Washington Fishing License (2026): Cost, Where to Buy & Rules
Issued by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
How much is a fishing license in Washington?
A resident annual Washington fishing license costs $39.95, and a non-resident annual license is $115.85. Washington also offers short-term day passes and discounted youth and senior licenses, all sold by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.
🎫 Buy a Washington Fishing License →Fishing in Washington
Washington is salmon and steelhead country. All five Pacific salmon plus steelhead run the Columbia, the Puget Sound rivers and the coastal streams, while Puget Sound itself adds salmon, lingcod and Dungeness crab. The coast offers halibut and bottomfish, the Columbia holds sturgeon, and the eastern reservoirs give up trout and walleye. A catch record card and endorsements cover the anadromous fishing, which runs in some form nearly year-round.
Washington Fishing License Types & 2026 Prices
Resident Annual
Freshwater
$39.95
Saltwater
$40.71
Combo
$74.37
Non-Resident Annual
Freshwater
$115.85
Saltwater
$81.70
Combo
$170.00
Non-Resident 1-Day
Freshwater
$27.05
Saltwater
$27.05
1-day combination; resident $14.90
Non-Resident 3-Day
Freshwater
$48.30
Saltwater
$48.30
3-day combination; resident $25.53
Senior (70+)
Freshwater
$9.59
Saltwater
$10.35
Combo
$28.83
WA resident only
Youth (under 16)
Free✅ Prices verified January 2026 from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. License fees can change year to year — confirm current rates with the agency before you buy.
Who needs a Washington fishing license?
Most adult anglers need a license to fish in Washington. Several groups are exempt or pay a reduced fee:
- Youth
- Children under 16 do not need a license. Anglers 15 and younger do not need a fishing license. Catch record cards are still required for certain species regardless of age.
- Seniors (70+)
- Resident senior annual licenses for ages 70+: freshwater $9.59, saltwater $10.35, shellfish/seaweed $13.99, combination $28.83 — against $39.95 / $40.71 / $21.58 / $74.37 for residents aged 16–69.
- Anglers with disabilities
- Reduced-fee licenses for Washington residents with a PERMANENT disability in one of three categories: permanent wheelchair use (certified by an MD/ARNP/PA); blindness or low vision (acuity ≤20/200 in the better eye with correction, or a visual field ≤20 degrees); or a developmental disability originating before age 18. Temporary disabilities and an SSA/other rating alone do not qualify.
- Veterans & military
- Reduced-fee licenses for honorably discharged veterans with at least 30% service-connected disability (VA letter), or who are 65+ with a service-connected disability. A qualifying non-resident disabled veteran is issued a combination fishing license at the price a non-disabled Washington resident pays.
- Free fishing days (2027)
- June 12–13, 2027 — Washington's Free Fishing Weekend, when no license is needed for many species and no Vehicle Access Pass, Two-Pole Endorsement or Discover Pass is required. Licenses are STILL required for salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, halibut and all shellfish.
Short-term day licenses are available for visitors and occasional anglers. Always confirm the current rules with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife before heading out. ✅ Exemptions verified August 2026.
Washington Fishing Limits by Species (2026)
General statewide bag, size, and season limits for popular Washington species.
| Species | Daily Bag | Min Size | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| SalmonPuget Sound/Columbia seasons set in-season — check the current pamphlet | No limit | No limit | Varies by area |
| TroutRivers and special waters differ | 5 | No limit | Year-round (most lowland lakes) |
| SteelheadCatch record card required; hatchery-only retention | No limit | No limit | Varies |
| SturgeonMostly catch-and-release; retention windows announced | No limit | No limit | Limited retention |
⚠️ Limits are general statewide references and change year to year — many lakes and rivers carry their own bag, size, and slot rules. Always confirm the current regulation for your specific water with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife before you keep a fish. Reviewed July 2026.
Washington Fishing License FAQ
How much is a fishing license in Washington?
A resident annual fishing license in Washington costs $39.95, and a non-resident annual license costs $115.85. Washington also offers short-term (day) licenses for visitors, discounted youth and senior options. Licenses are sold by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Do you need a fishing license in Washington?
Yes. Washington requires a fishing license to fish recreationally. Children under 16 are exempt. Resident senior annual licenses for ages 70+: freshwater $9.59, saltwater $10.35, shellfish/seaweed $13.99, combination $28.83 — against $39.95 / $40.71 / $21.58 / $74.37 for residents aged 16–69. Always confirm current rules with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife before you fish.
Where do you buy a Washington fishing license?
Buy directly from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife online — that's the cheapest option (no third-party markup). You can also buy at most sporting-goods retailers and many tackle shops in Washington.
Fishing licenses in nearby states
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