Washington License Price Calculator
How Much Is a Fishing License in Washington?
A Washington resident annual fishing license costs $74.37 (Combo: freshwater + saltwater + shellfish). Non-residents pay $170.00 for the same annual license. Washington splits its license into freshwater, saltwater, and a combination option that also covers shellfish and seaweed harvest — most anglers who fish both fresh and saltwater buy the combo since it's cheaper than buying both separately.
Washington Fishing License Price Table (2026)
| License Type | Resident | Non-Resident | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual | $74.37 | $170.00 | Combo: freshwater + saltwater + shellfish |
| 1-Day | $14.90 | $20.50 | Single-day fishing |
| Freshwater Only | $39.95 | $115.85 | See notes above |
| Saltwater Only | $40.71 | $81.70 | See notes above |
| Youth (Under 16) | Free | Free | Most states exempt young anglers |
Catch Record Cards: The Cost Most Anglers Forget
If you're fishing for salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, halibut, or Puget Sound Dungeness crab, your license alone isn't enough — WDFW requires a free Catch Record Card (CRC) that you must fill out and carry, even if you don't catch anything. Electronic CRCs are now available through the MyWDFW and Fish Washington apps. Skipping this step is one of the most common citations issued to visiting anglers who assume the base license covers everything.
Two-Pole and Columbia River Endorsements
Want to fish with two rods at once? Add the Two-Pole Endorsement (~$16.55) to any license. Planning to fish for salmon or steelhead on the Columbia River or its tributaries? You'll need the Columbia River Salmon and Steelhead Endorsement (~$7.95) starting at age 15. Neither endorsement is included in the base freshwater, saltwater, or combo license price.
The Combo License Saves More the More You'd Otherwise Spend
Buying freshwater ($39.95) and saltwater ($40.71) separately as a resident costs $80.66 total — about $6 more than the $74.37 combo. For non-residents the gap is much bigger: freshwater ($115.85) plus saltwater ($81.70) comes to $197.55, versus $170.00 for the combo — a savings of over $27. If there's any real chance you'll fish both, non-residents in particular come out well ahead buying the combo up front rather than adding saltwater later.
Washington Fishing Seasons & Bag Limits (2026)
These are Washington's default statewide season windows and bag/size limits for the most commonly targeted species. Many individual lakes, rivers, and reservoirs carry their own special regulations that override these defaults — always confirm the rules for your specific water before you fish.
| Species | Season | Min. Size | Daily Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trout (Rainbow/Cutthroat/Brown/Golden/Tiger, combined) | Rivers/streams: Sat. before Memorial Day – Oct. 31; lakes/ponds/reservoirs: year-round | 8" min. in rivers/streams; no min. in lakes | 2/day in rivers/streams; 5/day in lakes (combined day max. 5, only 2 from rivers) |
| Steelhead (wild) | Varies by river | N/A — wild steelhead release mandatory | 0/day (release only) |
| Steelhead (hatchery) | Varies by river | Adipose-fin-clipped only | 2/day |
Where to Buy a Washington Fishing License Locally
In addition to the official state portal linked above, Washington fishing licenses are typically available at Walmart, Bass Pro Shops, Cabela's, and Dick's Sporting Goods locations statewide, along with independent bait & tackle shops. Call ahead if you need a specific license type (combination, lifetime, or trout stamp) since not every retail counter carries every product.
Washington Fishing License — FAQs
How much is a Washington fishing license?
A Washington resident combination license (freshwater, saltwater, and shellfish) costs $74.37. Freshwater-only is $39.95 and saltwater-only is $40.71 for residents. Non-residents pay $170.00 for the combo, $115.85 for freshwater-only, and $81.70 for saltwater-only.
Do I need a Catch Record Card in Washington?
Yes, if you're fishing for salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, halibut, or Puget Sound Dungeness crab. Catch Record Cards are free with your license but must be carried and filled out, even on a day you catch nothing.
When does a Washington fishing license expire?
Washington's 2026-27 license year runs from April 1, 2026 through March 31, 2027 — not the calendar year. Licenses purchased mid-year still expire on March 31.
Is there a discount for Washington seniors?
Washington doesn't offer a blanket age-based senior discount, but residents 65 and older with a qualifying service-connected disability, and disabled veterans, can qualify for reduced-rate combination licenses.
Do I need a separate license to fish Puget Sound crab?
You need the Puget Sound Dungeness Crab endorsement in addition to your combination or shellfish license, plus a free Catch Record Card to report your harvest.
Where can I buy a Washington fishing license?
Buy online through the WDFW licensing system or the MyWDFW and Fish Washington apps, by phone at 360-902-2464, or at hundreds of license dealers statewide.