Digging Razor Clams, Clamming Alaska

Who can Dig for Razor Clams?

A man digging for razor clams on Kenai Peninsula beach in Alaska.

All visitors to Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula can enjoy digging for Razor Clams at anytime during the summer. Peak clamming seasons are in July and August. A sport fishing license is required if you are 16 years or older.

What are Razor Clams?

A large pile of clams harvested from below the beach sand on the Kenai Peninsula.

Razor Clams are a delicious member of the Mollusk Family. They are known for their size and their flavor especially when diced for clam chowder or cut in strips and fried.

When to Go Clamming in Alaska?

A father and son digging for razor clams on the beach in Alaska.

When tides are at -2.0 or lower and an hour or two before and after low tide. The further south you go, the lower the tides should be for best results. With daylight hours until 11 PM and later, there is plenty of time to have fun getting your limit of 60 of these delicious mollusks.

Where to go Clamming and How to find them?

An Alaska razor clam in the sand on Kenai Peninsula beach in Alaska.

From Kasilof, Alaska south, there is a 50 mile stretch of beaches that is home to some of the most abundant Razor Clams in the world. "Clam Gulch" at mile marker 117.5 and 20 miles south of Soldotna is probably the most popular clamming destination because of its excellent beach access. 4-Wheel drive vehicles can also access other public beaches at Cohoe, Deep Creek, Ninilchik, Whiskey Gulch and Oil Pad Access. So how do you find the clams? While on the beaches you watch for small holes in the sand. In those hole there will be a clam somewhere below the surface. If you use a shovel or a clam gun, you can easily dig the clams using some basic techniques Russell Fishing Company will be glad to show you. For clamming gear you will need boots, a shovel or clam gun, a cooler, bucket and heavy rubber gloves. We have everything you need on a free loaner basis if you'd like to go try clamming while on your vacation in Alaska.