Idaho vs Washington fishing license
For a visitor fishing fresh water for 3 days, Idaho is $11.55 cheaper than Washington. For a visitor's annual fresh-water license, Washington is $2.15 cheaper than Idaho. You need a license from age 14 in Idaho and from 16 in Washington.
- Free
- Official sources first
- Checked monthly
- Independent, not a state website
What visitors pay
Cheapest way for an adult non-resident to cover the trip, including required stamps, worked out from each state's price list. The cheaper state is marked.
| Trip | Idaho | Washington |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh water | ||
| 1 day | $22.75 | $27.05 |
| 3 days | $36.75 | $48.30 |
| 7 days | $64.75 | $115.85 |
| 1 year | $118 | $115.85 |
| Residents, annual | ||
| Fresh water | $35.50 | $39.95 |
| Prices for | 2026 | 2026-27 |
Rules side by side
| Idaho | Washington | |
|---|---|---|
| License needed from age | 14 | 16 |
| Senior residents | Resident senior combination license (hunting and fishing, 65+): $13.75 (ages 65+) Resident lifetime fishing license (age 51+): $481.75 (ages 51+) | Combination fishing license (resident senior, 70 and over): $28.83 (ages 70+) Freshwater fishing license (resident senior, 70 and over): $9.59 (ages 70+) Saltwater fishing license (resident senior, 70 and over): $10.35 (ages 70+) Fish Washington license (resident senior, 70 and over): $49.85 (ages 70+) |
| Senior visitors | Normal visitor prices | Normal visitor prices |
| Required stamps | Access/depredation fee (resident adult): $5 Access/depredation fee (resident junior): $2 Access/depredation fee (resident senior): $2 Access/depredation fee (non-resident adult): $10 Access/depredation fee (non-resident junior or DAV): $4 | None |
| Next free fishing day | Sat, Jun 12, 2027 Not yet announced | Jun 12–13, 2027 Jun 12–13, 2027 Not yet announced |
| On a charter | Not applicable | Yes: everyone who fishes needs their own license |
| License on your phone | – | Accepted |
| Annual licenses last | To 12-31 | To 03-31 |
| Last checked | Nov 4, 2026 | Nov 4, 2026 |
Full details and sources: Idaho fishing license · Washington fishing license
Shared waters
Snake River (Oregon and Washington boundary) and Bear Lake (Utah) (Idaho rules)
Idaho law lets IDFG agree with Oregon, Washington and Utah to recognize each other's licenses on these shared waters. Check the current agreement and rules before relying on an out-of-state license. Official source
Limits for fish found in both states
Guide only. Statewide rules; many waters have their own. Check each state's official rules before you keep a fish.
| Fish | Idaho | Washington |
|---|---|---|
| Largemouth bass |
Largemouth and smallmouth bass |
Only fish under 12" may be kept, plus 1 over 17"; bag 5 (Lakes, ponds and reservoirs; 1 more) |
| Smallmouth bass |
Largemouth and smallmouth bass |
Only 1 over 14"; bag 10 (Lakes, ponds and reservoirs; 1 more) |
| Trout |
Trout (rainbow, cutthroat, brown, lake trout and hybrids, combined) Brook trout |
Trout Steelhead: set each year |
| Walleye |
bag 6 (Magic Valley; 1 more) |
12" minimum; only 1 over 22"; bag 8 (Lakes, ponds and reservoirs; 1 more) |
| Crappie |
Other fish (crappie, yellow perch, sunfish, catfish) |
Crappie, yellow perch and sunfish |
| Catfish |
Other fish (crappie, yellow perch, sunfish, catfish) |
Channel catfish |
| Northern pike |
bag No limit; harvest encouraged |
No minimum; bag No limit |
| Yellow perch |
Other fish (crappie, yellow perch, sunfish, catfish) |
Crappie, yellow perch and sunfish |
| Muskellunge (muskie) |
Tiger muskie |
Tiger muskie |
| Salmon |
Kokanee Chinook and coho salmon (ocean-run): set each year |
Kokanee Salmon (fresh and salt water): set each year |
Questions
Is a Idaho fishing license valid in Washington?
No. Each state needs its own license, except on shared waters covered by a border agreement: Snake River (Oregon and Washington boundary) and Bear Lake (Utah).
Which is cheaper for visitors, Idaho or Washington?
1 day (fresh water): Idaho $22.75, Washington $27.05. 1 year (fresh water): Idaho $118, Washington $115.85.
At what age do you need a fishing license in Idaho and Washington?
You need a license from age 14 in Idaho and from 16 in Washington.