Match the License to Your Water, Species and Proof Method
A lake-trout trip, Puget Sound salmon day, Columbia River steelhead trip, razor-clam dig and Dungeness-crab outing do not use the same Washington license stack.
This guide helps you compare current prices, choose paper or mobile licensing, add the right catch record cards and endorsements, and verify the water-specific rules that still apply after checkout.
Washington License Help by Real Fishing Plan
Washington Fishing License Cost Planner
Select the buyer category and base product, then add common endorsements. The calculator uses the published 2026–27 totals and separately estimates the 2.9% card charge for online or telephone credit/debit transactions.
Estimate My WDFW Checkout
Package check: Fish Washington includes the annual combination privilege, Puget Sound crab endorsement, two-pole endorsement, relevant catch record cards and the current Columbia River salmon and steelhead endorsement. Do not add those items twice.
Washington Fishing License Cost
| Product | Resident adult | Nonresident | Resident 70+ | Best fit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fish Washington | $101.88 | Not offered | $49.85 | Resident wanting broad fishing, shellfish, crab and two-pole privileges. |
| Annual Combination | $74.37 | $170.00 | $28.83 | Freshwater, saltwater and shellfish/seaweed in one base product. |
| Annual Freshwater | $39.95 | $115.85 | $9.59 | Lakes, rivers, reservoirs and freshwater species. |
| Annual Saltwater | $40.71 | $81.70 | $10.35 | Marine finfish when shellfish privilege is unnecessary. |
| Annual Shellfish/Seaweed | $21.58 | $47.39 | $13.99 | Clams, oysters, mussels, coastal crab, shrimp, squid, seaweed and razor clams. |
| Annual Razor Clam | $17.44 | $28.07 | $17.44 | Razor-clam-only trips. |
| One-Day Combination | $14.90 | $27.05 | $14.90 | One consecutive fishing day. |
| Two-Day Combination | $20.98 | $39.19 | $20.98 | Two consecutive days. |
| Three-Day Combination | $25.53 | $48.30 | $25.53 | Weekend or brief visitor trip. |
| Three-Day Razor Clam | $11.79 | $11.79 | $11.79 | Short approved razor-clam opening. |
Common Add-On Costs
| Add-on | Published price | When it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Columbia River salmon and steelhead endorsement | $8.75 adult; $7.10 age 15 or resident senior | Targeting salmon or steelhead in covered Columbia waters. |
| Two-Pole Endorsement | $20.23 standard; $8.09 resident senior | Using a second pole on a water that permits the endorsement. |
| Puget Sound crab endorsement | $11.89 annual; $5.05 temporary | Harvesting Puget Sound Dungeness crab. |
| Standard catch record card | Free | Salmon, steelhead, sturgeon or Puget Sound crab. |
| Catch record card with halibut | $7.59 | Fishing for halibut. |
| Duplicate paper license | $9.70 | Replacement is required for a lost, stolen or damaged paper product. |
After understanding the options, use the current Washington license fee table and compare it with the live WDFW cart before payment.
Why the Catalog Price and Final Card Charge Can Differ
Washington’s current regulations publish out-the-door license totals, while the live product catalog can show a lower product amount before every purchasing charge is applied.
Published fee-table total
Use this figure for normal comparison between resident, nonresident, senior and short-term choices.
Online or phone card charge
A 2.9% fee applies to credit and debit card payments made through WDFW online or by telephone.
Best comparison method: compare all products using the same official fee table, then review the final cart for payment-method charges. Do not compare a catalog base amount with another product’s completed checkout total.
Which Washington Fishing License Should You Buy?
| Fishing plan | Start with | Check next |
|---|---|---|
| Resident lake trout or bass | Annual freshwater | Two-pole eligibility and Vehicle Access Pass. |
| Nonresident freshwater weekend | Two- or three-day combination | Compare the exact number of consecutive days. |
| Puget Sound salmon | Saltwater or combination | Catch record card, marine area and emergency rules. |
| Puget Sound Dungeness crab | Combination or shellfish/seaweed | Crab endorsement and catch record card. |
| Columbia River salmon or steelhead | Freshwater or combination as appropriate | CRSSE, catch card and current river section rule. |
| Razor-clam dig | Razor clam, shellfish/seaweed or combination | Approved date, beach, tide and health status. |
| Resident fishing many activity types | Fish Washington | Halibut card and any water-specific restriction. |
Short-term restriction: one-, two- and three-day combination licenses use consecutive dates and still require applicable endorsements and catch record cards.
Who Needs a Washington Fishing License?
| Person or activity | Likely answer | Important exception |
|---|---|---|
| Resident or visitor age 16+ | Generally needs the appropriate license. | Check approved exemptions and reduced-fee status. |
| Angler age 15 | Usually no ordinary base license. | CRSSE and catch record cards can still apply. |
| Child age 14 or younger | Usually no base fishing license. | Catch record card and crab endorsement rules can still apply. |
| Catch-and-release angler | License generally still required. | Age and other official exemptions control. |
| Bullfrog fishing or relic-shell collection | WDFW lists these among activities not requiring the ordinary fishing license. | Collection, access and possession rules can still apply. |
Washington Resident Status
A resident generally needs a valid Washington driver’s license or identification card and a permanent Washington place of abode maintained for at least 90 days before purchase. Active-duty military documentation can follow separate rules.
Do not choose resident pricing from a temporary address alone. Keep the WILD profile consistent with the angler’s legal identification and current residency documents.
Use the current Washington license-information section after reviewing the general answer.
How to Buy a Washington Fishing License Online
Write Down the Exact Trip
List the dates, waterbody, species, freshwater or marine activity, shellfish activity and whether a catch record card is needed immediately.
Locate the Existing WILD Account
Use the existing WILD ID when the angler has purchased in Washington before. Avoid creating a duplicate account that separates past records and eligibility.
Choose Paper or Mobile
Make this decision carefully before completing the first eligible purchase for the 2026–27 license year.
Select the Base Product
Choose freshwater, saltwater, combination, Fish Washington, shellfish/seaweed, razor clam or a short-term combination license.
Add Cards and Endorsements
Check CRSSE, Puget Sound crab, two-pole and halibut requirements. Add the correct catch record card before checkout.
Review Dates and Charges
Confirm the license year, short-term dates, buyer category, included privileges and card-processing charge.
Print or Sync Before Leaving
Paper customers should print every required document. Mobile customers should open the app, sync the account and test offline access.
After building the product list, open the official WDFW licensing catalog.
Paper vs Mobile Washington Fishing License
| Issue | Paper customer | Mobile customer |
|---|---|---|
| License proof | Prints and carries letter-size documents. | Displays active privileges in MyWDFW or Fish Washington. |
| Catch recording | Writes retained catch by hand. | Uses electronic catch record cards. |
| Reporting | Mails the card by the deadline. | Catch entry is submitted electronically after syncing. |
| Offline use | Does not need a phone or battery. | Stores offline entries and syncs after service returns. |
| Changing choice | May switch to mobile if unused cards or tags are voided and returned as instructed. | Cannot normally switch back to paper until the next license year. |
Print-at-Home Rules for Paper Customers
- Print on ordinary 8.5-by-11-inch paper.
- Carry the required paper documents during the activity.
- Catch record cards and tags are generally printable only once.
- Licenses and endorsements can generally be printed again.
- Vehicle Access Passes can be reprinted and must be displayed correctly.
- A dealer or WDFW office can print documents when home printing is unavailable.
One-time-print warning: do not test-print a catch record card or tag and discard it. Use the final paper, confirm the printer is working and save ordinary license documents separately.
Use the official MyWDFW paper-and-mobile instructions before making the license-year selection.
Washington Catch Record Card Rules
A catch record card is required when fishing for salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, halibut or Puget Sound Dungeness crab. The card is required for the fishing activity, not only after a fish is kept.
What to Do When You Retain a Fish or Crab
- Stop fishing or redeploying crab gear.
- Open the correct paper or electronic card.
- Select or write the correct catch-area code.
- Enter the month and day.
- Record the required species, clip, length, boat or crab information.
- Finish the entry before continuing to fish.
Do not record released catch on the paper card. Record retained covered fish and crab according to the card instructions.
Paper Card Return Deadlines
| Paper card | Return deadline | Zero catch? |
|---|---|---|
| Fish catch record card | April 30 following the license year. | Return it even if you retained nothing or did not fish. |
| Summer Puget Sound crab card | October 1 following the summer season. | Return it even with zero crab. |
| Winter Puget Sound crab card | February 1 following the winter season. | Return it even with zero crab. |
WDFW CRC Unit
P.O. Box 43142
Olympia, WA 98504-3142
Electronic Catch Record Cards
Electronic cards can record catches without cell service. The entry remains on the device and submits when service returns. Mobile Puget Sound crab customers with no entries may need to complete the end-of-season no-catch survey; failure to complete the required survey can result in a $10 fine.
Use the official WDFW catch record instruction PDF for the visual entry examples and catch-area codes.
When the Columbia River Endorsement Is Required
Anglers age 15 or older need the Columbia River salmon and steelhead endorsement when targeting salmon or steelhead in the Columbia River and more than 50 covered Washington tributaries and waters.
| Fishing plan | CRSSE answer | Other document |
|---|---|---|
| Target Columbia salmon | Required | Valid license and catch record card. |
| Target covered-tributary steelhead | Required | Valid license and catch record card. |
| Target sturgeon only | Not required solely for sturgeon | Catch card and current sturgeon rules can still apply. |
| Target bass, walleye, shad or trout only | Not required solely for these species | Normal license and named-water rules still apply. |
| Angler age 15 | Required for covered salmon or steelhead fishing | Catch record card also required. |
Use the official CRSSE water list and maps after confirming the target species.
Washington Shellfish, Razor Clam and Crab Requirements
| Activity | Starting license | Additional check |
|---|---|---|
| Clams, oysters, mussels or seaweed | Shellfish/seaweed or combination | Beach opening, species limit and health closure. |
| Razor clams | Razor clam, shellfish/seaweed or combination | Approved beach, date, tide and dig rules. |
| Puget Sound Dungeness crab | Combination or shellfish/seaweed | Crab endorsement and catch record card. |
| Coastal Dungeness crab | Applicable shellfish privilege | Coastal management rules; Puget Sound catch-card rules differ. |
Check Two Separate Authorities
- Check WDFW for the legal season, beach, species, gear, size and daily limit.
- Check Washington Department of Health for biotoxin and pollution closures on the harvest day.
A legal WDFW season does not prove shellfish are safe to eat. Toxic shellfish can look, smell and taste normal.
After checking WDFW’s legal opening, use the official Washington shellfish-safety page or call 800-562-5632.
Two-Pole Endorsement and Parking Passes
Two-Pole Endorsement
The endorsement permits a second pole only on waters where two-pole fishing is specifically allowed. It does not convert a one-pole water into a two-pole water.
- Search the exact lake, river or pond.
- Confirm two-pole use is open on the fishing date.
- Check species, bait and hook restrictions.
- Follow one daily limit even when using two rods.
Vehicle Access Pass vs Discover Pass
Vehicle Access Pass
Included with many annual fishing licenses and valid at WDFW wildlife and water-access areas. Annual razor-clam and shellfish/seaweed licenses are excluded.
Discover Pass
Covers broader state recreation lands, including Washington State Parks and Department of Natural Resources lands.
No-printer Vehicle Access Pass option: mobile customers can follow WDFW’s confirmation-number and plate-number instructions on a blank sheet when a printer is unavailable.
Use the official WDFW parking-pass guide before leaving a vehicle at an access area.
Washington Reduced-Fee Fishing Licenses
Resident Senior Age 70 or Older
Qualifying residents receive reduced freshwater, saltwater, combination and Fish Washington prices. Endorsements can have separate senior prices.
Resident Disability Qualification
Eligibility is not automatic merely because someone receives Social Security, a county benefit or a temporary disability award. WDFW requires permanent qualifying disability certification and application processing.
Disabled Veterans
Qualifying resident and nonresident veterans can receive reduced pricing under specific service-connected disability and age standards.
- Apply before the fishing trip.
- Use the correct resident or nonresident application.
- Include the medical or VA documentation requested by WDFW.
- Wait until eligibility appears in the WILD account.
- Check catch cards and endorsements separately.
Use the official non-veteran eligibility requirements before submitting an application.
Washington Free Fishing Weekend Rules
Washington’s 2026 Free Fishing Weekend has passed. It was held June 6–7, but it did not waive licenses for every species or activity.
| Activity | License during the event |
|---|---|
| Trout, bass and many ordinary finfish | Ordinary license generally waived, subject to normal regulations. |
| Salmon | License still required |
| Steelhead | License still required |
| Sturgeon or halibut | License still required |
| Crab, clams, oysters, mussels or shrimp | Shellfish license still required |
The Vehicle Access Pass and two-pole endorsement were waived where applicable, but seasons, bag limits, size limits, gear rules and closures remained in force.
Use the official WDFW Free Fishing Weekend page for future dates and exclusions.
Refunds, Duplicate Purchases and Failed Checkout
Washington’s current license information identifies limited refund situations rather than a general change-of-mind refund policy.
| Problem | Possible official response | What to do immediately |
|---|---|---|
| System or dealer error | Refund may be allowed. | Save receipt, screenshots and product details. |
| Purchase made within the last 60 minutes | Refund may be possible. | Contact WDFW immediately before using or printing restricted documents. |
| Duplicate same-kind license | Refund may be allowed. | Do not use both products; contact licensing support. |
| Decided not to fish after a season was available | Refund generally not issued for that reason. | Confirm dates and products before checkout. |
| Card charged but product missing | Transaction must be investigated. | Check order history and call before paying again. |
Licensing Support Script
“I purchased a Washington license on [date/time]. The WILD ID is [number], the order number is [number], and the problem is [duplicate, wrong product, payment, missing privilege or printing]. The document has [not been used/not been printed]. Please confirm whether it can be corrected or refunded.”
Columbia River Reciprocity and Canadian Salmon Trips
Shared Columbia River Water
A valid Washington or Oregon fishing license can be used on specified shared mainstem Columbia River waters, but each tributary, section, endorsement and species rule must still be checked. A Washington license is required for Washington-only tributaries and waters outside the shared arrangement.
Fishing Canadian Marine Water and Returning by Boat
An angler planning to fish for salmon in Canadian marine water and return to Washington with the salmon aboard must notify WDFW before leaving Washington waters.
Notification is not a Canadian fishing license. Obtain the required Canadian authority and follow both countries’ possession, customs and Washington landing rules.
Use the official Canadian salmon trip notification page before departure.
Check the 2026–27 Rules After Buying
- Read the statewide general rules.
- Open the freshwater, marine-area or shellfish section.
- Search the exact lake, river, beach or marine area.
- Read the species-specific rules.
- Check emergency rules on the day of fishing.
- Check tribal, national-park or private-property requirements separately.
Emergency rules supersede the annual pamphlet. This is especially important for salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, halibut, marine fisheries and shellfish openings.
The current 2026–27 regulations are effective July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027. Use the WDFW regulations and emergency-rule hub immediately before the trip.
Washington Fishing License Links and Contacts
Buy or Manage a License
Use the official WILD catalog for licenses, endorsements and catch record products.
Find a Dealer
Use a dealer when you need help, paper printing or immediate documents.
Set Up Mobile Licensing
Review app setup, paper/mobile switching and offline use.
Check Catch Record Duties
Review electronic and paper reporting requirements.
Check Current Fees
Verify buyer-category prices, endorsements and parking passes.
Check Emergency Rules
Verify the exact water and species immediately before fishing.
Licensing Division
P.O. Box 43154
Olympia, WA 98504-3154
Licensing support: 360-902-2464
Toll-free licensing: 866-246-9453
Fishing regulations: 360-902-2700
Licensing email: licensing@dfw.wa.gov
Washington Fishing License FAQs
How much is a Washington fishing license in 2026?
Published 2026–27 totals include $39.95 for a resident annual freshwater license, $40.71 for resident saltwater, $74.37 for resident combination, $115.85 for nonresident freshwater and $170 for nonresident combination. Endorsements and a 2.9% online or phone card fee can increase checkout.
Who needs a Washington fishing license?
Residents and nonresidents age 16 or older generally need the appropriate license. Anglers age 15 or younger may still need catch record cards or the Columbia River salmon and steelhead endorsement.
Where can I buy a Washington fishing license?
Purchase through the WDFW online licensing system, an authorized dealer, MyWDFW, Fish Washington or WDFW telephone customer service.
How long is a Washington annual fishing license valid?
The Washington recreational license year runs from April 1 through March 31. A late-season annual purchase does not provide a new 365-day term.
Can I use a mobile Washington fishing license?
Yes. Customers can select mobile licensing for the 2026–27 year. Once mobile licensing is selected and a purchase is completed, the customer generally cannot switch back to paper until the next license year.
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. Retained catch must be recorded immediately.
What is the Columbia River salmon and steelhead endorsement?
Anglers age 15 or older need the endorsement when targeting salmon or steelhead in the Columbia River and covered Washington tributaries. A catch record card is also required.
Does a Washington combination license include shellfish?
Yes. It includes freshwater, saltwater and shellfish or seaweed privileges, including razor clams. Puget Sound Dungeness crab still requires the crab endorsement and catch record card.
Can I print a Washington fishing license at home?
Paper customers can print license documents on standard letter-size paper. Catch record cards and tags are generally printable only once, while licenses, endorsements and Vehicle Access Passes can be printed again.
What was Washington Free Fishing Weekend in 2026?
It was June 6 and 7, 2026. Licenses were still required for shellfish, salmon, steelhead, sturgeon and halibut, and normal fishing rules remained in effect.
Final Washington License Checklist
- The product covers the correct 2026–27 license year or short-term dates.
- The resident, nonresident, senior or reduced-fee category is correct.
- Freshwater, saltwater, combination or shellfish coverage matches the trip.
- The paper or mobile choice was made deliberately.
- The CRSSE is active for covered Columbia salmon or steelhead fishing.
- The Puget Sound crab endorsement is active when needed.
- The correct catch record card is available.
- The two-pole endorsement is used only on an allowed water.
- The app opens offline or every required paper document is printed.
- The Vehicle Access Pass or Discover Pass requirement is understood.
- The exact water-specific regulation has been checked.
- Emergency rules were checked on the fishing day.
- Shellfish harvesters checked WDFW legality and DOH safety status.
Final authority: WDFW, the WILD licensing system, the current sport-fishing rules, emergency-rule notices, catch-record instructions and Washington Department of Health shellfish closures control over this independent planning guide.