Originally published in 2013, this post was updated in September 2026 with refreshed information, videos and razor clam resources.
Razor clams are large, elongated clams found in exposed sandy beaches along the Pacific coast from Alaska to California. Their shells are thin, fragile and sharp-edged, so they need to be handled carefully. In B.C., razor clams occur around Haida Gwaii and along parts of the west coast of Vancouver Island. They are also popular with recreational diggers on beaches in Washington and Oregon.
The first challenge is finding them. At low tide, a buried razor clam can leave a small hole or depression in the sand known as a clam “show.” Once you find a show, you need to dig quickly: razor clams can move deeper into the sand when disturbed. A clam shovel or clam gun makes the job easier, and the basic equipment is simple enough that razor clam digging can be a good family beach activity. Because the best access comes as the tide exposes the beach, check the FishinBC.COM Tides, Tide Tables, and Solunar Prediction Tools when planning a trip.
Razor Clam Gear and Digging Techniques
You do not need much specialized equipment to get started. The two common tools are a narrow clam shovel and a clam gun or tube. A bucket or bag for the clams and suitable clothing and footwear for the beach round out the basic gear.
Look for clam shows on exposed sand as the tide drops. A show may appear as a dimple, a small hole or a depression with raised edges. Razor clams are fast diggers, so once you have located one, work quickly but carefully. Their shells break easily, and digging too aggressively can damage the clam.
With a shovel, dig beside the show rather than chopping directly through it. With a clam gun, place the tube around the show, push it down into the sand, cover the air hole and lift out the core of sand. The videos below show several approaches in Washington, Oregon and Alaska and are useful for seeing the technique in action.
Cleaning and Cooking Razor Clams
Razor clams should be cleaned soon after harvesting. Start by rinsing away the sand, then remove the meat from the shell and clean away the gut material before cooking. The first video below demonstrates the cleaning and preparation process, while the second provides another look at preparing and cooking razor clams.
Fishing Regulations and Shellfish Closures for Razor Clams
Razor clam harvesting is permitted in some areas of British Columbia, subject to area-specific fishing regulations and shellfish contamination closures. At the time of updating in 2026, the well-known Haida Gwaii razor clam fishery is closed, while other areas of the B.C. coast, including Sooke, Bamfield, Tofino, Kyuquot Sound, and Cape Scott/Quatsino, may be open to recreational harvesting. Before digging razor clams, always check the current DFO recreational shellfish harvesting rules and regulations for the specific fishing area you plan to visit.
Shellfish contamination is a separate consideration. Razor clams are bivalve shellfish and can accumulate harmful bacteria, viruses, and marine biotoxins from the surrounding water. An area that would otherwise be open to recreational harvesting may still be closed because of sanitary contamination or marine biotoxins. Contaminated shellfish may not look, smell, or taste different, and cooking does not destroy all marine biotoxins.
Before harvesting razor clams in B.C., check both the current DFO recreational fishing regulations and the current DFO bivalve shellfish contamination closures for the exact location you plan to harvest. These closures can change, so the current information should always be checked before heading out.
Razor clams are also harvested recreationally along parts of the U.S. Pacific coast, particularly in Washington and Oregon. Seasons, beach openings, limits, licences, and health closures vary by state and location. If you’re planning to dig razor clams outside B.C., check the current regulations and shellfish safety information from the appropriate state agency before harvesting. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife razor clam page is an excellent resource for Washington State.
Your Turn: Have You Dug Razor Clams?
Have you tried razor clam digging? Let us know what techniques or equipment have worked well for you. If you have any tips for finding, digging, cleaning, or cooking razor clams, share them in the comments below.