Washington fishing license prices depend on your age and what you plan to catch. For the 2026–2027 license year, a resident age 16–69 pays $39.95 for a freshwater license, $40.71 for saltwater, or $74.37 for a combination license. The much higher $330.54 Get Outdoors option is a broad hunting-and-fishing package, not the standard annual fishing license.
Quick Answer
Most Washington residents age 16–69 pay $39.95 for freshwater, $40.71 for saltwater, or $74.37 for a combination license during the April 1, 2026–March 31, 2027 license year. Seniors age 70+ receive reduced annual rates. Youth under 16 usually fish without a license but may need catch record cards or endorsements.
Key Takeaways
- A standard fishing license is generally required beginning at age 16.
- The $74.37 resident combination license covers freshwater, saltwater, shellfish, and seaweed.
- One-, two-, and three-day combination licenses cost $14.90, $20.98, and $25.53.
- Catch record cards and endorsements may be required in addition to the base license.
- Always check current seasons and emergency rule changes before fishing.
Note: The fees below are the listed totals for licenses valid from April 1, 2026, through March 31, 2027. A 2.9% processing fee applies when paying by credit or debit card through WDFW online or by telephone. Verify the final amount in the official licensing portal before checkout.
Who Needs a Fishing License in Washington?
Residents and nonresidents generally need a valid Washington fishing or shellfishing license when they are 16 or older and fish or harvest in Washington waters. You must also carry any required catch record card or endorsement for the species, location, and fishing method.
You do not need a standard fishing license to harvest bullfrogs, collect relic shells, or fish for common carp in Moses Lake or Vancouver Lake. Other seasons, limits, and gear rules still apply.
Youth Anglers Under 16
Youth under 16 generally do not need to buy a base fishing license. However, they may need a free youth license account, catch record cards, or species-specific endorsements. Everyone fishing for salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, or Puget Sound Dungeness crab must follow the applicable catch-record rules.
Effective January 1, 2026, an angler who is age 15 and fishes for salmon or steelhead in the Columbia River or its tributaries must have a Columbia River Salmon and Steelhead Endorsement.
An adult may help a child without holding a license only when the adult is not fishing or harvesting independently. The youth must be present, actively take part, and be able to handle the fishing gear.
Free Fishing Weekend
Washington’s Free Fishing Weekend is the Saturday and Sunday following the first Monday in June. Residents and nonresidents can fish for many species without buying a license during that weekend, but all seasons, catch limits, size limits, and gear restrictions remain in effect.
Warning: Free Fishing Weekend does not waive the license requirement for salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, halibut, or shellfish. These species still require the appropriate license and catch record documents.
Resident License Types and Annual Fees
The right license depends on whether you plan to fish in freshwater, saltwater, or both, and whether you want to harvest shellfish. The following prices come from the current Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife license-fee table.
| Annual License | Resident 16–69 | Resident 70+ | Main Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freshwater | $39.95 | $9.59 | Freshwater fishing |
| Saltwater | $40.71 | $10.35 | Saltwater fishing |
| Combination | $74.37 | $28.83 | Freshwater, saltwater, shellfish, and seaweed |
| Shellfish/Seaweed | $21.58 | $13.99 | Shellfish and seaweed harvest |
| Razor Clam | $17.44 | $17.44 | Razor clam harvest only |
| Fish Washington | $101.88 | $49.85 | Combination license plus major fishing endorsements |
| Get Outdoors | $330.54 | $142.36 | Fish Washington plus hunting licenses, permits, and tags |
For most residents who want both freshwater and saltwater access, the main annual choice is the $74.37 combination license—not the $330.54 Get Outdoors hunting-and-fishing package.
Products Worth Considering
Durable Material: Car license plate is crafted from high-quality ETP (electrolytic tinplate) with 2 layers of clear epoxy lacquer coating making the car tag water-proof, rust-proof, and weather-resistant
[Compliance] This license plate is a decorative craft item, not a real license plate. It is for interior decoration only and is prohibited from being installed on vehicles. Please comply with US laws and state regulations.
Comes with pre-drilled holes for easy installation
What the Combination License Includes
The annual combination license covers freshwater and saltwater fishing as well as the harvest of shellfish and seaweed. It generally includes a catch record card for salmon, steelhead, and sturgeon at no additional charge. A Puget Sound Dungeness crab endorsement, Columbia River endorsement, two-pole endorsement, or halibut catch card may still be required for specific activities.
What the Fish Washington Package Includes
The resident-only Fish Washington license includes an annual combination license, a two-pole endorsement, a Puget Sound Dungeness crab endorsement, and the Columbia River Salmon and Steelhead Endorsement. It also includes the applicable catch record cards for salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, and Puget Sound Dungeness crab.
What the Get Outdoors Package Includes
Get Outdoors is not simply a premium fishing license. It includes the Fish Washington package plus big-game and small-game hunting privileges, tags, turkey tags, and migratory-bird products. It makes sense only for a resident who plans to use both the fishing and hunting benefits.
Reduced-Fee Licenses
Qualifying residents with disabilities and certain disabled veterans may receive reduced fees after WDFW approves the required application. Current listed reduced prices include $12.89 for a combination license, $47.98 for Fish Washington, and $193.44 for Get Outdoors.
Eligibility may include:
- Veterans with a service-connected disability rating of at least 30%.
- Veterans age 65 or older with a service-connected disability.
- Washington residents who permanently use a wheelchair.
- Washington residents who are blind or visually impaired.
- Washington residents with a qualifying developmental disability.
Reduced fees are not automatic. Review the WDFW eligibility requirements and complete the appropriate application before buying.
Short-Term and Specialty Resident Licenses
A short-term combination license can be a better value for an occasional trip. It provides coverage similar to a combination license for the selected consecutive days, but it does not include a Vehicle Access Pass.
| Short-Term License | Resident Price | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| 1-Day Combination | $14.90 | One selected day |
| 2-Day Combination | $20.98 | Two consecutive days |
| 3-Day Combination | $25.53 | Three consecutive days |
| 3-Day Razor Clam | $11.79 | Razor clam harvest for three days |
The annual Shellfish/Seaweed license costs $21.58 and covers razor clams, crawfish, many clams, oysters, mussels, shrimp, squid, seaweed, and several other shellfish species. Puget Sound Dungeness crab requires an additional endorsement and catch record card.
The $17.44 annual Razor Clam license and $11.79 three-day Razor Clam license cover only razor clam harvest. You do not need a separate Razor Clam license if you already hold a valid combination or Shellfish/Seaweed license.
Pro Tip: Compare the short-term total with the annual license before buying. Three separate one-day licenses cost more than a three-day license, while several short trips may make the annual combination license a better value.
Products Worth Considering
The State of Washington License Plate Replica Magnet is a unique souvenir, precisely replicating the state's license plate at 3.5 x 1.75 inches.
Decorative Item Only: This product is a vintage-style decorative license plate, crafted as a replica/artifact. It is NOT a real license plate and cannot be used as such. Please comply with all applicable laws—it must NOT be mounted on any vehicle to replace, cover, or imitate an official license plate. Use only for indoor or outdoor decoration where legally permitted.
Comes with pre-drilled holes for easy installation
Endorsements and Catch Record Cards
Some fishing methods, species, and areas require an endorsement or catch record card in addition to your base license.
| Product | Standard Price | When It Is Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Two-Pole Endorsement | $20.23 | Using two poles where two-pole fishing is allowed |
| Puget Sound Crab Endorsement | $11.89 annual; $5.05 temporary | Harvesting Puget Sound Dungeness crab |
| Columbia River Salmon and Steelhead Endorsement | $8.75; $7.10 for seniors and age-15 anglers | Fishing for salmon or steelhead on the Columbia River or its tributaries |
| Catch Record Card | Free | Recording salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, or Puget Sound Dungeness crab harvest |
| Catch Record Card With Halibut | $7.59 | Fishing for or retaining halibut |
Washington now supports electronic catch record cards for selected fisheries through the MyWDFW and Fish Washington mobile apps. Paper catch record cards remain available. Whichever format you select, keep the required card with you, record retained catch as directed, and submit the report by the deadline.
Residency Requirements and Eligibility
Washington resident-license eligibility is governed by WAC 220-220-050. In most cases, you must meet all of the following conditions:
- Maintain a permanent place of abode in Washington for at least 90 days immediately before applying.
- Show an intent to continue living in Washington.
- Have a Washington driver’s license or state identification card that supports the 90-day residency period.
- Not hold a resident hunting or fishing license from another state or country.
A person who is not licensed to drive may use a Washington identification card. A person too young for a driver’s license may use a Washington identification card or school identification. When normal documents do not establish the full 90-day period, WDFW may review other proof, such as voter registration, a lease, utility bills, resident tuition records, public-assistance records, property documents, or federal tax records.
An active-duty member of the armed forces stationed in Washington, other than for temporary duty, may qualify by presenting military identification and orders or other documents showing a Washington duty station.
Warning: Do not buy a Washington resident license while holding a resident hunting or fishing license from another state or country. A license obtained with false residency information may be void and can lead to criminal penalties and suspension of privileges.
Products Worth Considering
FISHING LICENSE HOLDER W/ZIP CLOSURE
Heavy-duty automotive aluminum – Stop settling for thin metal that bends. Crafted from durable aluminum, this plate is built to withstand car washes and harsh weather without denting or rusting, making it a reliable choice for any vehicle.
License Validity and Parking Passes
Washington’s annual fishing-license year runs from April 1 through March 31, not from the purchase date for 12 months. A license bought late in the season still expires on March 31.
The annual combination, freshwater, saltwater, Shellfish/Seaweed, and Fish Washington licenses include a Vehicle Access Pass for WDFW lands and boat launches. A short-term license and a Razor Clam license do not include that pass.
A WDFW Vehicle Access Pass is not the same as a Discover Pass. The Vehicle Access Pass covers qualifying WDFW properties. A Discover Pass is generally needed for parking at Washington State Parks and Department of Natural Resources recreation lands and can also be used at WDFW sites.
Where to Buy, Replace, and Manage Your License
You can buy and manage a Washington fishing license through the official Washington Fish Hunt licensing portal, by telephone, or from an authorized dealer. New mobile options introduced in 2026 allow customers to display eligible license documents through the MyWDFW app.
| Purchase Option | How It Works |
|---|---|
| Online | Use the Fish Hunt portal 24 hours a day to buy licenses, apply for permits, manage your account, and report harvests. |
| Mobile | Select mobile licensing and display eligible documents in the MyWDFW app. The Fish Washington app provides regulations and electronic catch reporting. |
| Telephone | Call 360-902-2464 or 866-246-9453. WDFW currently lists telephone customer service as available 24 hours a day. |
| Authorized Dealer | Visit one of the state’s authorized license dealers for in-person help and printed documents. |
| Paper License | Print eligible documents at home on standard 8.5-by-11-inch paper or ask a dealer to print them. |
A person age 15 or older must provide a Social Security number when obtaining a license unless a lawful exception applies. Online and telephone credit or debit card purchases carry a 2.9% processing fee.
WDFW lists duplicate fishing licenses at $9.70. Many ordinary paper license documents can now be reprinted, but catch record cards and certain one-time-print products have separate replacement rules. Contact WDFW Licensing if a one-time-print document is lost, damaged, or printed incorrectly.
Pro Tip: Before leaving home, open the current Washington fishing regulations and check emergency rule changes for your exact water, species, and date. Emergency rules can replace information in the annual pamphlet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do senior discounts apply to all resident fishing licenses?
No. Residents age 70 or older receive reduced prices on several annual licenses and endorsements, but the discount varies by product. For example, the combination license is $28.83 for a senior, while the one-, two-, and three-day combination licenses have the same listed prices for adults and seniors.
Can I transfer my Washington fishing license to another person?
No. A recreational license, permit, tag, endorsement, or catch record card is issued to a specific customer and should not be transferred, shared, or displayed by another person. Washington law treats unlawful transfer or use of a license as a serious offense.
What happens if I fish without the required license or catch record card?
Under RCW 77.15.380, fishing without purchasing the appropriate license and catch record card can constitute unlawful recreational fishing in the second degree, a misdemeanor. Other violations, repeat offenses, false residency claims, or unlawful license use can carry additional consequences.
Does a resident license cover fishing from a private dock?
A private dock does not create a general license exemption. You still need the license, catch record card, and endorsements required for the water and species. You must also have the property owner’s permission and follow local access rules.
Does a combination license include shellfish and seaweed?
Yes. The annual and short-term combination licenses cover freshwater fishing, saltwater fishing, shellfish harvest, and seaweed harvest. Puget Sound Dungeness crab still requires the applicable crab endorsement and catch record card.
Is a Washington fishing license valid for one year from purchase?
No. Annual licenses follow the state license year, which runs from April 1 through March 31. A license bought after April 1 still expires on the following March 31.
Do children need a catch record card?
Yes, when fishing for a species that requires one. Youth under 16 may obtain the required catch record cards through a free youth license even though they generally do not need to buy a base fishing license.
How do fishing-license fees support conservation?
Fishing-license revenue helps fund WDFW fisheries management, hatchery work, enforcement, public access, and other fish and wildlife programs. State license revenue also helps Washington provide the matching funds required for federal Sport Fish Restoration grants.
Conclusion
For most Washington residents, the key annual choices are freshwater at $39.95, saltwater at $40.71, or combination coverage at $74.37. Check whether your trip also requires a catch record card, two-pole endorsement, Puget Sound crab endorsement, or Columbia River salmon and steelhead endorsement. Buy through an official WDFW channel, carry the required mobile or paper documents, and review current emergency rules before each trip.
Sources
- Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife — Fishing License Types and Fees — current license products, prices, and duplicate fees.
- 2026–2027 Washington Fishing License Fees — annual, short-term, endorsement, catch-card, and parking-pass prices.
- Washington Fishing License Information — age rules, youth requirements, license coverage, purchasing, and reduced-fee eligibility.
- WDFW Fishing Regulations — current sport-fishing rules and emergency updates.
- WAC 220-220-050 — Washington resident-license eligibility and proof requirements.
- WDFW Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration — how state license revenue supports federal matching funds and fisheries projects.
