Hood Canal Undressed

All those Clams in Hood Canal!

Get the boiling pot of water ready for some clams in Hood Canal.  I like to steam my clams in little beer, with diced onions and tomatoes. Clam populations are doing just fine,” according to the State Fish and Wildlife center in Brinnon.

Belfair State Park is often overlooked, and is open for clams and oysters, but be cautious of the muddy beach. Dosewallips and Duckabush State Parks offer clams and oysters, but it takes a little walk to get out onto the beaches and you won’t find many steamer-sized clams.

Fort Flagler State Park is open through July, and is best for larger native littleneck and butter clams. Illahee State Park, a beautiful park, north of Bremerton has a great planted oyster bed and is open through July. Potlatch State Park on Hood Canal is a great place for steamer clams and an easy walk onto the flats.

North Bay in Case Inlet across from Allyn is an easy, short walk and is abundant with steamer clams and some oysters on a planted bed. Clams here can be found high on the beach line so you don’t have to go very far out to find them.

Wherever you choose to clam, remember to keep aware of the possibility of red tide in your area.  If you have any questions, make sure to contact the State Department of Fish and Wildlife.