How Long is a Washington State Fishing License Valid in 2024?

As an angler in Washington state, it’s crucial to understand the validity period of your fishing license. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) wants to remind anglers that their fishing license system runs from April 1, 2024, through March 31, 2025. This means that if you’ve been fishing in March-opening or year-round waters with a 2023-2024 license, you’ll need to purchase a 2024-2025 license by April 1, 2024, to continue your fishing activities legally.

Types of Washington State Fishing Licenses

Washington state offers a variety of fishing licenses to cater to different anglers’ needs. Here are some of the most common license types and their corresponding fees:

Annual Combination License: Allows you to fish in freshwater and saltwater, and harvest shellfish and seaweed. The cost is $55.35 for residents and $124.65 for non-residents.
Annual Freshwater License: Permits fishing in freshwater areas only. The cost is $29.50 for residents and $84.50 for non-residents.
Annual Saltwater License: Allows fishing in saltwater areas only. The cost is $30.05 for residents and $59.75 for non-residents.
Annual Shellfish/Seaweed License: Enables the harvest of shellfish and seaweed. The cost is $17.40 for residents and $36.10 for non-residents.
Short-Term Combination License: These licenses work like a Combination License but are valid for a shorter duration (one, two, or three days). The cost ranges from $11.35 to $35.55, depending on the license type and residency status.

It’s important to note that some licenses may require additional endorsements or catch record cards for specific species or areas. For example, if you plan to fish for salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, halibut, or Puget Sound Dungeness crab, your license will come with a catch record card to track your harvest.

Residency Requirements

To qualify as a Washington state resident for fishing license purposes, you must meet the following criteria:

Have a valid Washington state driver’s license or identification card
Have maintained a permanent place of abode within the state for at least 90 days preceding the license purchase
Not be licensed to hunt or fish as a resident in another state or country, or have military identification with a copy of orders showing Washington as your current duty station

If you don’t meet these requirements, you’ll be considered a non-resident and will need to purchase a non-resident fishing license.

Exemptions and Discounts

There are certain exemptions and discounts available for specific groups of anglers:

Anglers 14 years and younger do not need a fishing license, though catch record cards are still required for certain species.
Resident seniors aged 70 and older can purchase a discounted annual combination license for $19.05.
Resident disabled anglers and non-resident disabled veterans can purchase licenses at reduced rates.

It’s essential to familiarize yourself with the specific regulations and requirements for the type of fishing you plan to engage in. The WDFW website provides detailed information on fishing licenses, endorsements, catch record cards, and other relevant details.

In conclusion, Washington state fishing licenses are valid from April 1, 2024, through March 31, 2025. Anglers must purchase a new license by April 1, 2024, to continue fishing legally in March-opening or year-round waters. By understanding the different license types, residency requirements, and available exemptions or discounts, anglers can ensure they are compliant with the state’s fishing regulations.