Washington Fishing License Online: Cost, Catch Cards, Endorsements and Rules
Washington fishing licenses can feel confusing because the state is not just “freshwater or saltwater.” You may need freshwater, saltwater, shellfish/seaweed, combination, Fish Washington package, Puget Sound crab endorsement, two-pole endorsement, Columbia River salmon and steelhead endorsement, or a catch record card depending on what you fish for and where you go.
This guide explains Washington fishing license cost and online buying in plain everyday language. It is written for normal anglers planning real trips: trout at a lake, salmon in a river, crab in Puget Sound, razor clams at the coast, shellfish, sturgeon, halibut, or a family fishing day with kids.
Official Source Check Before You Buy
This is an independent guide, not the official Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife website. Use it to understand the license choices, then verify the final item inside WDFW’s official licensing system before fishing.
Who Needs a Washington Fishing License? Plain Answer
Washington requires residents and nonresidents age 16 and older to have a license to fish or shellfish in Washington waters. The state makes a small exception for bullfrogs and collecting relic shells, but most normal fishing and shellfishing requires a license.
Age 16 and older
You need a fishing or shellfishing license unless a specific exemption applies. This includes residents and visitors.
Youth 15 and younger
Youth do not need a fishing license, but they still need catch record cards for certain species such as salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, halibut, and Puget Sound Dungeness crab.
Catch record card species
If you fish for salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, halibut, or Puget Sound Dungeness crab, carry the correct catch record card and return it by the deadline.
Washington shortcut:
If your trip involves salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, halibut, or Puget Sound Dungeness crab, think beyond the license. You also need the correct catch record card, and sometimes an endorsement.
Washington Fishing License Cost Resident and Nonresident 2026 Planning
Washington license fees changed in 2025 and apply to the current fee table. WDFW notes that prices shown include applicable fees, but buying multiple items in the same transaction may reduce the total. Always check final checkout in WDFW’s licensing system.
| License / Item | Best For | Resident Adult | Nonresident |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freshwater Annual | Lakes, rivers, trout, bass, kokanee, freshwater fishing | $39.95 | $115.85 |
| Saltwater Annual | Marine areas, Puget Sound, coast saltwater fishing | $40.71 | $81.70 |
| Combination Annual | Freshwater + saltwater + shellfish/seaweed | $74.37 | $170.00 |
| Fish Washington Package | Resident one-click combo with Puget Sound crab and two-pole endorsements | $94.15 | Not listed |
| Shellfish / Seaweed | Clams, oysters, mussels, seaweed, shellfish harvest | $21.58 | $47.39 |
| Razor Clam Annual | Razor clam digging only | $17.44 | $28.07 |
| 1-Day Combination | Short trip, visitor, quick fishing day | $14.90 | $27.05 |
| 2-Day Combination | Weekend fishing | $20.98 | $39.19 |
| 3-Day Combination | Long weekend or vacation | $25.53 | $48.30 |
Important short-term license warning:
Washington’s 1–3 day combination licenses must be used on consecutive days and are not valid for game fish during the eight-day period beginning the fourth Saturday in April, unless you are active-duty resident military personnel.
How to Buy a Washington Fishing License Online Click-by-Click Guide
WDFW gives several buying options: online licensing, the MyWDFW/Fish Washington apps, phone purchase, or in-person license dealers. Online is convenient, but if you need an immediate physical catch record card or tag, WDFW says to visit a local dealer.
Open the official WDFW online licensing system
Go to fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov or start from WDFW’s license page. Avoid third-party pages that look official but add confusion or extra service fees.
Log in or create your WILD account
Washington uses WILD customer accounts. Make sure your name, date of birth, email address, and mailing address are correct. WDFW recommends keeping an active email in your account.
Choose paper license or mobile license
For the 2026 license year, customers choose between paper licenses and mobile licenses. Once you select mobile licensing, WDFW says you are locked into mobile for the full season and cannot return to paper until the next license year.
Pick the correct fishing license
Choose freshwater if you only fish lakes and rivers. Choose saltwater if you fish marine areas. Choose combination if you need freshwater, saltwater, and shellfish/seaweed. Choose Fish Washington if you are a resident who wants the combo plus Puget Sound crab and two-pole endorsements.
Add endorsements before checkout
Add Puget Sound crab if you will crab in Puget Sound. Add two-pole if you want to use two poles where allowed. Add Columbia River salmon and steelhead endorsement if you target salmon or steelhead in covered Columbia River waters.
Check catch record card needs
If you fish for salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, halibut, or Puget Sound Dungeness crab, make sure you have the correct catch record card. Youth under 16 still need catch record cards for these species.
Review your cart and pay
Check resident/nonresident status, license year, endorsements, catch record card, Discover Pass if added, and final total. Do not pay until every item matches your actual fishing plan.
Save proof and plan for mailing time
If buying online or by phone, WDFW says mailed licenses can take 10–15 days. A temporary license may be emailed if your WILD account has an email address, but there are no temporary catch record cards or tags.
Freshwater, Saltwater, Combination and Fish Washington Which One Fits?
The best Washington license depends on your real trip. Do not buy only by price. Buy by water type, species, endorsements, and whether you shellfish or crab.
Freshwater license
Best for inland lakes, rivers, trout, bass, walleye, kokanee and freshwater-only anglers.
Saltwater license
Best for marine areas, Puget Sound, coastal saltwater fishing and saltwater-only anglers.
Combination license
Best if you fish both freshwater and saltwater and also want shellfish/seaweed privileges.
Fish Washington
Best for Washington residents who want a one-click package with combination license, Puget Sound crab and two-pole endorsements.
Washington Catch Record Cards Do Not Skip This
A catch record card is not just a receipt. It is a required harvest tracking document for certain Washington species. Everyone must carry the correct catch record card when fishing for those species, including youth who do not need a license.
Species that need cards
Carry a catch record card when fishing for salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, halibut, or Puget Sound Dungeness crab.
Record your harvest
Follow the card instructions and record required catches properly. Do not wait until later if the card requires immediate recording.
Return by deadline
All catch record cards must be returned to WDFW by the required deadline, even if you did not catch anything.
Immediate-use warning:
WDFW says there are no temporary catch record cards or tags. If you need immediate use of a catch record card or tag, buy from a local license dealer instead of waiting for mail.
Washington Fishing Endorsements Crab, Two-Pole and Columbia River
Endorsements are add-ons that open specific fishing opportunities. They are not the same as a base license. A license lets you fish; an endorsement lets you do certain extra activities where allowed.
| Endorsement | When You Need It | Adult Price / Note |
|---|---|---|
| Puget Sound Crab Endorsement | For Puget Sound Dungeness crab with annual or temporary license | $11.89 annual / $5.05 temporary |
| Two-Pole Endorsement | To fish with two poles where two-pole fishing is allowed | $20.23 adult |
| Columbia River Salmon & Steelhead | Required for anglers age 15+ targeting salmon/steelhead in covered Columbia River waters | $8.75 adult |
Columbia River note:
Beginning January 1, 2026, anglers age 15 and older must have the Columbia River salmon and steelhead endorsement to fish recreationally for salmon and steelhead in the Columbia River and many Washington tributaries. It is not needed if you are targeting other species such as sturgeon, trout, shad, walleye or bass.
Washington Shellfish, Seaweed and Razor Clam Licenses Before You Dig
Washington shellfish rules are separate from many freshwater fishing trips. If you want to dig clams, harvest oysters, gather mussels, collect seaweed, or dig razor clams, check the shellfish license and current beach openings before you go.
Shellfish / seaweed
Use this if your trip includes shellfish or seaweed harvest and you do not already have a combination license that includes it.
Razor clam license
Use this if you are only digging razor clams. You do not need it if you already have shellfish/seaweed or combination privileges.
Beach openings matter
License does not mean every beach is open. Check WDFW razor clam and shellfish openings, toxin closures, seasons and limits before driving.
Washington Paper vs Mobile Fishing License 2026–27 Choice
WDFW has moved toward mobile licensing through MyWDFW and Fish Washington apps. This can be convenient, but the paper-versus-mobile choice matters.
Mobile license can help if you like apps
MyWDFW can display active license privileges, support license purchases, and help with certain reporting features. It is useful for anglers who keep their phone charged and prefer digital proof.
Paper can help if you need physical proof
Paper is useful if you fish remote rivers, have weak phone service, share family gear, or prefer physical documents. WDFW says once mobile is selected for the season, you cannot return to paper until the next license year.
Practical choice:
If you are unsure, read WDFW’s mobile licensing instructions before selecting mobile. Do not click through this choice casually.
Washington Resident, Senior, Youth and Disabled License Rules Quick Guide
Washington has different prices for adult residents, nonresidents, resident seniors age 70+, youth age 15, resident disabled customers, and nonresident disabled veterans. Residency has specific rules, so do not select resident just because you are visiting for a long trip.
Resident adults
Washington residents age 16–69 pay resident adult rates and must meet state residency requirements.
Resident seniors 70+
Resident seniors age 70 and older have discounted prices for many fishing licenses and packages.
Youth 15 and younger
Youth 15 and younger do not need a fishing license, but catch record cards are still required for certain species.
Residency basics:
WDFW lists residency criteria such as maintaining a permanent place of abode in Washington for at least 90 days before purchase, having a Washington driver license or ID, or military ID with orders showing Washington as duty station.
When to Buy From a WDFW License Dealer Instead of Online
Online is convenient, but a dealer is better when you need physical items immediately. WDFW specifically notes that temporary licenses may be emailed for online/phone purchases, but there are no temporary catch record cards or tags.
Need catch card today
Buy from a local dealer if you need immediate use of a catch record card or tag.
Need help choosing items
A local dealer can help identify the license, endorsement, or catch card you need for your trip.
Do not want to wait for mail
Online or phone purchases can take 10–15 days to arrive by mail, so dealer purchase is safer for last-minute trips.
Real-Life Washington Fishing License Examples Match Your Trip
Use these examples to choose the right starting point. Always verify the exact water, species, season and rules through WDFW before fishing.
Example 1: Resident fishing trout in a lake
A resident freshwater license is usually the starting point. If you want to use two poles, add the two-pole endorsement only where two-pole fishing is allowed.
Example 2: Visitor fishing Puget Sound saltwater
A nonresident saltwater or combination license may fit. If crabbing for Puget Sound Dungeness crab, add the crab endorsement and carry the catch record card.
Example 3: Family with a 15-year-old salmon angler
The youth may not need a license, but still needs a catch record card when fishing for salmon.
Example 4: Columbia River salmon trip
Anglers age 15+ targeting salmon or steelhead in covered Columbia River waters need the Columbia River salmon and steelhead endorsement plus proper license and catch record card.
Example 5: Razor clam weekend
You need razor clam privileges unless you already have shellfish/seaweed or combination license. Check beach openings and toxin closures before driving.
Example 6: Resident who fishes everything
The Fish Washington package may be worth comparing because it includes annual freshwater, saltwater, shellfish/seaweed, Puget Sound crab and two-pole endorsements.
Helpful Video: MyWDFW and Fish Washington App Tutorials
WDFW has official app tutorial videos for MyWDFW and Fish Washington features such as licensing, catch reporting and mobile tools. Use the videos for app help, then follow the official WDFW licensing system for actual purchase decisions.
Video screens can change. Use WDFW’s current licensing portal and app instructions as the final source.
Find a Washington Fishing License Dealer Near You
If you need a physical license, catch record card or tag immediately, use WDFW’s official license dealer locator or call a local sporting goods store, tackle shop or outdoor retailer before driving.
Call script:
“Hi, do you sell Washington WDFW fishing licenses today? Can you issue catch record cards or tags immediately? Is your license system working, and can you help with Puget Sound crab, two-pole or Columbia River salmon/steelhead endorsements?”
Washington Fishing License Mistakes That Can Cost You
Buying online when you need a catch card today
There are no temporary catch record cards or tags. Buy from a local dealer if your trip is immediate and you need those items.
Forgetting Puget Sound crab endorsement
Puget Sound Dungeness crab requires the right endorsement and catch record card. Do not assume a saltwater license alone is enough.
Missing the Columbia River endorsement
If you target salmon or steelhead in covered Columbia River waters, anglers age 15+ need the Columbia River salmon and steelhead endorsement.
Thinking youth never need paperwork
Youth may not need a license, but catch record cards are still required for certain species.
Choosing mobile licensing too quickly
Once selected, mobile licensing locks you in for the season. Understand the paper-versus-mobile choice before clicking.
Not checking current seasons
A license does not mean every water is open. Check emergency rules, seasons, closures, marine areas and shellfish safety before fishing.
Final Washington Fishing License Checklist Before You Cast
- Choose freshwater, saltwater, combination, shellfish/seaweed, razor clam, or Fish Washington package.
- Confirm resident, nonresident, senior, youth or disabled-veteran status.
- Add Puget Sound crab, two-pole or Columbia River salmon/steelhead endorsements if needed.
- Get the correct catch record card for salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, halibut or Puget Sound Dungeness crab.
- Decide carefully between paper and mobile licensing for the 2026–27 license year.
- Use a local dealer if you need immediate catch record cards or tags.
- Check WDFW regulations, emergency rules, beach openings and marine-area rules before fishing.
- Return catch record cards by the required deadline, even if you caught nothing.
Independent guide notice:
This article is for practical planning and is not the official Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife website. Fees, seasons, endorsements, catch record card rules and mobile licensing procedures can change. Always verify final details with WDFW before buying or fishing.
Washington Fishing License FAQ Online, Cost and Rules
How much is a Washington fishing license in 2026?
WDFW’s fee table lists resident freshwater at $39.95, resident saltwater at $40.71, resident combination at $74.37, and resident Fish Washington at $94.15. Nonresident freshwater is $115.85, nonresident saltwater is $81.70, and nonresident combination is $170.00.
Where do I buy a Washington fishing license online?
Buy through WDFW’s official online licensing system at fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov, through WDFW apps, by phone at 360-902-2464, or from a license dealer.
Who needs a Washington fishing license?
Everyone age 16 and older needs a license to fish or shellfish in Washington waters unless a specific exception applies.
Do kids need a Washington fishing license?
Youth 15 and younger do not need a fishing license, but they still need catch record cards when fishing for salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, halibut or Puget Sound Dungeness crab.
What is the Fish Washington license package?
The resident Fish Washington package is a one-click option that includes annual freshwater, saltwater, shellfish/seaweed licenses, plus Puget Sound Dungeness crab and two-pole endorsements.
Do I need a catch record card in Washington?
Yes, if you fish for salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, halibut or Puget Sound Dungeness crab. Everyone must carry the required catch record card, including youth.
Can I get a temporary catch record card online?
No. WDFW states there are no temporary catch record cards or tags. If you need immediate use, buy from a local license dealer.
Do I need a Puget Sound crab endorsement?
If you are crabbing for Puget Sound Dungeness crab, you need the correct endorsement and catch record card unless exempt.
What is the Columbia River salmon and steelhead endorsement?
Beginning January 1, 2026, anglers age 15 and older need this endorsement when targeting salmon or steelhead in the Columbia River and many Washington tributaries covered by the rule.
Should I choose paper or mobile Washington fishing license?
Choose carefully. WDFW says customers who select mobile licensing for the 2026 license year are locked into mobile for the entire season and cannot return to paper until the next license year.