Washington makes it inexpensive for children and teens to start fishing. Anglers age 15 and younger generally do not need a paid fishing license, whether they live in Washington or are visiting. However, young anglers may still need a catch record card or a special endorsement for certain species and waters, and every fishing season, catch limit, gear rule, and closure still applies.
Quick Answer
Washington anglers age 15 and younger generally do not need a paid fishing license. They still need a catch record card for certain species, and 15-year-olds need a Columbia River salmon and steelhead endorsement in covered waters. Anglers age 16 and older must buy the appropriate license.
Key Takeaways
- Washington residents and nonresidents under 16 generally fish without paying for a basic fishing license.
- The normal paid-license requirement begins at age 16.
- Young anglers need a catch record card when fishing for salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, halibut, or Puget Sound Dungeness crab.
- Anglers age 15 and older need a Columbia River Salmon and Steelhead Endorsement in covered waters.
- Free Fishing Weekend does not waive every license, catch-card, shellfish, or species requirement.
At a Glance
| Time Required | About 5–10 minutes to check the rules and obtain any required card or endorsement |
| Difficulty | Easy, once you know the species and fishing location |
| Tools Needed | Youth’s identifying information, WDFW account or license dealer, and current fishing regulations |
| Cost | $0 for the basic under-16 fishing privilege; certain endorsements, replacement documents, or parking passes may cost extra |
Washington Youth Fishing License Age Rules
Under current Washington rules, fishers age 16 and older must purchase a fishing license. A resident or nonresident who is 15 or younger generally does not need to pay for a basic freshwater, saltwater, combination, shellfish, or razor-clam license.
The age that matters is the angler’s age when the license or privilege is obtained. Once a young angler reaches age 16, the person must carry the correct license, endorsements, and catch record cards for the activity.
An adult may help a child bait a hook, cast, remove a fish, or safely handle equipment. The adult does not need a fishing license when only assisting and not fishing or harvesting. The youth must remain present, actively participate, and be able to demonstrate control of the fishing gear.
Note: Age 15 has one important exception. An angler who is 15 or older must carry a Columbia River Salmon and Steelhead Endorsement when fishing for salmon or steelhead in the Columbia River and designated tributaries.
The basic Washington fishing-license cost for an angler age 15 or younger is generally $0, but species-specific cards and endorsements may still be required.
Young anglers receive the same daily limits as adults and must obey the same seasons, area restrictions, size limits, bait rules, and emergency closures. Review the current Washington fishing regulations before every trip.
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Washington Youth Fishing License Cost and Extra Fees
The article’s previously quoted prices of $40.25 for residents and $43.57 for nonresidents do not represent current youth fishing-license prices. For the 2026–27 license year, the ordinary annual license columns show no charge for youth under 16.
| Youth privilege or document | Current cost and rule |
| Basic fishing privilege, age 15 or younger | No ordinary license charge for residents or nonresidents |
| Initial catch record card | Free, including a youth halibut catch record card |
| Puget Sound Dungeness crab endorsement and card | No fee for youth, but both documents are required |
| Columbia River Salmon and Steelhead Endorsement | $7.10 for an angler age 15 during the 2026–27 license year |
| Two-pole endorsement | Not offered to or required for youth under 16, but two poles may be used only where regulations allow them |
Fees can change with a new license year. Confirm the latest amount on the WDFW fishing-license types and fees page before purchasing an endorsement or replacement document.
A free youth fishing privilege does not automatically include a parking pass. A family parking on WDFW, State Parks, or Department of Natural Resources land may need a WDFW Vehicle Access Pass or a Discover Pass, depending on the property.
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Where to Get a Youth Catch Card or Endorsement
A child who is only fishing for a species that does not require a catch record card or endorsement does not normally need to complete a paid-license purchase. A WDFW customer record is still useful when the child needs a catch card, crab endorsement, Columbia River endorsement, or electronic fishing document.
You can obtain or manage the documents in several ways:
- Online: Use the Washington Fish Hunt licensing portal to create or manage a customer account.
- Mobile app: WDFW’s mobile tools can display privileges and support electronic catch record cards for covered species.
- By phone: Call WDFW licensing at 360-902-2464 or 866-246-9453.
- At a dealer: Use the WDFW license-dealer locator to find an authorized retailer.
Paper licenses and endorsements obtained through the current system can generally be printed at home. Catch record cards and tags are one-time-print documents, so make sure the printer is working and save the document carefully before printing.
Pro Tip: Obtain the youth’s catch record card several days before the trip. Waiting until the morning of the trip can create problems if an account cannot be matched, a printer fails, or the selected species requires an endorsement.
Federal and state identity rules require a Social Security number from a person age 15 or older when obtaining a license or endorsement. Enter the youth’s information accurately so catch reports and future licenses remain connected to the correct WDFW customer record.
Free Fishing Weekend and Youth Exceptions
Washington holds Free Fishing Weekend on the Saturday and Sunday after the first Monday in June. The next published event is June 12–13, 2027.
Because anglers under 16 already fish without paying for a basic license, Free Fishing Weekend often provides the greatest savings for an adult family member or friend who wants to join them. The weekend also waives the two-pole endorsement in waters where two-pole fishing is legal and waives the WDFW vehicle access pass at department parking facilities.
Free Fishing Weekend is not a complete waiver. A license is still required to harvest shellfish and to fish for species that require a catch record card, including salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, and halibut. Required catch record cards must still be carried and completed.
Warning: Free Fishing Weekend does not suspend seasons, emergency closures, daily limits, size limits, selective-gear rules, bait restrictions, or private-property rules. Check the exact water and species before fishing.
A license exemption also does not give a young angler permission to enter private property. Follow posted access rules and obtain the property owner’s permission when required.
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Documentation, Residency, and Adult Assistance
Residency does not change the ordinary under-16 fishing cost because both resident and nonresident youth generally fish without paying for a basic license. Accurate identifying information is still needed when WDFW creates a customer record or issues a catch card or endorsement.
For a child, the system or licensing agent may request information such as:
- Legal name
- Date of birth
- Current address
- Contact information for the account
- Social Security number when required by federal and state law
Residency becomes important when the angler reaches 16 and buys a resident license. Washington generally requires a permanent place of abode in the state for at least 90 days before the purchase. A Washington driver’s license, state identification card, school identification for a person too young to drive, military records, or other documentation accepted by WDFW may be used.
An accompanying adult does not have to buy a license merely to supervise or help a child. The adult does need the appropriate license if the adult also casts, controls a separate line, attempts to catch fish, or personally harvests fish or shellfish.
Youth Catch Record Cards, Endorsements, and Limits
A youth angler may not need a paid license but can still need a catch record card. Every angler, including a child under 16, must carry the appropriate paper or electronic card when fishing for:
- Salmon
- Steelhead
- Sturgeon
- Halibut
- Puget Sound Dungeness crab
The first standard catch record card is free. Washington rules also provide a youth halibut catch record card without charge. A youth harvesting Puget Sound Dungeness crab must obtain the free youth crab endorsement and the correct seasonal crab catch record card.
Record a retained fish or crab immediately. Depending on the species, the entry may require the date, location, species, fish length, vessel type, fin-mark status, or crab tally. Do not wait until the end of the day to complete the entry.
Electronic catch record cards are available through WDFW-supported mobile apps. They can record catch without cell service and submit information when the device reconnects. Paper cards remain available for anglers who prefer them.
Follow the reporting deadline shown on the card or in the app, even when no fish or crab were kept. Late Puget Sound Dungeness crab reporting can lead to an administrative fee.
Columbia River Endorsement for an Angler Age 15
An angler age 15 or older must purchase and carry the Columbia River Salmon and Steelhead Endorsement when fishing for salmon or steelhead in the mainstem Columbia River or a listed tributary. The rule covers many, but not every, Columbia Basin water, so check the official list before the trip.
For the 2026–27 license year, the youth endorsement price is $7.10. This is an endorsement fee, not a general youth fishing-license fee.
Two-Pole Rules for Youth
WDFW does not offer or require a two-pole endorsement for anglers under 16. That does not mean a child can use two poles everywhere. Two-pole fishing is allowed only in waters specifically open to it, and many rivers and marine areas remain limited to one pole.
Parking and Access
A free youth privilege does not include a Vehicle Access Pass. When parking at a state recreation property, check whether the vehicle needs a WDFW Vehicle Access Pass or a Discover Pass. Parking rules depend on the agency managing the site.
School Groups, Youth Events, and Fishing Tournaments
Washington does not advertise a blanket discounted youth license for every school, scout troop, or community group. Because most participants under 16 already fish without paying for a basic license, a discount is often unnecessary.
Qualifying government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and structured programs may apply for a WDFW group fishing permit. The permit can allow eligible participants to fish or harvest shellfish without individual licenses. Eligibility, supervision, species, location, and application requirements vary, so organizers should apply before advertising the event.
Young anglers may also participate in tournaments when the event rules allow their age group. The organizer is responsible for determining whether the event needs a state fishing-contest permit or regional approval. Washington treats certain juvenile events for children age 14 and younger differently from larger contests involving licensed anglers. Review the current fishing-contest rules before registering or organizing an event.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a youth fishing license free in Washington?
Yes. An angler age 15 or younger generally does not pay for a basic Washington fishing license, whether the angler is a resident or nonresident. Catch record cards, endorsements, parking passes, and replacement documents are separate requirements.
Does a 15-year-old need a fishing license in Washington?
A 15-year-old generally does not need a paid fishing license. However, an angler age 15 or older needs a Columbia River Salmon and Steelhead Endorsement when fishing for those species in covered Columbia River waters.
Can youth licenses be purchased as multi-year or family packages?
The current fee table does not list a standard paid multi-year youth fishing license or ordinary statewide family package. Since anglers under 16 generally fish free, families normally buy licenses only for members age 16 and older and obtain any required youth cards or endorsements separately.
Do youth fishing privileges cover freshwater and saltwater?
The under-16 license exemption generally applies to freshwater, saltwater, and shellfish activities. Species-specific endorsements, catch record cards, seasons, marine-area rules, and shellfish safety closures can still apply.
Do young anglers need a catch record card?
Yes, when fishing for salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, halibut, or Puget Sound Dungeness crab. The rule applies to every angler, including children who do not need a paid fishing license.
Are there special rates for scouting or school groups?
There is no automatic scouting or school discount. Eligible agencies, nonprofit organizations, and structured programs may apply for a WDFW group fishing permit that covers qualifying participants and activities.
Can youth participate in fishing tournaments?
Yes, when the tournament’s age and participation rules permit it. The organizer may need a Washington fishing-contest permit or regional approval, and each participant must follow all species, gear, catch-card, and area rules.
Can a lost or damaged youth document be replaced for free?
The basic youth fishing privilege does not need to be replaced. Printable licenses and endorsements can generally be reprinted, but a paper catch record card is a one-time-print document. Contact WDFW licensing for a lost catch card because a formal duplicate or replacement fee may apply.
Conclusion
A Washington angler age 15 or younger generally pays $0 for the basic fishing privilege. Before leaving home, identify the fishing location and target species, obtain any required catch record card or endorsement, check parking requirements, and review current emergency rules. Pay special attention when a 15-year-old plans to fish for Columbia River salmon or steelhead. These quick checks help families avoid unnecessary fees while keeping every trip legal and conservation-friendly.
Sources
- Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife — Fishing and shellfishing licenses — general age, license, and catch-card requirements
- Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife — License types and fees — current license-year prices and youth fees
- Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife — Catch record cards — covered species, recording, and reporting duties
- Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife — Columbia River Salmon and Steelhead Endorsement — age threshold, fee, and covered waters
- Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife — Free Fishing Weekend — dates, waived requirements, and exclusions
- Washington Administrative Code, Chapter 220-220 — legal age, residency, endorsements, contests, and Free Fishing Weekend rules
