Washington Fishing License Cost (2026) — Puget Sound, Salmon & Steelhead

2026 WA fishing license: freshwater $30.05, saltwater $30.05, combo $55.35, senior $7.05, Catch Record Card free.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) manages fishing licenses in the Evergreen State. With Puget Sound, Olympic Peninsula rivers, Columbia River salmon, and Cascade mountain lakes, Washington is a world-class Pacific Northwest fishing destination.

Washington Fishing License — Price Comparison Resident Freshwater: $30.05 Saltwater: $30.05 Combo (Fresh+Salt): $55.35 Senior 70+: $7.05 Non-Resident Combo: $84.50 3-Day: $32.75 1-Day: $12.35 Columbia R. Salmon: $32.50 🐟 WA: Catch Record Card (FREE) required for all salmon/steelhead Puget Sound Crab endorsement: $7.05 | Two-Pole: $16.30

2026 Washington Fishing License Cost — Resident

License TypePriceDurationNotes
Freshwater$30.05Apr 1 – Mar 31All inland waters
Saltwater$30.05AnnualPuget Sound & coast
Combination (Fresh + Salt)$55.35AnnualBoth water types
Senior (70+)$7.05AnnualDeeply discounted
Youth (15 & under)$10.35AnnualOptional but gives bonus
Lifetime$905.00LifetimeAll fishing privileges

WA Fishing License Cost — Non-Resident

License TypePriceDuration
Combination$84.50Annual
3-Day$32.753 Consecutive Days
1-Day$12.35One Day
Columbia R. Salmon/Steelhead$32.50Annual

WA Endorsements & Cards

ItemPriceRequired For
Catch Record CardFreeAll salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, halibut (mandatory)
Two-Pole Endorsement$16.30Fishing with 2 rods simultaneously
Puget Sound Crab Endorsement$7.05Dungeness/Red Rock crab in Puget Sound
Columbia River Salmon/Steelhead$9.70Harvest on Columbia River

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Catch Record Card?

A free, mandatory card that WDFW requires you to carry when fishing for salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, or halibut. You must record each fish immediately and return the card after the season.

Purchase your WA fishing license online →