How Much Is a Washington Fishing License? 2025 Prices & Types

Last updated: September 19, 2026.

For Washington’s current 2026 fishing-license fee schedule, a resident annual combination license costs $74.37, while the nonresident combination license costs $170.00. Residents can also choose a freshwater license for $39.95 or a saltwater license for $40.71. For short trips, a resident 1 Day Combination license costs $14.90. Anglers age 15 and younger do not need a fishing license, although catch record cards are still required when fishing for certain species.

Overview of Fishing License Types

Washington lets you match the license to the type of fishing or harvesting you plan to do. A Combination license covers freshwater fishing, saltwater fishing, shellfish, razor clams, and seaweed. A Freshwater or Saltwater license is narrower, while Shellfish/Seaweed and Razor Clam licenses work for anglers and harvesters who do not need broader fishing privileges.

If you only fish freshwater, buying the Freshwater license can cost less than Combination coverage. If you want freshwater, saltwater, and shellfish privileges in one license, the Combination option is the broader choice.

Anglers age 15 and younger do not need a fishing license. However, anglers of any age need a catch record card when fishing for species that require one, including salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, halibut, and Puget Sound Dungeness crab.

Don’t forget about endorsements. These add-ons can be required for activities such as using two poles, harvesting Puget Sound Dungeness crab, or targeting salmon and steelhead in Columbia River waters covered by the Columbia River Salmon and Steelhead Endorsement.

Annual Fishing License Costs

For the current WDFW fee schedule, a Washington resident age 16–69 pays $74.37 for an annual Combination fishing license. The nonresident Combination license costs $170.00, while a resident senior age 70 or older pays $28.83.

If you do not need full combination coverage, residents can choose a Freshwater license for $39.95 or a Saltwater license for $40.71. A resident Shellfish/Seaweed license is $21.58, while the annual resident Razor Clam license is $17.44.

Qualifying residents with disabilities can obtain a reduced-rate Combination license for $12.89. Eligibility is limited to specific disability categories established by Washington law, so approval for reduced fees is not automatic simply because a person receives another disability benefit.

Washington also offers the Fish Washington license for residents. It costs $101.88 for a resident adult and bundles the annual Combination license with the Puget Sound Dungeness crab, two-pole, and Columbia River Salmon and Steelhead endorsements.

Short-Term Fishing License Options

If you’re planning a quick fishing trip in Washington and do not want a full annual license, 1-, 2-, and 3-day Combination licenses cover consecutive days and work much like the annual Combination license. Required endorsements still apply.

Compare both the trip length and your residency before buying, because nonresident temporary-license prices are higher than resident rates.

Here’s the current fee overview:

Short-term licenses are most useful for visitors and occasional anglers. If you expect to fish repeatedly, compare the cumulative temporary-license cost with the annual license that covers the activities you actually use.

Endorsements and Their Fees

Some Washington fishing activities require an endorsement in addition to your base license.

Choose endorsements by activity: two-pole fishing, Puget Sound Dungeness crab, and Columbia River salmon or steelhead each have separate requirements.

The Two-Pole Endorsement costs $20.23 for most anglers and allows two-pole fishing only on waters where the method is authorized. A resident senior pays $8.09.

The Puget Sound Dungeness Crab Endorsement costs $11.89 when used with an annual license or $5.05 with a 1-, 2-, or 3-day Combination license. A catch record card is also required.

Since January 1, 2026, anglers age 15 and older targeting salmon or steelhead in the Columbia River and specified Washington tributaries need the Columbia River Salmon and Steelhead Endorsement. It costs $8.75 for resident and nonresident anglers age 16 and older and $7.10 for 15-year-olds and resident seniors.

The first standard Catch Record Card is free. WDFW lists the Catch Record Card + Halibut option at $7.59 for applicable adult license categories.

Additional Fees and Permits

Your fishing license may not be the only cost associated with a trip. Parking access, aquatic-invasive-species requirements, endorsements, and replacement documents can add to the total.

WDFW lists the Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Permit at $24 when that permit applies. Duplicate fishing licenses are listed at $9.70.

Parking is a common source of confusion because the WDFW Vehicle Access Pass and Discover Pass are not the same product. Several annual fishing licenses include a Vehicle Access Pass for WDFW-managed lands. The Discover Pass covers qualifying recreation lands managed by Washington State Parks, the Department of Natural Resources, and WDFW.

Discover Pass Costs

The base annual Discover Pass price is $45, while a one-day pass is $10. When purchased through WDFW online or at a license dealer, WDFW lists the totals as $51.50 annually and $11.50 for one day because processing fees are included.

The annual pass is valid for one year and may be used for vehicle access to qualifying State Parks, DNR, and WDFW recreation lands. If your fishing destination is on WDFW land and your annual fishing license includes a Vehicle Access Pass, you may not need to buy a separate Discover Pass solely for that WDFW location.

The 2025 Discover Pass price change was enacted through Washington legislation commonly referenced as Senate Bill 5390 and took effect October 1, 2025.

Endorsement Fees Overview

Use endorsements only when your planned activity requires them.

If you want to use two fishing poles where two-pole fishing is permitted, the standard Two-Pole Endorsement costs $20.23.

For Puget Sound Dungeness crab, the endorsement costs $11.89 with an annual license or $5.05 with a temporary Combination license.

The first standard Catch Record Card is free, while WDFW lists Catch Record Card + Halibut at $7.59 for applicable adult categories.

The Columbia River Salmon and Steelhead Endorsement costs $8.75 for most anglers age 16 and older and $7.10 for 15-year-olds and resident seniors when the endorsement is required.

What Changed in Washington Fishing Fees in 2025–2026?

The major fee changes described as “upcoming” in older guides have already taken effect. Washington legislation increased many recreational hunting and fishing license fees in 2025, the Discover Pass base price increased in October 2025, and a Columbia River Salmon and Steelhead Endorsement became required in affected fisheries on January 1, 2026.

Because fees, endorsements, and regulations can change again, check WDFW’s current fee schedule immediately before purchasing rather than relying on an old screenshot or previous-year article.

Discounts and Special Licenses

Washington provides lower prices for several qualifying groups, but the amount depends on the specific license.

For resident seniors age 70 and older, the annual Combination license costs $28.83, Freshwater costs $9.59, Saltwater costs $10.35, and Shellfish/Seaweed costs $13.99.

Qualifying residents with disabilities can obtain a reduced-rate Combination license for $12.89. WDFW uses specific statutory eligibility categories, so applicants should confirm that they qualify before relying on the reduced rate.

Active-duty military members can obtain Washington short-term fishing licenses at resident rates even when they are not stationed in Washington. Military personnel whose orders show Washington as their current duty station can also use qualifying military documentation when establishing Washington residency for licensing purposes.

Military and disability discounts have specific eligibility rules. Confirm your status with WDFW before purchasing rather than assuming a reduced rate applies.

For anglers focused only on shellfish or razor clams, the resident annual Shellfish/Seaweed license costs $21.58 and the resident annual Razor Clam license costs $17.44.

How to Purchase Your Fishing License

You can buy a Washington fishing license online, by phone, through an authorized license dealer, or through WDFW’s newer mobile-licensing system.

You can purchase online through the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife WILD licensing system at fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov. WDFW also lists (360) 902-2464 for licensing assistance and phone purchases.

Nearly 400 authorized license dealers operate around Washington. WDFW’s current dealer directory includes many Walmart locations as well as sporting-goods stores and other retailers, but participation varies by individual store.

New for 2026, anglers can choose mobile licensing through the MyWDFW and Fish Washington apps. Electronic catch record cards are also available for anglers who select the mobile option.

If you choose paper licensing, current WDFW procedures also allow eligible license documents to be printed on standard paper.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is a Washington fishing license in 2026?

A resident annual Combination fishing license costs $74.37, while the nonresident Combination license costs $170.00. Resident Freshwater and Saltwater licenses cost $39.95 and $40.71 respectively. Short-term resident Combination licenses start at $14.90 for one day.

What age do you need a fishing license in Washington?

Washington requires a fishing license for anglers age 16 and older. Anglers age 15 and younger do not need a fishing license, but catch record cards are still required for certain species, including salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, halibut, and Puget Sound Dungeness crab.

Do seniors need a fishing license in Washington?

Yes. Resident anglers age 70 and older generally still need a fishing license, but Washington offers lower senior rates. For example, the current resident senior Combination license costs $28.83.

Does Walmart sell fishing licenses in Washington?

Many Washington Walmart locations appear in WDFW’s authorized license-dealer directory, but not every store should be assumed to participate. Check the current WDFW dealer list or contact the store before visiting.

Do I need a separate license for shellfish or razor clams?

It depends on your existing license. A Combination license already includes shellfish and razor-clam privileges. If you do not have Combination coverage, Washington also sells separate Shellfish/Seaweed and Razor Clam licenses. Puget Sound Dungeness crab requires an additional endorsement and catch record card.

Do I need a Discover Pass to go fishing in Washington?

Not always. Several annual fishing licenses include a WDFW Vehicle Access Pass for WDFW-managed lands. A Discover Pass is generally used for qualifying vehicle access to Washington State Parks, Department of Natural Resources lands, and WDFW lands. Check who manages your fishing access point before buying an additional pass.

Conclusion

For most anglers, choosing the right Washington fishing license comes down to four questions: Are you a resident or nonresident, how many days will you fish, will you use freshwater or saltwater, and do you need shellfish or a special endorsement? For 2026, the resident annual Combination license is $74.37, while a resident one-day Combination license starts at $14.90.

Before leaving, confirm your exact waterbody rules, endorsements, catch record card, and parking requirements through WDFW. If you are new to the rules themselves, see our fishing regulations basics guide. New anglers can also use our fishing basics for beginners guide to prepare for the rest of the trip.

Sources

1. Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife fishing license types and fees — current license types, resident and nonresident prices, senior rates, short-term licenses, endorsements, and fees.
2. Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife fishing and shellfishing licenses — licensing requirements, age rules, catch record cards, and current purchasing information.
3. WDFW fishing license endorsements — two-pole, Puget Sound Dungeness crab, and Columbia River endorsement requirements.
4. WDFW catch record cards — species requirements and 2026 electronic catch-record options.
5. WDFW Fish Hunt licensing system — official online license purchase system.
6. WDFW authorized license dealers — current dealer directory, including participating Walmart locations.
7. Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife parking and access passes — Vehicle Access Pass and Discover Pass information.
8. Discover Pass official site — base pass pricing and Washington state recreation-land access information.