. Regulations, seasons, access rules, license requirements, and health closures change frequently and may vary by beach. It is your responsibility to confirm all current requirements directly with official Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and Washington Department of Health resources immediately before harvesting.^[1][2][3]

Footnotes (official sources)

1. [1] Washington State Department of Health, “Recreational Shellfish” and Shellfish Beach Closures (Shellfish Safety Map, recorded biotoxin hotline 1-800-562-5632). Available at https://doh.wa.gov/community-and-environment/shellfish/recreational-shellfish .
2. [2] Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, “Clam, mussel, and oyster harvest (Shellfish Beaches)” – beach-specific seasons and harvest status. Available at https://wdfw.wa.gov/places-to-go/shellfish-beaches .
3. [3] Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, “Geoduck clam (Panopea generosa)” – recreational harvest rules, allowable hand tools, 24″ tube limit, –2.0 ft tide guidance, and hole-filling requirement. Available at https://wdfw.wa.gov/species-habitats/species/panopea-generosa .
4. [4] Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, “Fishing and shellfishing licenses,” and RCW 77.32.520 – personal-use shellfish and seaweed license required for persons 16 years and older. Available at https://wdfw.wa.gov/licenses/fishing and https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=77.32.520 .
5. [5] WAC 220-330-010 and Chapter 220-330 WAC (Personal-use shellfish) – geoduck daily limit (first 3 clams dug, regardless of size or condition; no minimum size) and unlawful acts (no maiming or spearing siphons). Current text available via https://app.leg.wa.gov/wac/default.aspx?cite=220-330-010 .
6. [6] Taylor Shellfish Farms, “How to Process a Fresh Geoduck” – example commercial handling guidance and preparation techniques. Available at https://www.taylorshellfishfarms.com/recipes/how-to-process-a-fresh-geoduck .