OLYMPIA - The next round of evening razor-clam digs is set to begin Saturday, Dec. 14, just in time to take home some clams for the winter holidays.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) approved the opening after marine toxin tests showed the clams on those beaches are safe to eat.

Dan Ayres, WDFW coastal shellfish manager, said the best digging typically occurs one to two hours before low tide, noting that digging is not allowed at any beach before noon.

Upcoming digs are scheduled on the following dates, beaches and low tides:
Dec. 14, Saturday, 4:45 p.m.; -0.1 feet; Twin Harbors, Long Beach, Mocrocks, Copalis
Dec. 15, Sunday, 5:26 p.m.; -0.3 feet; Twin Harbors, Long Beach, Mocrocks
Dec. 16, Monday, 6:03 p.m.; -0.4 feet; Twin Harbors, Long Beach, Mocrocks
Dec. 17, Tuesday, 6:38 p.m.; -0.4 feet; Twin Harbors
Dec. 18, Wednesday, 7:12 p.m.; -0.3 feet; Twin Harbors

Ayres recommends that diggers bring a lantern for evening digs - and check the razor clam recipes on WDFW's website.

"The chowder is always a hit with family and friends who stop by over the holidays," Ayres said.

Under state law, diggers can take 15 razor clams per day and are required to keep the first 15 they dig. Each digger's clams must be kept in a separate container.

All diggers age 15 or older must have an applicable 2013-14 fishing license to harvest razor clams on any beach. Licenses, ranging from a three-day razor clam license to an annual combination fishing license, are available on WDFW's website at Washington Fishing License and from license vendors around the state.