Does a Washington Fishing License Include a Discover Pass?

If you’re an avid angler in Washington state, you might be wondering if your fishing license includes access to state recreation lands and water access sites. The answer is a bit complex, as it depends on the type of fishing license you purchase and the specific lands you plan to visit.

Discover Pass vs. Vehicle Access Pass

Washington offers two types of passes for accessing state lands: the Discover Pass and the Vehicle Access Pass. The Discover Pass is required for parking at many state recreation lands, including state parks, water access areas, heritage sites, wildlife and natural areas, trails, and trailheads managed by the Washington State Parks, the Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW).

The Vehicle Access Pass, on the other hand, is issued with certain hunting and fishing licenses and grants access specifically to WDFW lands, including water access areas and wildlife areas.

Fishing Licenses and Access Passes

When you purchase a fishing license in Washington, the type of access pass included depends on the specific license you choose:

Annual Fishing Licenses: Most annual fishing licenses, excluding razor clam and shellfish/seaweed licenses, include a complimentary Vehicle Access Pass. This pass allows you to park at WDFW wildlife areas and boat launches, but it is not valid for lands managed by State Parks or DNR, where a Discover Pass is still required.
Short-Term Fishing Licenses: Short-term fishing licenses, such as one-day or three-day licenses, do not include any access pass. If you plan to park at state recreation lands while using a short-term fishing license, you will need to purchase a separate Discover Pass.
Razor Clam and Shellfish/Seaweed Licenses: Annual razor clam and shellfish/seaweed licenses do not include a Vehicle Access Pass. If you plan to park at WDFW lands while using these licenses, you will need to purchase a separate Vehicle Access Pass or Discover Pass.

It’s important to note that even if your fishing license includes a Vehicle Access Pass, you may still need a Discover Pass to access certain lands. For example, if you plan to fish at a state park boat launch, you will need a Discover Pass in addition to your fishing license and Vehicle Access Pass.

Purchasing Passes

Discover Passes can be purchased online from the WDFW licensing system, in person at a license dealer, or by phone at 360-902-2464. They are available as either an annual pass for $35 or a one-day pass for $11.50.

Vehicle Access Passes are issued at no charge with the purchase of most annual hunting, trapping, or fishing licenses, excluding razor clam and shellfish/seaweed licenses.

Exemptions and Free Days

There are a few exemptions and exceptions to the Discover Pass requirement:

You are camping in a Washington state park.
You already have a State Parks Discount Pass, a permanent disability placard or license plates, or a Natural Investment Permit.
You are driving an off-road vehicle (ORV) with the required ORV tabs.
You have a business agreement with one of the agencies.
You are a Chelan PUD customer.
You drive or park on ocean beaches (excluding developed State Parks parking areas).
You volunteer on state recreation lands.
You visit on a ‘Free Day’ when no pass is required.

Additionally, there are several “free days” each year when a Discover Pass is not required for day-use parking at state recreation lands.

In summary, while most annual fishing licenses in Washington include a Vehicle Access Pass, this pass is only valid for WDFW lands. If you plan to park at state parks or DNR lands, you will need to purchase a separate Discover Pass, even if you have a fishing license. It’s important to be aware of the specific lands you plan to visit and the access passes required for each area.