Washington State is an angler’s paradise — legendary salmon runs on the Columbia River, world-class steelhead on the Olympic Peninsula rivers, trophy bass in the Columbia Basin, halibut in the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and Puget Sound’s incredible saltwater fishing for lingcod, rockfish, and Dungeness crab. With a 38% fee increase that took effect July 1, 2025, and a brand-new Columbia River endorsement for 2026, here’s everything you need to know to get legal on Washington’s waters.
Source: Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) and wdfw.wa.gov. All fees current for the 2025–2026 license year (April 1, 2025 – March 31, 2026) and 2026–2027 season. Fees increased approximately 38% per state legislation effective July 1, 2025.
Who Needs a Washington Fishing License?
Anyone 15 years or older must have a valid fishing license to fish in Washington’s public waters.
Key Age Rules
| Age Group | Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Under 15 | No fishing license required | Must have a free Catch Record Card for salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, and halibut |
| 15+ | Valid fishing license required | Residents and non-residents |
| 70+ | Reduced-fee license available | Resident senior discount |
| Active military | Reduced-fee options | WA resident military on leave qualify for free license |
Important for kids: Even though children under 15 don’t need a license, they must have a Catch Record Card (CRC) when fishing for salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, or halibut. The first CRC is free and can be obtained through the WDFW licensing system.
2026 Washington Fishing License Fees
Washington fishing licenses are valid from April 1 through March 31 of the following year. Fees increased approximately 38% effective July 1, 2025 per state legislation.
Resident Licenses
| License Type | Fee | What’s Included |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Freshwater | $37.95 | Lakes, rivers, and streams only |
| Annual Saltwater | $38.71 | Puget Sound, ocean, and coastal only |
| Annual Combination (FW + SW + shellfish + crab) | $72.37 | Freshwater, saltwater, shellfish, seaweed, coastal crab |
| Fish Washington Package (all-inclusive) | $98.38 | Everything above + CRSSE + Puget Sound crab + two-pole |
Non-Resident Licenses
| License Type | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Freshwater | ~$84.00 | Full year |
| Annual Combination | ~$150.00 | FW + SW + shellfish |
| 5-Day Combination | ~$55.00 | Best for week-long trips |
| 3-Day Combination | ~$40.00 | Weekend trips |
| 1-Day Combination | ~$20.00 | Single day |
Endorsements (Required Add-ons)
Endorsements are additional permissions you purchase on top of your base license:
| Endorsement | Fee | When Required |
|---|---|---|
| CRSSE (Columbia River Salmon/Steelhead) — NEW 2026 | $8.75 | Salmon/steelhead fishing on Columbia River and WA tributaries |
| Two-Pole Endorsement | $16.78 | Using two fishing rods simultaneously |
| Puget Sound Dungeness Crab | $12.12 | Crabbing in Puget Sound marine areas |
Source: WDFW official fee schedule, current as of March 2026. A $2.80 transaction fee may apply to online purchases.
How to Buy Your Washington Fishing License (Step-by-Step)
Method 1: WDFW Wild License Portal (Fastest)
- Go to fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov — WDFW’s official online licensing portal
- Click “Purchase a License”
- Create an account or log in with your Customer ID number
- Select your license type (freshwater, saltwater, or combination)
- Add any required endorsements (CRSSE, two-pole, Puget Sound crab)
- Request a free Catch Record Card if fishing for salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, or halibut
- Pay with a credit or debit card
- Print your license or save it digitally
What you’ll need:
- Washington driver’s license or state ID (residents)
- Government-issued photo ID (non-residents)
- Social Security number
- Date of birth
- Credit or debit card
Method 2: Fish Washington App (Best for Digital)
- Download the Fish Washington app (available on iOS and Android)
- Create or log into your WDFW account
- Browse and purchase licenses and endorsements
- Carry your digital license on your phone — fully valid, no printout needed
- Log catches directly in the app (replaces paper catch record cards)
Pro tip: The Fish Washington app is the easiest way to carry your license, record catches, and stay up to date on emergency rule changes and in-season adjustments. It’s especially useful for salmon fishing where regulations can change mid-season.
Method 3: In Person
Visit any authorized dealer statewide:
- Sporting goods stores — Cabela’s, Bass Pro Shops, Sportsman’s Warehouse
- Walmart and other big-box retailers
- Bait and tackle shops — especially near Puget Sound, Columbia River, and coastal towns
- WDFW regional offices — Olympia, Mill Creek, Ephrata, Ridgefield, Spokane Valley, and more
Method 4: By Phone
Call 360-902-2464 during business hours (Monday–Friday, 8am–5pm) to purchase with a credit card.
New for 2026: Columbia River Salmon and Steelhead Endorsement (CRSSE)
Starting January 1, 2026, the new Columbia River Salmon and Steelhead Endorsement (CRSSE) is required for all anglers 15 and older who are fishing for salmon or steelhead on the Columbia River and its Washington tributaries.
Key Details
| What | Details |
|---|---|
| Cost | $8.75 for most anglers (discounts available for youth and seniors) |
| When required | Fishing for salmon or steelhead on the Columbia River or its WA tributaries |
| Revenue use | 100% funds Columbia Basin salmon and steelhead recovery programs |
| Included in Fish Washington Package | Yes — the $98.38 package includes CRSSE |
| NOT needed for | Other species on the Columbia, or salmon/steelhead on non-Columbia waters |
Do I Need the CRSSE?
| Situation | CRSSE Required? |
|---|---|
| Fishing for steelhead on the Cowlitz River (Columbia tributary) | Yes |
| Fishing for salmon on the Columbia River mainstem | Yes |
| Fishing for walleye on the Columbia River | No |
| Fishing for salmon on the Skagit River (Puget Sound tributary) | No |
| Fishing for steelhead on the Hoh River (Olympic coast) | No |
Why the CRSSE exists: Columbia River salmon and steelhead populations are at historic lows. The endorsement revenue funds habitat restoration, hatchery supplementation, and predator management programs specifically targeting Columbia Basin recovery. It’s separate from general license fees to ensure dedicated, transparent funding.
Choosing the Right License
It can be confusing to pick the right Washington license. Here’s a decision guide:
| I Want To… | Best License | Cost (Resident) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fish lakes and rivers only | Freshwater License | $37.95 | No saltwater, no shellfish |
| Fish Puget Sound / ocean only | Saltwater License | $38.71 | No freshwater |
| Fish fresh + salt + dig clams | Combination License | $72.37 | Most popular choice |
| Do it all (salmon, crab, 2-pole) | Fish Washington Package | $98.38 | Best value for avid anglers; includes CRSSE |
| Fish + hunt everything | Get Outdoors Package | $323.54 | Hunting + fishing + everything |
Best Option for Non-Resident Visitors
| Trip Length | Best Option | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Single day | 1-Day Combination | ~$20.00 |
| Long weekend | 3-Day Combination | ~$40.00 |
| Week-long trip | 5-Day Combination | ~$55.00 |
| Multiple trips / full season | Annual Combination | ~$150.00 |
2026 Free Fishing Weekend
Washington hosts one Free Fishing Weekend per year — one of the best opportunities to try fishing without purchasing a license.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Dates | June 6–7, 2026 (Saturday–Sunday) |
| What’s free | No fishing license required for most freshwater and saltwater species |
| Discover Pass waived | Free access to all WDFW and State Park lands |
| What STILL requires a license | Salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, halibut, and all shellfish (clams, crabs, mussels, oysters, shrimp) |
| Catch Record Cards | Still required for salmon/steelhead/sturgeon/halibut (first one is free) |
Pro tip: Free Fishing Weekend coincides with many community events statewide. WDFW hosts learn-to-fish workshops, kids’ fishing derbies, and free gear loaner programs. Check wdfw.wa.gov for events near you.
Key Washington Fishing Regulations
Washington has a complex regulatory system with different rules for different geographic areas. Here are the statewide basics:
General Rules
- License carry: Must carry while fishing — digital (app) or printed; both are accepted
- Catch Record Cards: Required for salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, and halibut — record each fish immediately upon catch (before resuming fishing)
- Wild steelhead release: Mandatory on most streams — only hatchery fish (clipped adipose fin) may be kept
- Barbless hooks: Required on many waters, especially for salmon and steelhead
- Selective gear rules: Some waters require artificial lures or flies only — no bait
- Marine areas: Puget Sound is divided into numbered marine areas (1–13) with different regulations for each
- Tribal co-management: Many rivers are co-managed with tribal nations — check specific rules for each water
Common Daily Limits (Statewide Defaults)
| Species | Daily Limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Trout (inland) | 5 | Hatchery only on many waters |
| Bass (largemouth/smallmouth) | 5 | Varies by water |
| Walleye | 5 | Columbia Basin lakes |
| Steelhead | 2 hatchery | Wild steelhead must be released |
| Salmon | Varies | Species, area, and season-specific |
| Lingcod (marine) | 2 | Seasonal |
These are statewide defaults. Always check the WDFW emergency rule system and the current sport fishing rules pamphlet for your specific water body.
Penalties for Fishing Without a License
| Violation | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Fishing without a valid license | Gross misdemeanor; fine up to $1,000 and/or 364 days in jail |
| Exceeding daily bag limit | Fine + license revocation + restitution |
| Failing to record catch on CRC | Fine per unrecorded fish |
| Keeping wild steelhead (unmarked) | Fine + license revocation potential |
Washington takes enforcement seriously. WDFW police officers are fully commissioned law enforcement officers. Poaching violations — especially for salmon and steelhead — can result in felony charges, significant fines, and permanent license revocation.
Where Your License Fees Go
Washington fishing license revenue funds critical conservation and access programs:
| Program | What It Funds |
|---|---|
| 80+ fish hatcheries | Salmon, steelhead, and trout production across the state |
| Habitat restoration | Dam removal (Elwha River), fish passage improvements, stream restoration |
| Salmon recovery | CRSSE funds go directly to Columbia Basin salmon/steelhead recovery |
| Research | Run forecasting, stock assessments, genetic studies, population monitoring |
| Enforcement | WDFW police and anti-poaching operations |
| Public access | Boat launches, fishing piers, water access sites statewide |
Top Fishing Destinations by Region
Puget Sound (Saltwater)
| Location | Species | Season |
|---|---|---|
| Strait of Juan de Fuca | Halibut, lingcod, salmon | Spring–Summer |
| San Juan Islands | Chinook salmon, lingcod | Summer–Fall |
| Hood Canal | Chinook salmon, shrimp | Summer |
| Elliot Bay (Seattle) | Salmon, rockfish | Year-round |
Columbia River System
| Location | Species | Season |
|---|---|---|
| Columbia River mainstem | Salmon, steelhead, walleye, sturgeon | Year-round |
| Cowlitz River | Winter steelhead, spring chinook | Dec–Apr |
| Lewis River | Steelhead, coho | Winter |
| Snake River | Steelhead, smallmouth bass | Year-round |
Olympic Peninsula
| Location | Species | Season |
|---|---|---|
| Hoh River | Steelhead (wild and hatchery) | Dec–Apr |
| Sol Duc River | Steelhead, coho | Winter |
| Quillayute River system | Steelhead, salmon | Year-round |
| Coastal ocean | Halibut, lingcod, rockfish | Seasonal |
Eastern Washington
| Location | Species | Season |
|---|---|---|
| Columbia Basin lakes | Bass, walleye, trout | Spring–Fall |
| Spokane River | Redband trout | Year-round |
| Lake Chelan | Lake trout, chinook salmon | Year-round |
| Potholes Reservoir | Walleye, bass, crappie | Spring–Fall |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a Washington fishing license in 2026?
Resident freshwater is $37.95, saltwater $38.71, combination $72.37. The all-inclusive Fish Washington Package (includes CRSSE, crab, and two-pole endorsements) is $98.38. Fees increased ~38% effective July 1, 2025.
Do kids need a fishing license in Washington?
Children under 15 don’t need a license but must have a free Catch Record Card when targeting salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, or halibut.
What is the new CRSSE endorsement?
The Columbia River Salmon and Steelhead Endorsement ($8.75) returned January 1, 2026. It’s required when fishing for salmon or steelhead on the Columbia River and its WA tributaries. Revenue funds Columbia Basin salmon recovery.
When is Washington’s free fishing weekend in 2026?
June 6–7, 2026. Most species are license-free, but salmon, steelhead, halibut, sturgeon, and shellfish still require a license. The Discover Pass is also waived for WDFW and State Park lands.
What is the Fish Washington Package?
An all-inclusive resident package ($98.38) that bundles freshwater, saltwater, shellfish, Puget Sound crab, CRSSE, and two-pole endorsement into one purchase. It’s the best value for anglers who fish multiple water types.
Can I carry my license on my phone?
Yes — the Fish Washington app provides a fully valid digital license. WDFW officers accept digital proof via the app.
Why did prices increase so much?
Washington enacted a ~38% fee increase effective July 1, 2025 to address rising costs of hatchery operations, habitat restoration, and salmon recovery programs. This was the first significant fee increase in several years.
Related Guides:
Fishing License Costs in All 50 States
Washington Fishing License Costs 2026
Best Fishing Spots in Washington
Columbia River Salmon Fishing Guide
