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How to Dig for Clams in Oregon

Most every estuary in Oregon has a species of bay clams you can dig up and enjoy. Common bay clams types include butter, cockle, gaper and softshell. According to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, the 11 most-visited bays for harvesting clams (from north to south) are Necanicum, Nehalem Bay, Tillamook, Netarts, Nestucca, Siletz, Yaquina, Alsea, Siouslaw, Umpqua, Coos and the Coquille.

Things You'll Need

Boots
Shovel
Bucket
Shellfish License

Instructions

- 1
  Go during low tide; clams are tucked into mud flats that are only exposed during low tides. Review a tide table in the local newspaper or online.
- 2
  Locate clam "shows." When the tide goes out, clams leave a trademark hole in the sand referred to as a show; most are dime-sized or smaller.
- 3
  Dig in a small circle around the show, slowly and carefully, to avoid breaking the clam. Gaper, butter and softshells can be dug with a shovel, but cockles should be dug by hand.
- 4
  Refill your holes; it reduces your impact on the clam bed.

Animals & Science