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Do You Need a Fishing License in Washington?
Yes. Anyone age 15 or older needs a fishing license in Washington. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) issues all licenses and sets regulations for fresh and saltwater.
Anglers under 15 fish free, including for salmon. Residents 70 and older qualify for discounted senior licenses. Active-duty military, disabled veterans, and disabled residents also receive discounts.
Anglers fishing for salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, halibut, or shellfish need additional permits, catch record cards, or endorsements beyond the base license.
How Much Does a Washington Fishing License Cost in 2026?
Resident annual freshwater fishing license costs $32.40. Resident saltwater is $32.40. Resident annual combo (fresh + salt + shellfish) costs $58.75. Two-pole endorsement adds $16.55.
Nonresident annual freshwater fishing license costs $94.05. Nonresident annual combo is $124.65. Short-term nonresident options include 1-day at $13.65 and 3-day at $25.20.
A Columbia River salmon/steelhead endorsement adds $7.95. Catch record cards for salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, halibut, and Puget Sound crab are required and free with license purchase. Licenses expire March 31.
Where to Buy a Washington Fishing License
Buy online at fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov or through the WDFW Fish Washington app. Digital licenses are accepted but you must carry your catch record cards separately.
In-person sales happen at sporting goods stores, bait shops, and Big 5 locations statewide. Bring photo ID and proof of residency for resident rates.
Phone orders go through 1-866-246-9453. Online and phone purchases include a small administrative fee.
Washington Free Fishing Weekend 2026
Washington Free Fishing Weekend is the weekend after the first Saturday in June. In 2026, free fishing weekend is Saturday, June 6 and Sunday, June 7. No license is required during these two days.
Free fishing weekend covers most freshwater and saltwater. Some waters and species are excluded, including razor clams and shellfish in certain areas. Check WDFW rules for the year's exact list.
All bag limits, size limits, season closures, and catch record card requirements still apply during free fishing weekend.
Washington Fishing Regulations You Should Know
Washington has highly water-specific regulations. The statewide trout limit is 5 daily on most lakes, but rivers and special-rule waters vary. Many streams are catch-and-release or selective gear only.
Salmon and steelhead regulations change frequently. Use the WDFW emergency rule page before any trip. Catch record cards must be filled out immediately when keeping salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, halibut, or Dungeness crab.
Aquatic invasive species checks are mandatory at many launches. Boats from out of state must stop at WDFW check stations. Cleaning, draining, and drying boats is required by law.
Best Fishing Spots in Washington
Puget Sound offers world-class salmon fishing for chinook, coho, pink, chum, and sockeye, plus lingcod and rockfish. The Columbia River produces trophy salmon, steelhead, walleye, smallmouth, and sturgeon.
The Olympic Peninsula rivers like the Hoh, Bogachiel, and Sol Duc are legendary steelhead streams. Lake Roosevelt holds rainbow trout, walleye, and kokanee.
Eastern Washington lakes like Banks Lake, Potholes Reservoir, and Moses Lake deliver excellent walleye, bass, and panfish fishing year-round.
Frequently Asked Questions
A resident annual combination license (fresh, salt, shellfish) costs $58.75. Freshwater-only is $32.40. Nonresident combo is $124.65. Short-term licenses are also available.
No. Anglers under age 15 fish free in Washington, including for salmon. They must still follow WDFW bag limits, catch record card rules, and area-specific seasons.
Free Fishing Weekend runs Saturday, June 6 and Sunday, June 7, 2026. No license is required on these days, but bag limits and catch record card rules still apply.
Yes if you fish for salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, halibut, or Dungeness crab in Puget Sound. Catch record cards are free with license purchase and must be filled out when you keep fish.
Buy online at fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov or through the WDFW Fish Washington app. Digital licenses are accepted, but carry catch record cards separately.
The Columbia River salmon/steelhead endorsement costs $7.95 and is required to fish for those species on the Columbia. Funds support endangered salmon recovery.