What will it cost? Calculator
Pick your trip and we'll work out the cheapest licenses to buy, including any required stamps.
Licenses and prices
Checked Nov 4, 2026Prices for 2026-27. WDFW says prices shown include all applicable fees. A 2.9% card fee applies to phone and online orders through WDFW.
How long annual licenses last: 2026 license-year items are valid April 1, 2026 to March 31, 2027. Official source
Non-residents (visitors)
| License | Water | Length | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Combination fishing license (non-resident) | FreshSalt | Annual | $170 |
Includes: Freshwater, saltwater and shellfish/seaweed. Includes a Vehicle Access Pass. Official source |
| Freshwater fishing license (non-resident) | Fresh | Annual | $115.85 |
Includes a Vehicle Access Pass. Official source |
| Saltwater fishing license (non-resident) | Salt | Annual | $81.70 |
Includes a Vehicle Access Pass. Official source |
| 1-day combination fishing license (non-resident) | FreshSalt | 1 day | $27.05 | Official source |
| 2-day combination fishing license (non-resident) | FreshSalt | 2 days | $39.19 | Official source |
| 3-day combination fishing license (non-resident) | FreshSalt | 3 days | $48.30 | Official source |
| Special licenses (conditions apply; not used by the calculator) | ||||
| Combination fishing license (non-resident disabled veteran) | FreshSalt | Annual | $74.37 |
Only for: For non-resident veterans with a qualifying service-connected disability, on approved application. Official source |
| Shellfish/seaweed license (non-resident) | Salt | Annual | $47.39 |
Only for: Shellfish and seaweed only, not fish. No Vehicle Access Pass. Official source |
| Razor clam license (non-resident) | Salt | Annual | $28.07 |
Only for: Razor clams only. Official source |
| 3-day razor clam license (non-resident) | Salt | 3 days | $11.79 |
Only for: Razor clams only. Official source |
Residents
| License | Water | Length | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1-day combination fishing license (resident) | FreshSalt | 1 day | $14.90 |
Works like a combination license; multi-day temporary licenses must be used on consecutive days. Official source |
| 2-day combination fishing license (resident) | FreshSalt | 2 days | $20.98 | Official source |
| 3-day combination fishing license (resident) | FreshSalt | 3 days | $25.53 | Official source |
| Age-limited licenses | ||||
| Combination fishing license (resident) Under 70 | FreshSalt | Annual | $74.37 |
Includes: Freshwater, saltwater and shellfish/seaweed. Includes a Vehicle Access Pass. Official source |
| Freshwater fishing license (resident) Under 70 | Fresh | Annual | $39.95 |
Includes a Vehicle Access Pass. Official source |
| Saltwater fishing license (resident) Under 70 | Salt | Annual | $40.71 |
Includes a Vehicle Access Pass. Official source |
| Combination fishing license (resident senior, 70 and over) Ages 70+ | FreshSalt | Annual | $28.83 |
Includes: Freshwater, saltwater and shellfish/seaweed. Includes a Vehicle Access Pass. Official source |
| Freshwater fishing license (resident senior, 70 and over) Ages 70+ | Fresh | Annual | $9.59 |
Includes a Vehicle Access Pass. Official source |
| Saltwater fishing license (resident senior, 70 and over) Ages 70+ | Salt | Annual | $10.35 |
Includes a Vehicle Access Pass. Official source |
| Fish Washington license (resident) Under 70 | FreshSalt | Annual | $101.88 |
Includes: Annual combination license with the Puget Sound Dungeness crab, two-pole and Columbia River salmon and steelhead endorsements, at a reduced price. Includes a Vehicle Access Pass. Official source |
| Fish Washington license (resident senior, 70 and over) Ages 70+ | FreshSalt | Annual | $49.85 |
Includes: Annual combination license with the Puget Sound Dungeness crab, two-pole and Columbia River salmon and steelhead endorsements. Includes a Vehicle Access Pass. Official source |
| Special licenses (conditions apply; not used by the calculator) | ||||
| Combination fishing license (resident, approved disability) | FreshSalt | Annual | $12.89 |
Only for: Needs an approved disability application (certain disabled veterans, permanent wheelchair users, blind or visually impaired, or developmental disability). Official source |
| Fish Washington license (resident, approved disability) | FreshSalt | Annual | $47.98 |
Only for: Needs an approved disability application. Official source |
| Get Outdoors package (resident, fishing and hunting) | FreshSalt | Annual | $330.54 |
Only for: Hunting and fishing package. Shown for hunters; the calculator quotes fishing-only licenses. Official source |
| Shellfish/seaweed license (resident) Under 70 | Salt | Annual | $21.58 |
Only for: Shellfish and seaweed only, not fish. No Vehicle Access Pass. Official source |
| Shellfish/seaweed license (resident senior, 70 and over) Ages 70+ | Salt | Annual | $13.99 |
Only for: Shellfish and seaweed only, not fish. No Vehicle Access Pass. Official source |
| Razor clam license (resident) | Salt | Annual | $17.44 |
Only for: Razor clams only. Official source |
| 3-day razor clam license (resident) | Salt | 3 days | $11.79 |
Only for: Razor clams only. Official source |
Extra stamps and permits
Checked Nov 4, 2026-
Columbia River Salmon and Steelhead Endorsement
Annual $8.75
Senior or youth $7.10Needed to fish for salmon or steelhead in the Columbia River and some tributaries. $7.10 for seniors 70+ and youth.
Everyone · fresh water Official source
-
Two-Pole Endorsement
Annual $20.23
Senior $8.09Lets you fish with two poles where the rules allow it. $8.09 for seniors 70+.
Everyone Official source
-
Puget Sound Crab Endorsement
Annual $11.89
With temporary licence $5.05Needed to catch Dungeness crab in Puget Sound. $5.05 when added to a temporary license.
Everyone · salt water Official source
-
Catch Record Card with halibut
$7.59A free catch record card is needed for salmon, steelhead, sturgeon and Puget Sound Dungeness crab; the halibut card costs $7.59.
Everyone · salt water Official source
Who doesn't need a license
Checked Nov 4, 2026-
Anyone under 16 (catch record cards are still needed for some species)
FreshSalt Everyone Official source2
-
Anyone fishing for common carp in Moses Lake or Vancouver Lake
Fresh Everyone Secondary source: Washington Sport Fishing Rules 2026 (eRegulations edition)
-
Anyone during Free Fishing Weekend (not for salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, halibut or shellfish)
FreshSalt Everyone Official source
Fishing licenses from other states aren't valid in Washington, except under the border-water agreements below.
Free fishing days
Checked Nov 4, 2026Dates can move, and some free days are for residents only. Confirm with WDFW before you go.
- Jun 12–13, 2027 Free Fishing Weekend 2027 FreshSalt
- Jun 12–13, 2027 Free Fishing Weekend: the first weekend after the first Monday in June FreshSalt
Next dates not yet announced. Check the official page.
The rule: Free Fishing Weekend: the first weekend after the first Monday in June.
No license, Vehicle Access Pass, Discover Pass or two-pole endorsement is needed for many species. A license is still needed for salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, halibut and all shellfish. All other rules apply.
Residents and visitors
Checked Nov 4, 2026- Who counts as a resident
- You need a valid Washington driver's license or ID card and must have kept a permanent home in Washington for at least 90 days before buying. (at least 90 days)
- Military
- Military with ID and orders showing Washington as their current duty station can buy resident licenses.
Secondary source: Washington Sport Fishing Rules 2026 (eRegulations edition)
How to buy a Washington fishing license
Checked Nov 4, 2026Buy online through the Washington Fish Hunt portal (fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov), on the MyWDFW app, by phone or from license dealers.
- Online
- Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife license sales
- Phone
- 360-902-2464 or toll-free 866-246-9453 (24/7)
- App
- MyWDFW
- License on your phone
- Accepted
- ID needed
- Anglers 15 and over must give a Social Security Number to get a license.
A 2.9% fee applies to card purchases made through WDFW by phone or online. A duplicate license is $9.70. Licenses can be shown on a phone or on paper.
Secondary source: Washington Sport Fishing Rules 2026 (eRegulations edition)2
Catch record cards (free, or $7.59 with halibut) are needed for salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, halibut and Puget Sound Dungeness crab, including for anglers under 16. Record catches straight away and return the card by the date printed on it.
Annual fishing licenses include a Vehicle Access Pass for WDFW access sites. Shellfish/seaweed licenses do not.
WDFW changes many seasons, especially salmon, halibut, bottomfish and shellfish, by emergency rule during the year. Always check the emergency rules page before fishing.
Charters, guides and piers
Checked Nov 4, 2026Yes: everyone who fishes needs their own license.
WDFW lists no license exemption for charter or guide customers: anglers 16 and over need their own license, endorsements and catch record cards. The 1-, 2- and 3-day combination licenses suit a charter trip. Check with the charter operator.
Secondary source: Washington Sport Fishing Rules 2026 (eRegulations edition)
Charter rules depend on the boat and where you fish. Ask the captain, and check WDFW's rules before you book.
Border waters
Columbia River (Oregon)
On concurrent Columbia River waters, an Oregon angling license comparable to Washington's is valid, except when fishing from the Washington shore. Official source
Seasons and limits
Checked Nov 4, 2026Limits change, and many lakes, rivers and coastal areas have their own rules. Check WDFW's current rules before you keep a fish.
Statewide freshwater rules from the 2026 sport fishing rules. Many waters have special rules, and saltwater, salmon and shellfish seasons are set by marine area and emergency rule. Limits shown are daily limits. Salmon possession is 2 daily limits fresh plus 40 lbs frozen or processed.
| Species | Where | Size | Daily bag | Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trout Fresh | Lakes, ponds and reservoirs | No minimum | 5 | – |
| Trout | Rivers, streams and beaver ponds | 8" minimum | 2 | – |
| Combined limit from rivers and lakes on the same day is 5, no more than 2 from rivers. Many waters have special rules. Secondary source: Washington Sport Fishing Rules 2026 (eRegulations edition) Trout limits in other states | ||||
| Largemouth bass Fresh | Lakes, ponds and reservoirs | Only fish under 12" may be kept, plus 1 over 17" | 5 | – |
| Largemouth bass | Rivers, streams and beaver ponds | No size rule | No limit | – |
| Secondary source: Washington Sport Fishing Rules 2026 (eRegulations edition) Largemouth bass limits in other states | ||||
| Smallmouth bass Fresh | Lakes, ponds and reservoirs | Only 1 over 14" | 10 | – |
| Smallmouth bass | Rivers, streams and beaver ponds | No size rule | No limit | – |
| Secondary source: Washington Sport Fishing Rules 2026 (eRegulations edition) Smallmouth bass limits in other states | ||||
| Walleye Fresh | Lakes, ponds and reservoirs | 12" minimum; only 1 over 22" | 8 | – |
| Walleye | Rivers, streams and beaver ponds | No size rule | No limit | – |
| Secondary source: Washington Sport Fishing Rules 2026 (eRegulations edition) Walleye limits in other states | ||||
| Channel catfish Fresh | Lakes, ponds and reservoirs | No minimum | 5 | – |
| Channel catfish | Rivers, streams and beaver ponds | No size rule | No limit | – |
| Secondary source: Washington Sport Fishing Rules 2026 (eRegulations edition) Catfish limits in other states | ||||
| Crappie, yellow perch and sunfish Fresh | Statewide | No minimum | No limit | – |
| Some lakes have their own limits. Secondary source: Washington Sport Fishing Rules 2026 (eRegulations edition) Crappie limits in other states | ||||
| Northern pike Fresh | Statewide | No minimum | No limit | – |
| Invasive: pike must be killed before leaving the riparian area. Secondary source: Washington Sport Fishing Rules 2026 (eRegulations edition) Northern pike limits in other states | ||||
| Tiger muskie Fresh | Statewide | 50" minimum | 1 | – |
| Tiger muskie is a pike-muskellunge hybrid. Secondary source: Washington Sport Fishing Rules 2026 (eRegulations edition) Muskellunge (muskie) limits in other states | ||||
| Kokanee Fresh | Statewide | No minimum | 10 | – |
| Secondary source: Washington Sport Fishing Rules 2026 (eRegulations edition) Salmon limits in other states | ||||
| Burbot Fresh | Statewide | No minimum | 5 | – |
| Secondary source: Washington Sport Fishing Rules 2026 (eRegulations edition) | ||||
| Salmon (fresh and salt water) Fresh | Set each year: check here. Salmon seasons and limits are set each year through the North of Falcon process and changed by emergency rule. Check WDFW emergency rules before fishing. A catch record card is needed. | |||
| Steelhead Fresh | Set each year: check here. Statewide default is 2 a day, 20" minimum, wild steelhead released, but seasons are often changed by emergency rule. Check WDFW before fishing. A catch record card is needed. | |||
| White sturgeon Fresh | Set each year: check here. Mostly catch and release; Columbia River retention seasons are set at short notice. Check WDFW emergency rules. A catch record card is needed. | |||
| Pacific halibut Salt | Set each year: check here. Season dates and limits are set each year and updated weekly. Check WDFW's halibut page before fishing. A halibut catch record card is needed. | |||
| Lingcod, rockfish and other bottomfish Salt | Set each year: check here. Seasons, depth limits and bag limits differ by marine area and are changed by emergency rule. Check WDFW before fishing. | |||
| Dungeness crab Salt | Set each year: check here. Seasons and limits differ by area and change at short notice. Puget Sound needs the crab endorsement and a catch record card. Check WDFW before crabbing. | |||
| Razor clams and other shellfish Salt | Set each year: check here. Razor clam digs and shellfish seasons are opened by emergency rule and depend on toxin tests. Check WDFW before harvesting. | |||
Compare Washington with other states
Neighboring states, side by side: prices, age rules, free days and shared waters.
Questions
Do I need a fishing license in Washington?
Yes, if you are 16 or older and fish public waters in Washington, unless an exemption applies. No license is needed for: Anyone under 16 (catch record cards are still needed for some species).
How much is a non-resident fishing license in Washington?
For an adult fishing fresh water, the cheapest options for 2026-27 are $27.05 for one day (1-day combination fishing license (non-resident)); $115.85 for seven days (Freshwater fishing license (non-resident)); $115.85 for a year (Freshwater fishing license (non-resident)). WDFW says prices shown include all applicable fees. A 2.9% card fee applies to phone and online orders through WDFW.
Do seniors need a fishing license in Washington?
Senior options for residents: 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+). Non-resident seniors pay the normal non-resident prices.
When is the next free fishing day in Washington?
Jun 12–13, 2027 (Free Fishing Weekend 2027). No license, Vehicle Access Pass, Discover Pass or two-pole endorsement is needed for many species. A license is still needed for salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, halibut and all shellfish. All other rules apply.
How do I get a fishing license in Washington?
Buy it from Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife: Buy online through the Washington Fish Hunt portal (fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov), on the MyWDFW app, by phone or from license dealers.
Do I need a license to fish on a charter in Washington?
Yes: everyone who fishes needs their own license. WDFW lists no license exemption for charter or guide customers: anglers 16 and over need their own license, endorsements and catch record cards. The 1-, 2- and 3-day combination licenses suit a charter trip. Check with the charter operator.
Sources and checks
Every fact on this page comes from Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife unless it's marked secondary. We use a secondary source only when the official site doesn't show something, and we name it.
- Licenses and prices
- Checked Nov 4, 2026 (prices for 2026-27)
- Free fishing days
- Checked Nov 4, 2026
- Seasons and limits
- Checked Nov 4, 2026
All 11 source pages
- content.govdelivery.com/accounts/WADFW/bulletins/4012102
- eregulations.com/washington/fishing/license-information
- lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/Law/RCWPDF/RCW%20%2077%20%20TITLE/RCW%20%2077%20.%2032%20%20CHAPTER/RCW%20%2077%20.%2032%20.410.pdf
- wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/free
- wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/management/north-falcon
- wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/regulations/emergency-rules
- wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/regulations/halibut
- wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/shellfishing-regulations
- wdfw.wa.gov/licenses/fishing/types-fees
- Washington Sport Fishing Rules 2026 (eRegulations edition) secondary
- Washington Sport Fishing Rules 2026 (eRegulations edition) secondary
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