Complete Guide to Washington Fishing Licenses

Before you drop a line in Washington or head out fishing on the local waterways, you’ll need a fishing license or permit to ensure that you’re in full compliance with local and state regulations, but don’t worry, we have you covered.

In the following guide to Washington fishing licenses, we’ll cover:

Have you been thinking about heading offshore and chasing monster tuna? Then be sure to check out Tuna Fishing Seasons: A Comprehensive Guide, which will cover everything you need to know about tuna seasons and the best time to plan your tuna fishing adventure!

Regardless of your angling experience, almost all anglers will need a little bit of help when it comes to finding the best fishing spots and knowing the best times to head out on the water, especially if you’re fishing in a new spot. Thanks to the advanced technology in the premium Fish Finder App, you’ll know the best times to go fishing in Washington, when the fish are biting, and when you are just better off staying home.

Types of WA Fishing Licenses

Washington has several different fishing licenses available for both resident and non-resident anglers so that you can get outdoors and enjoy this fantastic and abundant fishery for yourself. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife has a detailed breakdown of all hunting, fishing, and outdoor activity license types on its website.

When you purchase a Washington fishing license, you’re directly contributing to the ongoing health and wellness of the fishery by supporting the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife conservation, research, and habitat initiative. 

By being responsible anglers, we’re all doing our part to ensure the fishery can be enjoyed by future generations of anglers for many years to come.

Resident Fishing Licenses 

• Annual Freshwater.
• Annual Saltwater.
• Annual Fish Washington.
• Annual Combo.
• Senior Annual Freshwater.
• Junior Annual Saltwater.
• Disabled/Veteran Annual Fish Washington.

Non-Resident Fishing Licenses

• Annual Freshwater.
• Annual Saltwater.
• 1-Day Combination.
• 2-Day Combination.
• 3-Day Combination.

Cost of Washington Fishing Licenses

To make fishing as accessible and affordable as possible, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife has a tiered structure of license costs for residents, non-residents, youth, seniors, veterans, and people living with a disability.

When you purchase a Washington fishing license, a percentage of your license fees go directly to the ongoing health and wellness of the fishery by supporting the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife conservation, research, and habitat initiative. You can learn more about their conservation efforts here.

By being responsible anglers, we’re all doing our part to ensure the fishery can be enjoyed by future generations of anglers for many years to come.

Resident Fishing Licenses 

• Annual Freshwater – $29.50.
• Annual Saltwater – $30.05.
• Annual Fish Washington – $69.55.
• Annual Combo – $55.35.
• Senior Annual Combo – $19.05.
• Junior Annual Saltwater – $8.05.
• Disabled/Veteran Annual Combo – $11.35.

Non-Resident Fishing Licenses

• Annual Freshwater – $84.50.
• Annual Saltwater – $59.75.
• 1-Day Combination – $20.15.
• 2-Day Combination – $28.95.
• 3-Day Combination – $35.55.

Age Requirements for WA Fishing License

Washington offers license-free fishing to anyone 14 years and younger. Everyone else aged 15 years and older must have a valid fishing license in order to fish any fresh or saltwater bodies of water in the state of Washington.

However, if you are an adult who is taking youth fishing and assisting them, you are not required to have a license if you’re not actively fishing or harvesting any fish.

Washinton also offers several Free Fishing Days. The Free Fishing Days are always on the first weekend after the first Monday in June. You can stay up to date with Washington’s free fishing opportunities by visiting the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife website.

Please note, even on free fishing days, or if you are a youth angler 14 years and younger, you are still required to abide by all size, bag, and season limits.

Where to Obtain a Washington Fishing License

Washington provides anglers with several quick and easy ways to purchase a fishing license, including online, by phone, and in person.

Online

If you would like to purchase your fishing license online, you can visit the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife online portal here. Please have a valid form of identification and payment ready to complete your purchase.

Phone

Those who wish to purchase their fishing permit over the phone can do so by calling (866) 246-9453, Monday-Friday between regular business hours.

In Person

If you want to purchase your Washington fishing permit in person, you can do so at one of the many authorized dealers located throughout the state. You can use their interactive guide here to find the closest dealer to your location.

Complete Guide to Washington Fishing Licenses – Conclusion

There you go! Everything you need to know about Washington fishing licenses and permits is covered in our comprehensive Washington fishing license guide. Not only is it a legal requirement to have the correct and current valid fishing license, but it also contributes to the health of the fishery.

When you purchase a permit, almost all of the license fees go directly back into conservation programs, fish research, studies, stocking, management, habitat improvement, and access initiatives to ensure the ongoing health of the local fisheries for future generations of new anglers to enjoy for many years to come.

The Fishbox App allows anglers to track weather conditions and predict the best time to head out on the water regardless of the species you target. Fishbox App utilizes an in-depth analysis of weather patterns, fish behavior, and tidal and lunar conditions to predict the best times to go angling and when you’re better off relaxing at home and getting some boat or tackle maintenance done.

If you have any questions about fishing licenses or permits in Nebraska, feel free to comment below. Our team of fishing enthusiasts loves answering any fishing-related questions and enjoys reading feedback from readers.