MASON COUNTY & HOOD CANAL AREA
Pacific Oyster
Manila Clam
Mussel
Go play on the beach.
Geoduck Purchase your license online: FISHHUNT.DFW.WA.GOV
Toll-free: (866) 246-9453
HARVEST SHELLFISH
Come prepared with license (purchase online: fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov), shovel, gloves, buckets, boots to harvest clams and oysters on Hood Canal and South Puget Sound beaches. Regulations vary from
1.
DAILY LIMIT: K18 OYSTERSL
XCHECK TIDE
Oysters consumed on beach
Look at a tide chart online for the bay or inlet you are harvesting. The lower the tide the bigger the reward!
Oysters may only be harvested by hand or with a hand-held manually operated prying tool (no hammers, etc.). Min. size 2.5” measured across longest distance of shell.
the Shellfish Emergency Rule Change Hotline (866) 880-5431, or contact the WDFW customer service desk (360) 902-2700. Each harvester must use a separate container.
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your Beach for clams, oysters, or 2. musselsCheck at wdfw.wa.gov/places-to-go/shellfish-beaches,
oysters
claim the Clams
DAILY LIMIT: K40 CLAMSL
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Look for little sand holes/dimples called the “show.” MANILAS (2-4” deep) & LITTLENECKS (6-10”) can be found using a rake. Use a shovel for BUTTERS (1-1.5’ below the surface) and GEODUCK (3’).
Fill Holes
To reduce clam mortality, push undersized clams into the refilled hole.
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count toward a limit.
Aw Shucks
Oysters must be shucked on the beach. Leave shells on the same tideland and tide height where they were taken.
Clam limit not to exceed 10 lbs in the shell, all species combined [excluding horse (7) & geoducks (3)].
sand purge
Manilas, litttlenecks and small butters should soak in cold seawater for at least four hours to purge sand and grit.
Purchase Licenses locally
BAYSHORE TEXACO 3841 SR# 3, Shelton | (360) 427-0709 FRED MEYER #603 Shelton | (360) 427-2979 VERLE’S LLC 741 E Golden Pheasant Rd, Shelton
SHELLFISH & BEACH
Guide
Forage on Washington’s Wild Side .
beach to beach— ALWAYS check the rules at wdfw.wa.gov before harvesting.
How to CATCH a bi valv e...
SHELLFISH & BEACH
MASON COUNTY & HOOD CANAL AREA
Mason County’s saltwater bays and inlets along Hood Canal and South Puget Sound are renown for some of the tastiest & freshest bivalves in the Northwest. Enjoy pristine waters, plenty of wilderness and public beaches stocked annually for the public to enjoy!
SOUTH PUGET SOUND & HOOD CANAL
We are here to help. Hoodsport Visitor Center 150 N Lake Cushman Rd, Hoodsport | (800) 576-2021 North Mason Chamber Visitor Center 30 NE Romance Hill Rd, Belfair, WA | (360) 275-4267 Shelton Visitor Center The Red Caboose, 230 W Railroad Ave (360) 426-2021 Union Visitor Information Center Hunter Farms, E 1921 SR 106, Union Kamilche Visitor Center 31 West SR 108, Kamilche | (360) 432-0921
(360) 426-0933 | Verles.com WALMART 2121 Shelton | (360) 427-6226
mussel seasons in Puget Sound are the same as clam seasons on each beach. No min. size. Daily limit 10 lbs. in shell. cover photo: George Stenberg
YOUR GUIDE TO SHELLFISH, WATER EXPLORING & BEACH ADVENTURES ON HOOD CANAL AND SOUTH PUGET SOUND