Calculate the Full Cost Before Checkout
Washington separates freshwater, saltwater, shellfish, razor clam and short-term fishing products. Crab, two-pole fishing, Columbia River salmon or steelhead and catch record cards can add another layer.
This guide compares current resident and nonresident fees, explains the 2.9% online payment charge and helps you choose paper or mobile proof without buying duplicate products.
Choose by Activity, Not Just the Lowest Price
Lake, pond or inland river
Start with freshwater. Add the Two-Pole Endorsement only when the exact water permits two rods.
Ocean or Puget Sound fishing
Start with saltwater or combination. Add the appropriate catch card for salmon or halibut.
Freshwater and marine trips
Compare the annual combination license with buying separate annual freshwater and saltwater products.
Clams, oysters, squid or coastal crab
Choose shellfish/seaweed or combination. Razor-clam-only products fit clam-only trips.
Puget Sound Dungeness crab
Add the Puget Sound crab endorsement and the correct summer or winter catch record card.
Columbia salmon or steelhead
Anglers age 15+ need the CRSSE on the Columbia River and listed Washington tributaries.
Youth shortcut: anglers younger than 16 generally do not need the base fishing license. Catch cards, a free youth crab endorsement and the age-15 CRSSE can still be required.
Washington Fishing Fee Guide by User Intent
Washington Fishing License Cost Calculator
Select the customer and trip. The tool adds common endorsements, catch-card costs and the current 2.9% card fee for online or WDFW telephone payments.
Build the Likely Cart
Do not double-add package products. Fish Washington already bundles the annual combination licence and major fishing endorsements. The Puget Sound crab catch card may still need to be selected manually.
Washington Resident and Nonresident License Fees
Annual Fishing and Shellfish Licenses
| Product | Resident 16–69 | Nonresident | Resident 70+ | Practical coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freshwater | $39.95 | $115.85 | $9.59 | Lakes, ponds, reservoirs and freshwater rivers; special endorsements can still apply. |
| Saltwater | $40.71 | $81.70 | $10.35 | Marine finfish; shellfish harvest is not included. |
| Combination | $74.37 | $170.00 | $28.83 | Freshwater, saltwater, shellfish, seaweed, razor clams and coastal crab. |
| Fish Washington package | $101.88 | Not offered | $49.85 | Resident package with combination licence and major endorsements. |
| Shellfish/Seaweed | $21.58 | $47.39 | $13.99 | Clams, oysters, mussels, squid, shrimp, coastal crab and other listed shellfish. |
| Razor Clam | $17.44 | $28.07 | $17.44 | Razor clam harvest only; open dig dates and beach rules still control. |
Short-Term Licenses
| Product | Resident | Nonresident | Resident 70+ | Important condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| One-day combination | $14.90 | $27.05 | $14.90 | Valid for the chosen day; endorsements can still apply. |
| Two-day combination | $20.98 | $39.19 | $20.98 | Two consecutive days. |
| Three-day combination | $25.53 | $48.30 | $25.53 | Three consecutive days. |
| Three-day Razor Clam | $11.79 | $11.79 | $11.79 | Razor clam harvest only. |
Reduced-Fee Products
| Approved category | Product | Current fee | Before buying |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident disabled customer | Annual combination | $12.89 | WDFW approval and qualifying medical documentation are required. |
| Resident disabled customer | Fish Washington | $47.98 | Available after reduced-fee status is approved. |
| Nonresident disabled veteran | Annual combination | $74.37 | Must meet the official service-connected disability criteria. |
After comparing products, verify the amount on the current official Washington fishing fee table.
Listed Price vs the Final Online Total
Washington’s licence table shows the listed product total. A separate 2.9% fee applies when a credit or debit card is used through WDFW’s online system or telephone service.
| Example product | Listed fee | Approx. 2.9% card fee | Estimated card total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident freshwater | $39.95 | $1.16 | $41.11 |
| Resident combination | $74.37 | $2.16 | $76.53 |
| Nonresident saltwater | $81.70 | $2.37 | $84.07 |
| Nonresident combination | $170.00 | $4.93 | $174.93 |
Multiple-item transactions: calculate the card fee against the complete cart, including endorsements and paid catch cards—not only the base licence.
Is the Fish Washington Package Worth $101.88?
The current resident package combines broad fishing coverage and major endorsements at a reduced package price.
What the Package Includes
- Annual combination fishing licence
- Freshwater and saltwater fishing
- Shellfish and seaweed harvest
- Two-Pole Endorsement
- Puget Sound Dungeness Crab Endorsement
- Columbia River Salmon and Steelhead Endorsement
- Vehicle Access Pass
| Resident cart | Listed total | Difference from package |
|---|---|---|
| Combination only | $74.37 | $27.51 below package |
| Combination + Two-Pole | $94.60 | $7.28 below package |
| Combination + Two-Pole + Puget crab | $106.49 | $4.61 above package |
| Combination + Two-Pole + Puget crab + CRSSE | $115.24 | $13.36 above package |
| Fish Washington package | $101.88 | Best fit when the included endorsements will be used |
Crab-card checkout step: the package includes the Puget Sound crab endorsement, but WDFW instructs package buyers to add the appropriate crab catch record card manually.
When a Short-Term License Is Cheaper
Nonresident Comparison
| Trip plan | Likely base product | Listed fee | Value note |
|---|---|---|---|
| One mixed fishing day | One-day combination | $27.05 | Lowest combination option for one day. |
| Weekend | Two-day combination | $39.19 | Two consecutive dates. |
| Long weekend | Three-day combination | $48.30 | Three consecutive dates. |
| Repeat marine visits | Annual saltwater | $81.70 | Compare once several temporary trips are planned. |
| Frequent freshwater visits | Annual freshwater | $115.85 | Useful when repeat inland trips exceed short-term value. |
What Short-Term Combination Covers
The one-, two- and three-day combination licences generally provide the same activity categories as a combination licence for the selected consecutive dates. Endorsements and catch record cards remain separate when the trip triggers them.
Halibut detail: WDFW’s current licence information states the halibut catch record card is issued without the separate annual-card fee when it is used with a one-, two- or three-day combination licence.
No Vehicle Access Pass: temporary combination licences do not include the annual Vehicle Access Pass. Check parking before choosing a short-term product.
Youth, Senior and Washington Residency Rules
Age Rules
| Customer | Base licence | Documents still possible |
|---|---|---|
| Age 14 or younger | No base fishing licence generally required. | Free youth catch cards and free Puget Sound crab endorsement when needed. |
| Age 15 | No ordinary base licence generally required. | $7.10 CRSSE for listed Columbia salmon or steelhead fishing and required catch cards. |
| Age 16–69 | Resident or nonresident adult licence. | Species, crab, pole and catch-card additions. |
| Resident age 70+ | Reduced senior fee. | Senior endorsement and paid-card amounts can apply. |
Resident Price Requirements
- Maintain a permanent Washington home for at least 90 days before purchase.
- Have a valid Washington driver licence or identification card, or qualifying military documents.
- Do not hold resident hunting or fishing privileges in another state or country.
- Use military identification and Washington duty-station orders when relying on military residency.
Owning Washington property is not enough by itself. A vacation home, seasonal stay, temporary job or college address does not automatically establish resident eligibility.
Social Security Number
Current Washington licence information requires customers age 15 or older to provide a Social Security number to obtain a licence or required licence document.
Two-Pole, Puget Sound Crab and Columbia Endorsements
| Endorsement | Most adults | Resident senior | When it applies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Two-Pole | $20.23 | $8.09 | Age 16+ using two rods on a water that allows it. |
| Puget Sound crab with annual licence | $11.89 | $11.89 | Harvesting Puget Sound Dungeness crab. |
| Puget Sound crab with temporary licence | $5.05 | $5.05 | Puget Sound crab trip using a temporary combination licence. |
| Columbia River salmon and steelhead | $8.75 | $7.10 | Age 15+ targeting salmon or steelhead on the Columbia and listed Washington tributaries. |
Two-Pole Validation Is Water-Specific
Two-pole fishing is allowed on many lakes, ponds and reservoirs, but it is generally prohibited in most rivers, streams, beaver ponds and marine waters unless a listing says otherwise.
The purchase does not override the rulebook. Check the exact water for the “no two-pole fishing” symbol or special gear rule before using the second rod.
After identifying the water, review the official WDFW two-pole guidance and exclusion information.
Puget Sound Crab Is Different From Coastal Crab
Puget Sound Dungeness crab requires the endorsement and catch record card. Coastal Dungeness crab in Grays Harbor, Willapa Bay and the Columbia River estuary does not use the Puget Sound catch-card requirement.
CRSSE Applies Only to Salmon and Steelhead Targeting
The Columbia River Salmon and Steelhead Endorsement is not required when the angler is targeting only sturgeon, shad, walleye, bass or trout on the covered waters.
Check the exact river or tributary on the official Columbia River endorsement page.
Catch Record Card Cost and Reporting
A catch record card is required while fishing for salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, halibut or Puget Sound Dungeness crab—even when the customer is younger than 16.
| Catch document | Listed amount | Practical use |
|---|---|---|
| Standard catch record card | Free | Salmon, steelhead, sturgeon or Puget Sound Dungeness crab. |
| Catch record card including halibut | $7.59 | Adult annual saltwater or combination customer fishing halibut. |
| Halibut card with short-term combination | $0 separately | Current licence information says it is issued without the separate annual-card charge. |
Record Retained Catch Immediately
Record a retained fish before continuing to fish. A Puget Sound crabber must record retained crab before redeploying gear.
Paper Reporting Deadlines
- Fish catch record cards: April 30 after the licence year ends.
- Summer Puget Sound crab cards: October 1.
- Winter Puget Sound crab cards: February 1.
- Return paper cards even when nothing was retained.
Crab nonreporting penalty: failing to report can add a $10 administrative penalty to a later licence transaction.
Use the official catch record card instructions for current codes, reporting and mailing details.
Mobile License or Paper License?
Mobile works best when
- You reliably carry and charge a compatible phone.
- You want electronic catch record cards.
- You can log in and sync before entering weak service.
- You prefer automatic electronic reporting.
Paper works best when
- You prefer physical documents.
- You do not want your licence tied to a phone battery.
- You are comfortable mailing catch record cards.
- You can protect standard paper from rain and spray.
The Choice Applies to the License Year
Customers choose mobile or paper at purchase. A mobile customer cannot switch back to paper until the next licence year begins.
Paper-to-Mobile Switching
A paper customer may request one switch to mobile only when physical tags and catch cards have not been used. WDFW requires unused documents to be voided and submitted for review.
Offline Electronic Catch Entry
Electronic catch entries can be saved without cell service and will sync after the device reconnects. The customer should update, sign in and sync before leaving coverage.
Do not choose mobile only because it looks convenient. Confirm the account works, every licence and eCRC appears and the device can stay charged through the trip.
Read the official MyWDFW paper and mobile licensing instructions before making the licence-year choice.
Print, Reprint, Correct or Refund a License
Print-From-Home Rules
| Document | Printing rule | User action |
|---|---|---|
| Licence | Printable and reprintable on standard 8.5 × 11 paper. | Save the PDF and keep a waterproof backup. |
| Endorsement | Reprintable. | Confirm the privilege appears with the current licence year. |
| Vehicle Access Pass | Reprintable PDF. | Write up to two plates and display it on one vehicle. |
| Paper catch record card | Printable only once. | Do not close or discard the file until the print is readable. |
| Physical tag | Printable only once. | Contact WDFW if printing fails. |
Refund Window and Exceptions
WDFW may issue a refund for a system or dealer error, a transaction corrected within 60 minutes, or duplicate licences of the same kind received in the same year.
Participation rule: WDFW generally does not refund a licence when a season was available and the customer could have participated, even when the customer did not actually fish.
Wrong item: contact licensing immediately. Do not fish with the wrong product and do not submit another purchase until the first transaction is checked.
Vehicle Access Pass vs Discover Pass
Vehicle Access Pass
Included with many annual licences and valid for parking at WDFW-managed wildlife and water-access areas.
Write up to two plate numbers on the PDF pass, but display it on only one vehicle at a time.
Discover Pass
The annual Discover Pass is $51.50 and the one-day pass is $11.50. It covers a broader range of participating state recreation lands.
A mobile fishing licence does not replace the physical parking placard.
Shellfish/Seaweed Source Conflict
Verify before parking: Washington’s updated 2026 fee table labels the annual Shellfish/Seaweed licence as including a Vehicle Access Pass, while the current licence-information text says that product does not include one. Confirm that a VAP actually appears in the WILD account before relying on it.
Products That Do Not Include a VAP
- Short-term combination licences
- Annual or three-day razor clam licences
- Any product whose account confirmation does not show a Vehicle Access Pass
Check the official WDFW parking-pass guidance before parking on state-managed land.
How to Buy the Correct Washington License Online
Write Down the Full Fishing Plan
List each date, freshwater or saltwater location, shellfish activity, target species, Puget Sound crab plan, Columbia River water and number of rods.
Confirm Age, Residency and Reduced Status
Check youth, resident senior, disabled-customer and disabled-veteran eligibility before choosing the price column.
Recover the Existing WILD Account
Use the customer’s prior WILD ID, legal name, date of birth, email and earlier address before creating another profile.
Choose Mobile or Paper
Decide before completing the first purchase. The choice applies to eligible licence products for the full April–March year.
Select the Base Product
Choose freshwater, saltwater, combination, Fish Washington, shellfish/seaweed, razor clam or a consecutive short-term product.
Add Only the Required Endorsements
- Add Two-Pole only when two rods are legal on the water.
- Add Puget Sound crab for Puget Dungeness crab harvest.
- Add CRSSE for listed Columbia salmon or steelhead fishing.
- Do not duplicate products already inside Fish Washington.
Add Every Catch Record Card
- Salmon, steelhead and sturgeon card
- Puget Sound crab summer or winter card
- Halibut card when halibut is part of the trip
- Free youth card when the angler is under 16
Review the Payment Total
Check the legal name, licence year, dates, residency, package contents and the 2.9% card charge before submitting.
Open Every Document
Sync the mobile account or print the paper licence, endorsements, VAP and catch cards. Do not assume the receipt alone contains every required field document.
After completing the product checks, use the official Washington Fish Hunt licensing portal.
Paper customers who need a catch card or printing help can use the official WDFW licence-dealer directory.
Washington Free Fishing Weekend 2026
Licenses Were Still Required For
- All shellfish, including clams, crabs, mussels, oysters and shrimp
- Salmon
- Steelhead
- Sturgeon
- Halibut
Other Waivers for Included Fishing
- Two-Pole Endorsement where two-pole fishing was otherwise allowed
- Vehicle Access Pass requirement
- Discover Pass requirement on participating state lands
The 2026 weekend has ended. Do not reuse those dates in another year. Seasons, closures, gear rules and limits remained active even during the event.
License Year, Regulation Year and Emergency Changes
Two calendars: the 2026–2027 fishing licence is valid April 1, 2026–March 31, 2027. The current sport-fishing regulation pamphlet is effective July 1, 2026–June 30, 2027.
Find the Exact Lake, River or Marine Area
Do not rely on a statewide rule before checking the water’s individual listing.
Check the Target Species
Review open dates, minimum size, daily limit, possession limit and mandatory release rules.
Check Gear Restrictions
Look for selective gear, barbless hooks, bait bans, night closures, anti-snagging rules and two-pole restrictions.
Open Emergency Rules
Salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, crab, halibut and other fisheries can change after the pamphlet is published.
Confirm Access and Parking
A fishing licence does not grant permission to cross private property or remove launch, reservation or parking requirements.
Review the official 2026–2027 Washington fishing regulations after identifying the water and species.
Then check the current WDFW emergency fishing rules immediately before departure.
Catch-and-Release Still Counts as Fishing
Releasing every fish does not normally remove the Washington licence requirement. The act of fishing remains regulated.
Read Do You Need a Fishing License for Catch and Release? for the broader rule and private-water cautions.
Columbia River Border Planning
A Washington or Oregon licence can cover certain shared Columbia River waters, but tributaries, banks and areas outside the reciprocal water can require the licence of the state where the angler is located.
Compare neighbouring prices and add-ons in the Oregon Fishing License Cost Guide.
For another destination, use the state-by-state fishing licence guide.
Washington License Troubleshooting
| Problem | Check first | Best next action |
|---|---|---|
| WILD account not found | Old WILD ID, legal name, date of birth, email and prior address | Recover the account or contact licensing before creating another profile. |
| Card charged but licence missing | Order history, confirmation email, pending bank charge and app sync | Do not submit a second purchase until WDFW checks the transaction. |
| Catch card not in the order | Whether the free card was manually selected | Add it through the account or obtain help before fishing. |
| Paper catch card failed to print | Printer status, browser download and one-time print attempt | Contact WDFW rather than repeatedly attempting the one-time document. |
| Mobile licence not visible offline | Correct WILD profile, app version and account sync | Reconnect, sync and reopen each active document before travelling. |
| Wrong mobile or paper choice | Whether the purchase was completed and whether paper cards were used | Contact WDFW; mobile-to-paper switching is not allowed during the same licence year. |
| Wrong product purchased | Purchase time, system error and duplicate-product status | Contact licensing immediately because the correction window can be limited. |
Licensing Support Script
“Hello, I need help with a Washington fishing licence. The customer’s legal name is [name], date of birth is [date], and WILD ID is [number, if known]. The problem is [account recovery, payment, wrong product, catch card, endorsement, printing or mobile status]. The transaction date and confirmation number are [details]. What should I do before paying again or fishing?”
Washington Purchase and Regulation Resources
This independent guide does not issue licences. Use the official resources below for payment, eligibility and enforceable rules.
Buy or Manage a License
Use the WILD portal after selecting the correct base licence and add-ons.
Verify Current Fees
Check resident, visitor, senior, reduced and endorsement prices.
Read the Full Rulebook
Use the complete publication for water, species, gear and catch rules.
Find a License Dealer
Use a dealer for printing help or in-person account assistance.
Check Emergency Changes
Verify current openings, closures, limits and gear changes.
Set Up Mobile Licensing
Review app, offline, eCRC and switching rules before selecting mobile.
WDFW Licensing Contact
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Licensing1111 Washington Street SE
Olympia, WA 98501
Licensing help: 360-902-2464
Toll-free purchasing: 866-246-9453
Licensing email: licensing@dfw.wa.gov
App support: AppSupport@dfw.wa.gov
Washington Fishing License Cost FAQs
How much is a resident Washington fishing license in 2026?
For the 2026–2027 license year, resident annual freshwater fishing costs $39.95, saltwater costs $40.71 and the annual combination license costs $74.37. Online or telephone credit and debit card purchases can also have a 2.9% payment fee.
How much is a nonresident Washington fishing license?
A nonresident annual freshwater license costs $115.85, saltwater costs $81.70 and the combination license costs $170. Nonresident short-term combination licenses cost $27.05 for one day, $39.19 for two days and $48.30 for three days.
At what age do you need a Washington fishing license?
Anglers age 16 or older generally need a Washington fishing license. Younger anglers may still need catch record cards, a free Puget Sound crab endorsement or, at age 15, the Columbia River salmon and steelhead endorsement.
What does the Washington combination fishing license cover?
The combination license covers freshwater and saltwater fishing plus shellfish and seaweed harvest, including razor clams and coastal crab. Two-pole fishing, Puget Sound Dungeness crab and certain Columbia River salmon and steelhead fishing require separate endorsements.
What is included in the Fish Washington package?
The resident Fish Washington package combines the annual combination license with the Two-Pole, Puget Sound Dungeness crab and Columbia River salmon and steelhead endorsements at a reduced package price. The Puget Sound crab catch card may still need to be added manually.
Do I need a Washington catch record card?
A catch record card is required when fishing for salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, halibut or Puget Sound Dungeness crab. The requirement applies to youth as well as adults. Standard cards are free, while the adult card that includes halibut is listed at $7.59.
Can I show my Washington fishing license on my phone?
Yes. Customers can choose mobile licensing for the 2026–2027 license year and display licenses and electronic catch record cards in the MyWDFW or Fish Washington app. A mobile customer cannot switch back to paper until the next license year.
When was Washington Free Fishing Weekend in 2026?
Washington Free Fishing Weekend was June 6–7, 2026. Licenses were waived for many species, but licenses remained required for all shellfish, salmon, steelhead, sturgeon and halibut.
How long is a Washington annual fishing license valid?
The 2026–2027 annual fishing license is valid from April 1, 2026 through March 31, 2027. It is not a rolling 365-day license.
Can I print my Washington fishing license at home?
Yes. Paper customers print licenses, endorsements and Vehicle Access Passes on standard paper and can reprint those documents. Paper catch record cards and tags are printable only once, so save and protect them carefully.
Final Washington Fishing Checklist
- The customer’s resident, nonresident, senior or approved reduced-fee status is correct.
- The base licence covers freshwater, saltwater, shellfish or the intended combination.
- The licence is valid for every fishing date.
- The March 31 annual expiration is understood.
- The 2.9% online or telephone card charge was included in the budget.
- The Fish Washington package was compared with buying endorsements separately.
- The Two-Pole Endorsement is active and the exact water permits two rods.
- The Puget Sound crab endorsement and correct seasonal catch card are present.
- The CRSSE is present for listed Columbia salmon or steelhead fishing.
- The standard or halibut catch record card is present.
- The paper or mobile choice works for the full trip.
- Electronic documents were synced before entering weak service.
- Paper catch cards were printed successfully and protected.
- The Vehicle Access or Discover Pass requirement was verified.
- The current regulation listing and emergency rules were checked.
Final authority: the active Washington Fish Hunt account, current WDFW licence information, the 2026–2027 regulation publication and current emergency rules control over any independent guide.