Washington Fishing License Cost: Resident & Nonresident Fees
Washington fishing license cost is not just one price. Your real WDFW cart can change based on freshwater, saltwater, shellfish, razor clams, Puget Sound crab, Columbia River salmon and steelhead, two-pole fishing, catch record cards, mobile vs paper licensing, and whether you buy online, by phone, or from a dealer.
Fast Answer: How Much Is a Washington Fishing License in 2026?
Most anglers age 16 or older need a Washington fishing or shellfishing license. WDFW’s current fee table lists resident freshwater at $39.95, resident saltwater at $40.71, and resident combination at $74.37. Nonresident freshwater is $115.85, nonresident saltwater is $81.70, and nonresident combination is $170.00.
Your total can be higher if you need shellfish/seaweed, razor clam, short-term combination, two-pole endorsement, Puget Sound crab endorsement, Columbia River salmon and steelhead endorsement, Discover Pass, duplicate license, catch record card plus halibut, or immediate paper catch record card/tag use.
Resident freshwater
For Washington residents fishing freshwater areas only.
Resident saltwater
For Washington residents fishing marine/saltwater areas only.
Resident combination
Freshwater, saltwater, shellfish and seaweed in one annual product.
License age
Age 16+ generally needs a license; catch record cards can apply to younger anglers too.
Official WDFW Fishing License Fee Table Screenshot
This screenshot is placed directly below the fast answer so users can visually confirm the official Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife fee table before buying a license or trusting a cost from another website.
Official Source and PDF Audit
Official agency: Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife, usually shown as WDFW. This refresh uses WDFW’s official fishing license fee table, general license page, catch record card page, print-from-home page, license dealer page, free fishing page, Columbia River salmon/steelhead endorsement page, emergency rules page, and WDFW-linked eRegulations/PDF correction sources.
Official fee source
Use WDFW’s “Fishing license types and fees” page for current products, prices, residency rules, package prices, duplicate cost, endorsements and 2026 mobile licensing notes.
Open official WDFW fee tableOfficial buying source
WDFW says anglers can buy online, by phone at 360-902-2464, or through license dealers. Immediate catch record card/tag needs require careful mobile/dealer planning.
Open WDFW WILD licensingPDF and correction audit
The eRegulations/PDF correction source shows fee corrections, two-pole language corrections, additional catch record card costs, and that online/current rules can supersede printed pamphlet pages.
Open WDFW-linked fishing guideWhat This Refresh Fixes Compared With Thin SERP Results
The live SERP shows a mix of official pages, outdated cost summaries, forum questions, and pages that miss the 2026 mobile/eCRC shift. This page focuses on task completion instead of only listing prices.
Current package pricing
Uses the current WDFW fee table, including Fish Washington at $101.88, not older $94.15 summaries from older PDF correction periods.
2026 mobile licensing
Explains MyWDFW, Fish Washington, electronic catch record cards, offline saving and the paper/mobile choice.
Catch card reality
Explains that youth may still need catch record cards, paper cards have deadlines, and some items are one-time print.
PDF corrections
Turns PDF correction details into practical advice: current online fee tables and emergency rules can override older printed pages.
Trip-based decisions
Compares short-term, annual, shellfish, razor clam, combo, Fish Washington and endorsement choices.
Safer buying guidance
Reminds users to verify the WDFW cart and not rely on ads, outdated PDFs, forum snippets or nonofficial calculators.
Who This Washington Fishing License Cost Page Is For
Use this guide if you need to choose the cheapest correct Washington license before checkout, not just memorize one price.
Freshwater anglers
You fish lakes, rivers or streams and need to know whether a freshwater license is enough.
Saltwater anglers
You fish marine areas and need to check catch record cards, halibut, salmon, crab or endorsements.
Shellfish and crab users
You need to know when shellfish/seaweed, razor clam, Puget Sound crab and reporting rules matter.
Nonresidents
You want to compare annual nonresident licenses with 1-day, 2-day or 3-day combination options.
Mobile license users
You want to know how MyWDFW, Fish Washington and electronic catch record cards affect proof in the field.
Seniors and disability applicants
You need reduced-rate senior, resident disabled and nonresident disabled veteran cost notes.
Washington Fishing License Quick Facts
| Question | Current practical answer | Official place to verify |
|---|---|---|
| Official agency | Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife | WDFW official website |
| Who needs a license? | Everyone age 16+ generally needs a license to fish or shellfish in Washington waters. | WDFW fishing license page |
| Online buying | Use WDFW’s WILD online licensing system. | WDFW online licensing |
| Phone purchase/help | 360-902-2464 | WDFW fee page |
| License dealers | WDFW lists more than 600 license dealers statewide. | Find WDFW license dealers |
| Catch record cards | Required for salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, halibut and Puget Sound Dungeness crab, including youth. | Check WDFW catch card rules |
Washington Fishing License Cost Table: Current WDFW Fees
WDFW says prices shown include applicable fees, and buying multiple items in the same transaction may reduce total cost. Verify your final WDFW cart before payment.
| License / item | Resident | Nonresident | Senior / youth / disability notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freshwater annual | $39.95 | $115.85 | Resident senior 70+ $9.59. |
| Saltwater annual | $40.71 | $81.70 | Resident senior 70+ $10.35. |
| Combination annual | $74.37 | $170.00 | Resident senior 70+ $28.83; resident disabled $12.89; nonresident disabled veteran $74.37. |
| Fish Washington package | $101.88 | Not listed as a standard nonresident package | Resident senior 70+ $49.85; resident disabled $47.98. |
| Get Outdoors package | $330.54 | Not listed as a standard nonresident package | Resident senior 70+ $142.36; resident disabled $193.44. |
| Shellfish/Seaweed annual | $21.58 | $47.39 | Resident senior 70+ $13.99; nonresident disabled veteran $47.39. |
| Razor Clam annual | $17.44 | $28.07 | Resident senior 70+ $17.44; nonresident disabled veteran $28.07. |
| 1-Day Combination | $14.90 | $27.05 | Resident senior $14.90; nonresident disabled veteran $14.90. |
| 2-Day Combination | $20.98 | $39.19 | Resident senior $20.98; nonresident disabled veteran $20.98. |
| 3-Day Combination | $25.53 | $48.30 | Resident senior $25.53; nonresident disabled veteran $25.53. |
| 3-Day Razor Clam | $11.79 | $11.79 | Youth 15 and under listed at $11.79. |
Which Washington Fishing License Should You Buy?
The cheapest license is only the right license if it covers your water, species and harvest plan.
2026 Mobile Licensing, MyWDFW and Electronic Catch Record Cards
For 2026, WDFW added mobile licensing through the MyWDFW app and Fish Washington app. This affects how users display active privileges, record harvest and choose paper vs mobile for the license year.
Display license privileges
Use WDFW-supported apps to access active license privileges where available.
Electronic catch reporting
eCRCs are available for statewide salmon, steelhead, sturgeon and halibut; Puget Sound Dungeness crab eCRC is listed as coming in summer 2026.
Offline catch entry
WDFW says electronic entries can be saved without cell service and submitted when the device reconnects.
Print From Home, Paper Changes and One-Time Print Items
WDFW has moved away from waterproof, tear-resistant license paper and now uses standard 8.5 x 11 copy paper for recreational license products. This makes backup planning more important if you fish in rain, salt spray, remote areas or from a boat.
Print from WILD account
After online purchase, WDFW says users can print from the WILD account, emailed receipt or confirmation screen.
One-time print items
Catch record cards, migratory bird harvest cards and big game tags are single-print items because of validation and reporting rules.
Protect paper proof
Use a zip-top bag, waterproof pouch or small dry box because standard paper can be damaged on the water.
Endorsements, Catch Record Cards and Extra Washington Costs
Many Washington cost mistakes happen after the basic license choice. Check these items before buying.
| Extra item | Cost / rule | When it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Catch Record Card | First card free; additional cards have listed costs in PDF correction notes | Required for salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, halibut and Puget Sound Dungeness crab, including anglers under 16. |
| Catch Record Card + Halibut | $7.59 | Needed when your catch record card includes halibut. |
| Two-Pole Endorsement | $20.23 standard; $8.09 resident senior | Only where two-pole fishing is allowed. It does not make two-pole fishing legal everywhere. |
| Puget Sound Crab Endorsement annual | $11.89 | Needed for Puget Sound Dungeness crab with an annual license. Separate catch record cards are required. |
| Puget Sound Crab Endorsement temporary | $5.05 | Needed for Puget Sound Dungeness crab with a temporary license. |
| Columbia River salmon and steelhead endorsement | $8.75 standard; $7.10 for 15-year-olds and resident seniors | Required for anglers age 15+ targeting salmon or steelhead in the Columbia River and many Washington tributaries. |
| Duplicate license | $9.70 | Required for lost, stolen or mutilated licenses. |
| Discover Pass | $51.50 annual; $11.50 one-day | Parking/access pass need is separate from fishing privileges; check your access site. |
Washington Short-Term Fishing License Cost: 1-Day, 2-Day and 3-Day
Short-term combination licenses can be cheaper for visitors and occasional anglers, but WDFW says 1–3 day combination licenses must be used on consecutive days and require other endorsements where applicable.
1-Day Combination
Resident $14.90 and nonresident $27.05. Best for a single planned fishing or shellfish day.
2-Day Combination
Resident $20.98 and nonresident $39.19. Good for two consecutive days.
3-Day Combination
Resident $25.53 and nonresident $48.30. Still check endorsements and catch record cards.
Washington Free Fishing Weekend 2026: What Is Free and What Is Not
Free Fishing Weekend is June 6–7, 2026. WDFW says licenses are not required for many species during the weekend, but licenses are still required for salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, halibut and all shellfish. All other rules still apply.
Included species
Many open game fish opportunities can be available without a license during Free Fishing Weekend.
Excluded species
Salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, halibut and all shellfish still require licenses.
Two-pole waiver
WDFW says two-pole endorsement is waived where applicable, but area/species rules still control.
Regulation Pamphlet, PDF Corrections and Emergency Rules
WDFW’s regulation resources tell anglers to use the annual fishing guide, eRegulations, corrections/clarifications and emergency rules. Emergency rules can override the pamphlet, and eRegulations notes that online updates can correct printed PDF pages.
Use the WDFW-linked Washington fishing guide before fishing a specific species or water.
Fee tables, two-pole language and water-specific seasons can be corrected after publication.
Emergency rules can change seasons, closures, species retention and limits.
Marine areas, Columbia River tributaries, rivers and lakes can have special rules by location and species.
A license is not enough if the species, season, catch card or endorsement rule is different for your water.
How to Buy, Print or Replace a Washington Fishing License
Use official WDFW routes. If you need immediate catch record card or tag use, plan before relying on mail delivery.
Use fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov, call 360-902-2464, or use a WDFW-listed license dealer.
Freshwater, saltwater, shellfish/seaweed and combination licenses are different products.
Check Puget Sound crab, two-pole and Columbia River salmon/steelhead requirements before paying.
Mobile licensing and eCRCs can help some anglers, while paper catch record cards/tags may require careful printing or dealer help.
Keep license proof and report catch record cards by the proper deadline, even if you did not catch anything.
WDFW lists duplicate licenses at $9.70 for lost, stolen or mutilated licenses.
Documents and Information to Keep Ready
Before buying
- Legal name and date of birth for the angler.
- WILD ID if the angler already has one.
- Washington residency proof if claiming resident pricing.
- Social Security number for age 16+ purchase requirements.
- Email address for temporary license or account messages.
- Payment method and final species/water plan.
Before fishing
- License proof or mobile license access.
- Catch record card or eCRC if required.
- Endorsements for Puget Sound crab, two-pole or Columbia River salmon/steelhead if needed.
- Emergency rule check for the water and species.
- Regulation pamphlet/app access.
- Parking/access pass if your site requires it.
After You Buy: What to Save, Print and Check
Save the receipt
Keep the emailed receipt, WILD account confirmation and order number.
Print or open mobile proof
Make sure you can show your license in the field before leaving service.
Check catch card status
Confirm paper or electronic catch record card access if your species requires it.
Protect paper
Use a dry bag or waterproof holder for standard copy-paper documents.
Check emergency rules
Verify your water and species right before fishing.
Record/report harvest
Record retained catch immediately and report by deadlines when required.
Common Washington Fishing License Cost Mistakes
Buying freshwater for saltwater
Freshwater and saltwater are separate unless you buy combination.
Forgetting catch record cards
Catch record cards can be required even for anglers who do not need a license due to age.
Using old Fish Washington price
Older SERP snippets may show $94.15; the current WDFW fee page lists $101.88.
Ignoring Puget Sound crab
Puget Sound Dungeness crab has endorsement and catch reporting rules.
Assuming mobile solves everything
Mobile licensing helps, but app choice, eCRC rules and enforcement view still need checking.
Skipping emergency rules
Emergency rules can change seasons and limits after the pamphlet is published.
Troubleshooting: License Not Found, Mailing Delay or Wrong Product
License Dealer and “Near Me” Buying Help
WDFW says licenses can be purchased online, by phone, or through more than 600 license dealers around Washington. Use the official dealer finder instead of relying on old store lists or search-result snippets.
Call before driving
A store may be open while the license counter is closed or the system is unavailable.
Bring ID and WILD ID
Have your angler information ready to avoid duplicate accounts or wrong profiles.
Immediate documents
If you need immediate catch record card or tag use, a dealer may be better than mail delivery.
No Map, Video or Unverified Internal Links Added
No generic Google map or random video is embedded because WDFW’s official online licensing system, dealer finder, print guidance, fee table, app pages and regulation guide are more useful for this search intent. No internal links are added because a live sitemap-verification path was not available in this run; this avoids unverified or possible 404 internal links.
Decision Table: If You Need This, Use This Official Action
| User need | Best action | Official link |
|---|---|---|
| Buy a Washington fishing license | Use WDFW’s WILD online licensing system. | Buy through WDFW |
| Check current fees | Use the official WDFW license types and fees table. | Check WDFW fees |
| Print your license | Use WDFW print-from-home instructions and know which items are one-time print. | Print from home guide |
| Find a local seller | Use WDFW’s license dealer finder. | Find dealers |
| Check fishing rules | Open WDFW fishing regulations and emergency rules. | Open WDFW regulations |
| Use eCRC or mobile proof | Check WDFW app guidance before selecting paper or mobile. | Open MyWDFW app guide |
People Also Search: Helpful Washington Cost Answers
AI Quick Answer Block
Official agency: Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife.
Main age rule: Everyone age 16 or older generally needs a Washington fishing or shellfishing license.
Main resident costs: Freshwater $39.95, saltwater $40.71, combination $74.37, Fish Washington package $101.88.
Main nonresident costs: Freshwater $115.85, saltwater $81.70, combination $170.00.
Extra checks: Catch record cards, Puget Sound crab, two-pole endorsement, Columbia River salmon/steelhead endorsement, razor clams, Discover Pass, mobile vs paper choice and emergency rules can change the real trip requirement.
Best next step: Verify your exact cart on WDFW, then check the regulation pamphlet and emergency rules for your target species and water.
Official Source Notes
Use these official sources for final verification before buying, printing, visiting a dealer, reporting catch, or fishing a specific water.
WDFW Fishing License Types and Fees — current resident, nonresident, senior, disabled, package, endorsement, Discover Pass and duplicate cost table WDFW Fishing and Shellfishing Licenses — age rule, catch record card rule, buying guidance, Social Security number notice and mobile licensing details WDFW WILD Licensing System — official online license purchase route WDFW Print From Home — official printing, one-time print item and paper-care guidance WDFW License Dealers — official dealer finder for in-person buying WDFW Catch Record Cards — eCRC, paper CRC, reporting deadlines and recording rules WDFW Fishing Regulations — annual pamphlet, emergency rules, Fish Washington app and species/water regulation resources Washington Fishing Seasons and Rules — WDFW-linked eRegulations guide and PDF download area Columbia River Salmon and Steelhead Endorsement — official CRSSE cost, age and required waters information Washington Free Fishing Weekend — official inclusions, exclusions and 2026 date guidanceWashington Fishing License Cost FAQs
How much is a Washington resident fishing license in 2026?
A Washington resident freshwater license is listed at $39.95, a resident saltwater license is $40.71, and a resident combination license is $74.37. The Fish Washington package is listed at $101.88 for residents.
How much is a Washington nonresident fishing license?
A Washington nonresident freshwater license is listed at $115.85, a nonresident saltwater license is $81.70, and a nonresident combination license is $170.00.
What is the Washington combination fishing license?
The combination license allows freshwater fishing, saltwater fishing, and harvest of shellfish, including razor clams, and seaweed. It is listed at $74.37 for residents and $170.00 for nonresidents.
What is the Fish Washington license package?
The Fish Washington package is a one-click annual package that includes a combination license, Puget Sound Dungeness crab endorsement and two-pole endorsement at reduced package cost. The current resident package is listed at $101.88.
Do kids need a Washington fishing license?
Anglers age 15 and younger do not need a fishing license, but catch record cards are still required for salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, halibut and Puget Sound Dungeness crab when fishing for those species.
How much is a Washington short-term fishing license?
WDFW lists a 1-day combination license at $14.90 resident and $27.05 nonresident, a 2-day combination at $20.98 resident and $39.19 nonresident, and a 3-day combination at $25.53 resident and $48.30 nonresident.
How much is a Washington shellfish or razor clam license?
WDFW lists shellfish/seaweed at $21.58 resident and $47.39 nonresident. Razor clam is listed at $17.44 resident and $28.07 nonresident. A 3-day razor clam license is listed at $11.79.
What endorsements can change the Washington fishing license cost?
The two-pole endorsement, Puget Sound crab endorsement and Columbia River salmon and steelhead endorsement can change your final cost. Catch record card plus halibut and Discover Pass needs can also affect the total trip cost.
Can I buy a Washington fishing license online?
Yes. WDFW says you can buy online through the WILD licensing system, by phone at 360-902-2464, or through license dealers around the state.
Can I use a mobile Washington fishing license in 2026?
Yes, WDFW added mobile licensing for 2026 through the MyWDFW and Fish Washington apps. Anglers should still verify catch record card, tag, eCRC and paper-document requirements before fishing.
What changed with Washington paper fishing licenses in 2026?
WDFW discontinued waterproof, tear-resistant license paper and now uses standard 8.5 x 11 copy paper for recreational license products. Some items can be printed multiple times, while catch record cards and some other harvest documents are one-time print items.
What is free during Washington Free Fishing Weekend?
Free Fishing Weekend in 2026 is June 6–7. Licenses are waived for many species, but licenses are still required for salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, halibut and all shellfish, and all other rules still apply.
Why might my final WDFW cart cost more than the basic license price?
Your cart can cost more if you add endorsements, catch record card plus halibut, Discover Pass, duplicate license, razor clam, shellfish/seaweed or other items. WDFW also says buying multiple items in one transaction may reduce total cost compared with separate purchases.
Is FishingLicenseInfo.org the official Washington license website?
No. FishingLicenseInfo.org is an independent educational guide. Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife and its official licensing system control final license products, fees, regulations, enforcement, mobile licensing and catch record card requirements.
Final Take: Compare the Full WDFW Cart, Not Just the Base Fee
Washington fishing license cost starts with freshwater, saltwater or combination, but the real trip cost depends on what you fish for and where you fish. Catch record cards, shellfish/seaweed, razor clams, two-pole fishing, Puget Sound crab, Columbia River salmon/steelhead, printing needs, mobile choice and parking/access needs can change the decision.
For the safest next step, open WDFW’s official fee table, choose the license that matches your water and species, save proof, and check the annual guide plus emergency rules before fishing.
Select a state on the left + fill in the form + click the button to see your result here.