As an avid angler, you may be wondering if you need a fishing license to cast your line in the beautiful waters of Washington State. The answer is a resounding yes – both residents and non-residents alike must have a valid fishing license to legally fish or harvest shellfish in Washington’s waterways. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule that are important to understand.
Who Needs a Fishing License in Washington?
In Washington, anyone age 15 and older is required to have a fishing license. This includes both residents and non-residents. The only exceptions are for those fishing for common carp, crawfish, bullfrogs, or collecting relic shells.
Youth anglers aged 14 and younger do not need a fishing license, but they may still need a catch record card for certain species. Adults assisting youth who are not fishing themselves are also exempt from needing a license.
Washington also offers discounted fishing licenses for certain groups, such as seniors, disabled individuals, and disabled veterans.
Types of Fishing Licenses in Washington
Washington offers several types of fishing licenses to accommodate different needs and preferences:
Combination License: Allows fishing in both freshwater and saltwater, as well as harvesting shellfish and seaweed.
Freshwater License: Permits fishing in freshwater areas only.
Saltwater License: Allows fishing in saltwater areas only.
Shellfish/Seaweed License: Enables harvesting various shellfish species and seaweed.
1-3 Day Combination Licenses: Short-term licenses that function like a combination license but are not valid for certain game fish during specific periods.
Razor Clam License: Required for harvesting razor clams, unless you already have a shellfish/seaweed or combination license.
Prices for these licenses vary based on factors such as residency status, age, and disability status.
How to Purchase a Washington Fishing License
There are several convenient ways to purchase a Washington fishing license:
Online: Visit the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife website to create an account, select your desired license, and pay with a credit card. You’ll receive a temporary license via email while waiting for your permanent license to arrive in the mail.
By Phone: Call 360-902-2464 to speak with a representative and purchase your license over the phone.
From a Vendor: Visit a licensed vendor, such as a sporting goods store or bait and tackle shop, to purchase your license in person.
If you lose your fishing license, you can replace it by visiting a vendor and providing your personal information, along with a replacement fee.
Free Fishing Weekend in Washington
Each year, Washington offers a Free Fishing Weekend, typically held on the first weekend after the first Monday in June. During this event, anyone can fish for free without a license across the state. However, other fishing regulations still apply, such as catch record card requirements, size limits, bag limits, and fishing area closures.
In 2024, the Free Fishing Weekend will take place on June 8-9. A Discover Pass is also not required for parking at state parks, Department of Fish and Wildlife lands, or Department of Natural Resources lands during this weekend.