Shellfishing on Hood Canal

Washington State’s scenic Hood Canal is a long, narrow fjord in the northwestern part of the state. The waterway connects to Puget Sound, and its nutrient-rich waters and dramatic tides make it one of the best places in the state for shellfish gathering.

An array of public beaches make digging for clams and collecting oysters available to anyone with a bucket and a pair of rubber boots. State parks like Belfair, Eagle Creek, Potlatch and Twanoh are among the best places to look. A full list of beaches for shellfishing in Hood Canal can be found here.

You’ll have to learn a little about what to select and how, but it’s overall a fairly straightforward process. You’ll be harvesting Pacific oysters, plus clams like Little Neck and Manila. The Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife offers assistance in identifying oysters and clams.

Be sure to outfit yourself with a pair of waterproof shoes; tall rubber boots are best. Plan your trip for a time when the tide is out so you can actually access the bivalves without going in the water. Bring a flashlight if it’s dark, and a bucket to fill with your finds. If you’re interested in digging for clams, you’ll need a simple garden hoe to scrape away the top six inches or so of sand and rock before the clams appear.