You’ll pay $40.25 for an annual youth fishing license if you’re a Washington resident (non‑resident $43.57); short‑term combination permits run $14.90 (1‑day resident) to $48.30 (3‑day non‑resident). Children under 14 fish free year‑round when supervised by an experienced adult. Annual licenses expire March 31 the following year; residents must show 90 days’ permanent Washington residence. You’ll also need species catch cards and possible private‑property permits — more specifics follow.
Youth Fishing License: Who Qualifies and Age Limits
If you’re under 16, you’re generally eligible for Washington’s youth fishing license; residents pay $40.25 for the Fish Washington youth license and nonresidents pay $43.57. You qualify if you’re under the age threshold — specifically any individual younger than 16 — and you’ll find that licenses permit freshwater and saltwater take consistent with the purchased license type.
You should note an important exemption: children under 14 can fish free year-round when accompanied by an experienced adult, which interfaces with youth fishing regulations that prioritize supervised angling for skill development and safety.
Children under 14 may fish free year‑round when supervised by an experienced adult, promoting safe, skill-building angling.
You’ll comply with age-based entry criteria by carrying the appropriate license or relying on the supervised exemption. Consider participating in fishing mentorship programs to accelerate regulatory literacy and practical skills; these programs often clarify permit scope, species-specific rules, and gear limitations.
Your adherence to these criteria guarantees lawful participation and aligns with state data-driven management objectives.
Cost Breakdown for Junior Anglers by License Type
You’ll compare annual youth rates to short-term junior fees using exact prices and age conditions.
Residents pay $40.25 annually and non-residents $43.57, while 1‑day combination permits cost $14.90 (resident) and $27.05 (non-resident).
2‑day are $20.98 and $39.19, and 3‑day are $25.53 and $48.30; note anglers under 14 fish free when accompanied by an experienced adult.
Youth Annual Rates
Several clear options exist for youth anglers depending on age and residency: an annual Youth Fishing License costs $40.25 for residents and $43.57 for non-residents, while short-term Combination Licenses run $14.90 (1 day resident) and $27.05 (1 day non-resident), or $20.98 (2 day resident) and $39.19 (2 day non-resident).
Licenses are valid for one year and expire on March 31 of the following year, and anglers under 14 may fish free year-round when accompanied by an experienced adult.
You’ll find the annual rate ($40.25/$43.57) offers maximal coverage for frequent participation, supporting youth fishing benefits and conservation education through predictable revenue streams.
Choose annual licensing if you anticipate multiple outings; it aligns administratively with adult expirations and simplifies record-keeping for monitoring participation metrics.
Short-Term Junior Fees
Short-term junior fees offer flexible, lower-cost access for youth anglers who don’t need a full annual license.
You’ll see clear per-day pricing: a 1 Day Combination costs $14.90 for resident youth and $27.05 for non-residents; a 2 Day Combination is $20.98 resident, $39.19 non-resident; a 3 Day Combination is $25.53 resident, $48.30 non-resident.
Razor clam access is economical: the 3 Day Razor Clam license is $11.79 for all categories.
You can also leverage fishing accessibility through the youth exemption: anglers under 14 fish free year-round when accompanied by an experienced adult.
These figures highlight short term benefits—lower upfront cost, targeted trip planning, and measurable savings versus annual licensing for occasional youth anglers.
Residency Rules and Required Identification for Youth Licenses
To qualify for the reduced $40.25 annual youth rate you’ll need to show you’ve maintained a permanent Washington abode for at least 90 days prior to purchase.
Acceptable IDs are a Washington driver’s license, state ID card, or military ID with orders listing Washington as your duty station, and you can’t hold resident licenses in another state.
If you lack those documents, contact WDFW Licensing for approved alternative residency verification.
Residency Duration Requirement
Although you must be under 16 to qualify, the Washington youth fishing license also requires that you’ve maintained a permanent place of abode in the state for at least 90 days immediately prior to application; acceptable residency verification includes a Washington driver’s license, state ID, or military ID with orders showing Washington as your duty station, and you mustn’t hold resident fishing or hunting licenses in another state.
You’ll document continuous residency for the 90-day window as part of the application process: provide listed ID or, if requested, supplemental documentation.
The 90-day requirement is strict and measured immediately preceding your application date. If your submitted evidence is insufficient, contact WDFW Licensing for directives on additional proof to satisfy residency verification and complete the application process.
Acceptable ID Types
Having confirmed the 90-day residency window, you’ll next provide specific identification to verify Washington residency for a youth fishing license.
You’ll need one of the acceptable ID types listed below to complete residency verification; documentation must show the youth’s name and Washington as domicile or duty station.
Youth under 16 don’t need a Social Security number; applicants 16+ do.
- Washington driver’s license — current, photo ID, residential address.
- Washington identification card — state-issued, current, residential address.
- Military ID with orders — orders must specify Washington as duty station.
These three items are primary, verifiable proofs.
Records are evaluated against the 90-day residence requirement and license-age thresholds (under 14 exemption when supervised).
Alternate Documentation Options
If you don’t have a Washington driver’s license, state ID, or military orders showing Washington as your duty station, WDFW can accept alternative documentation on a case-by-case basis; contact Licensing for specific guidance and to verify that submitted records meet WAC 220-220-050 residency criteria.
You must be under 16 to qualify for a youth fishing license; residency remains a gating requirement. Provide clear, dated documents that tie your name and Washington address to establish domicile. Accepted alternative proofs may include school enrollment records, utility bills, or court documents; WDFW evaluates each item against statutory residency metrics.
Follow the prescribed documentation process: prepare originals or certified copies, include contact information, and submit per Licensing instructions.
Youth under 14 still fish free when accompanied, but must comply with regulations.
Where and How to Buy a Youth Fishing License
Where can you buy a Washington youth fishing license and what do you need to complete the purchase?
You can buy a youth license online via the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife website or from hundreds of licensed local dealers. The resident fee is $40.25; non-resident $43.57. If you buy online, you must create an account; social security numbers are required only for applicants aged 16+. Authorized agents may charge processing/printing fees.
You’ll want to coordinate license acquisition with youth education and fishing gear purchases for program readiness. Data-driven planning reduces transaction time and unexpected costs.
- Online: WDFW portal — account required; immediate electronic receipt.
- Local dealers: in-person purchase — possible agent fees; printed license.
- Event usage: youth license valid for regular seasons and usable alongside adult licenses during designated events.
Record transaction ID, purchaser name, birthdate, and fee paid for compliance and auditability.
Special Days, Discounts, and Exemptions for Young Anglers
After buying a youth license or confirming free-eligibility, check specific days, discounts, and exemptions that affect cost and legal requirements.
You qualify for year-round no-cost fishing if you’re under 16 and accompanied by an experienced adult; in that scenario no “Fish Washington” license is required. If you hold a youth “Fish Washington” license, cost is $40.25 for residents and $43.57 for non-residents, though package combinations can reduce per-unit cost via bundled discounts.
Free fishing days, especially the Free Fishing Weekend (typically the weekend after the first Monday in June), waive license requirements for all anglers; you don’t need a youth license that weekend.
You should also monitor advertised youth fishing events and education programs; organizers frequently provide complimentary access, gear, or instruction that reduce incidental expenses.
For compliance, verify event or weekend-specific rules with the state fish and wildlife authority before fishing; policy timing, eligibility, and discount applicability are governed by statutory schedules and official notices.
Required Catch Record Cards and Endorsements for Youth
Although youth anglers under 16 pay a reduced license fee ($40.25 residents, $43.57 non-residents), you must also obtain species-specific Catch Record Cards and any applicable endorsements before fishing salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, halibut, or Puget Sound Dungeness crab.
You’re required to carry and accurately complete Catch Record entries immediately after each landing; records serve as primary data for quota monitoring and enforcement.
Endorsement Requirements, including the Two-Pole Endorsement, must be purchased and linked to the youth license when operational rules permit use.
Purchase workflow: license + species Catch Record + endorsement as applicable.
- Verify target species: if salmon/steelhead/sturgeon/halibut/Puget Sound Dungeness crab, procure corresponding Catch Record Card prior to departure.
- Confirm endorsements: add Two-Pole Endorsement only if you meet area-specific criteria and want dual-gear privileges.
- Maintain compliance: follow catch limits, seasonal closures, and submit records per agency reporting intervals.
Noncompliance can trigger fines or license suspension; keep receipts and completed records for inspection.
Rules for Fishing With Youth on Private Property and in Groups
Following species-specific Catch Record and endorsement requirements, you should also verify location- and group-specific rules before fishing with youth on private land or in organized activities.
You can fish with children under 14 free when an experienced adult accompanies them on public or private property, but private property permissions must be documented in writing to prevent trespass or disputes.
If you’re organizing group events, calculate participant counts: competitions or activities with six or more licensed anglers often trigger requirements for group fishing permits; confirm thresholds with local agencies.
During private or group outings, enforce regulatory parameters: apply daily and possession limits, species-specific restrictions, and any seasonal closures equally to youth and adults.
Youth licenses (reduced rate for under 16) still obligate holders to comply. Recordkeeping is mandatory where catch record cards apply; collect and retain copies during group events.
Before departure, obtain written landowner consent and any necessary group fishing permits to guarantee lawful, auditable activity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Youth Licenses Affect Eligibility for Fishing Competitions?
Yes, youth licenses can affect competition eligibility; tournament organizers set youth tournaments’ age and licensing rules, and you’ll need to meet their documented requirements, which often require a valid youth license or parental waiver for data-driven verification.
Can Noncustodial Parents Purchase Licenses for Their Children?
Yes — you can purchase a license purchase for your child if your parental rights permit; you’ll provide custodial documentation, payment, and child ID. Requirements vary by state, so verify statutes, forms, and fee schedules precisely.
Are Specialized Youth Angling Clinics Covered by the License?
No — the license typically covers fishing privileges only; youth clinics and fishing education programs are usually separate, requiring registration or fees. Check agency rules and program funding sources to confirm covered services and eligibility.
Does a Youth License Allow Use of Baitfish or Live Bait?
Yes. Baitfish regulations permit live bait usage for licensed youths, but you’ll need to follow species, transport, and possession limits, recordkeeping, and area-specific restrictions; consult local regulation tables and numeric quotas before using live bait.
Do School Field Trips Require Individual Youth Licenses?
Yes — you’ll need individual youth licenses unless exemptions apply. Check school trip regulations and group fishing activities policies: agencies often require per-participant permits, documented waivers, or confirmed educator-led exemptions before authorizing group angling.
Conclusion
You’ll find youth fishing licensing rules are precise: age cutoffs, fees by license type, residency proofs, and mandatory endorsements. For example, a hypothetical 14-year-old resident might pay $8 annual junior license plus a $2 trout stamp, totaling $10, with ID and parent consent documented. Use vendor databases or agency portals to purchase, track exemptions, and log catch cards. Follow group and private-property rules to stay compliant and avoid fines.
