Washington Fishing License Guide (2026)

Washington requires a fishing license for anyone 15 years or older. The state offers world-class salmon fishing on the Columbia and Puget Sound, steelhead on the Olympic Peninsula rivers, and outstanding trout fishing in the Cascade Range lakes.

15+
Min Age
Yes
Free Days
$29.89
Resident/yr
$84.80
Non-Res/yr

💰 License Costs (2026)

Resident Licenses

License Type Price
Annual Resident Freshwater
$29.89
Annual Resident Combination (Fresh + Salt)
$55.19

Non-Resident Licenses

License Type Price
Annual Non-Resident
$84.80
3-Day Non-Resident
$33.39
1-Day Non-Resident
$11.68

Senior & Special Licenses

License Type Price
Senior License (70+)
$14.94

Additional Stamps & Permits

Stamp Price Required?
Columbia River Endorsement
Required for fishing the Columbia River basin
$8.92 Optional
See the complete Washington cost breakdown →

📍 Where to Buy

🌐

WDFW Fish & Hunt Portal ↗

Instant digital license
📞

Phone Purchase

📞 (360) 902-2200
🏪

Retail Locations

Walmart, Fred Meyer, sporting goods stores
Explore all Washington purchase options →

📅 Timing & Free Fishing Days

Free Fishing Days 2026

Jun
6
Free Fishing Day
All waters
Jun
13
Free Fishing Day
All waters

License Validity

Washington licenses valid from April 1 to March 31.

Full Washington free fishing days schedule →

👤 Age Requirements & Exemptions

👶

Under 15 Exemption

Children under 15 do not need a fishing license.

👴

Senior Half Price (70+)

Washington residents 70+ pay half price for fishing license.

Disabled Veterans

Disabled veterans get free fishing license.

Full Washington exemptions guide →

⚖️ Penalties for Fishing Without a License

$50–$ 1000
Fine Range
misdemeanor
Offense Type

Misdemeanor with fines $50-$1,000.

Learn more about Washington fishing penalties →

🔧 How to Get Your License

  1. 1

    Visit the Official Portal

    Go to WDFW Online Licensing ↗

  2. 2

    Select Your License Type

    Choose between resident/non-resident, duration, and water type based on your needs.

  3. 3

    Complete Payment & Download

    Pay online and receive your digital license instantly. You may also print a physical copy.