OLYMPIA - Clam diggers today got a green light to proceed with a five-day razor clam dig set to begin Friday (Oct. 4) on four ocean beaches.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) approved the evening dig - the second of the fall season - after marine toxin tests showed that the clams on all four beaches are safe to eat.

Four beaches will be open for digging Friday and Saturday, three will be open on Sunday and Monday, and one - Twin Harbors - will be open on Tuesday. No digging will be allowed on any beach before noon.

Dates, beaches, and evening low tides for the proposed digs are as follows:

Oct. 4, Friday, 6:56 p.m.; 0.0 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis, Mocrocks
Oct. 5, Saturday, 7:36 p.m.; -0.4 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis, Mocrocks
Oct. 6, Sunday, 8:17 p.m.; -0.7 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
Oct. 7, Monday, 9:00 p.m.; -0.8 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
Oct. 8, Tuesday, 9:48 p.m.; -0.7 feet; Twin Harbors Dan Ayres, WDFW coastal shellfish manager, recommends that diggers hit the beach an hour or two before low tide for best results.

"We have a lot of clams available for harvest this year, and a favorable weather forecast for the upcoming dig," Ayres said. "We do recommend diggers wear warm clothes and bring a lantern for these evening digs."

Ayres noted that WDFW has tentatively scheduled another dig Oct. 17-22, pending the results of future toxin tests. The department also plans to announce additional digging dates for the fall season later this month.

Under state rules, harvesters may take no more than 15 razor clams and must keep the first 15 they dig, regardless of size or condition. Each digger's limit must be kept in a separate container.

All diggers must have an applicable 2013-14 fishing license to dig razor clams on any beach. A license is required for anyone age 15 or older.

Several types of licenses, ranging from a combination fishing license to a three-day razor clam license, are available online at https://fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov/ . Fishing licenses can also be purchased from sporting goods stores and other vendors, listed at http://wdfw.wa.gov/licensing/vendors/