What You Pay for a Washington Fishing License

A Washington resident fishing license costs $31.06 for a one-year license as of 2024. Non-residents pay $48.06 for the same period. These prices cover freshwater fishing only — saltwater fishing requires a separate Puget Sound Endorsement ($10.50 for residents, $10.50 for non-residents) or a Coastal Endorsement ($10.50 for residents, $10.50 for non-residents), depending on where you fish.

Washington also sells short-term licenses for people who fish occasionally. A three-day license costs $13.50 for residents and $20.50 for non-residents. A one-day license is $8.50 for residents and $12.50 for non-residents. Prices are set by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and change annually, usually in April.

You can buy a license online through the WDFW website, by phone at 1-866-246-9453, or at any licensed vendor — sporting goods stores, hardware stores, and some grocery stores sell them. Online purchase is fastest and you can start fishing when ready with a printed confirmation or digital copy on your phone.

Key Takeaways

  • A one-year resident freshwater license costs $31.06; non-residents pay $48.06.
  • Saltwater fishing requires an additional endorsement ($10.50) on top of your base license.
  • Short-term licenses (one day or three days) cost less and do not require a full-year commitment.
  • You can purchase online, by phone, or at any licensed vendor and fish when ready with proof of purchase.
  • License prices change each April and vary slightly by endorsement type and residency status.

Resident vs. Non-Resident Pricing

Washington charges different rates depending on whether you live in the state. A resident is someone with a Washington driver's license or state ID, or someone who has lived in Washington for at least 90 consecutive days. Non-residents pay roughly 50 percent more for the same license.

If you are a non-resident but fish in Washington regularly, a one-year license ($48.06) is cheaper than buying multiple three-day licenses ($20.50 each). After three trips, the annual license pays for itself. Non-residents also have the same endorsement options as residents — Puget Sound, Coastal, or both — at the same endorsement price.

Saltwater vs. Freshwater License Requirements

Your base license covers freshwater fishing only — lakes, rivers, and streams. If you want to fish in Puget Sound (saltwater), you need to add a Puget Sound Endorsement. If you fish the Pacific Ocean or coastal areas, you need a Coastal Endorsement. Both endorsements cost $10.50 and stack on top of your base license price.

Some people fish both freshwater and saltwater, so they buy both endorsements. The total cost for a resident who fishes everywhere would be $31.06 (base) + $10.50 (Puget Sound) + $10.50 (Coastal) = $52.06 for one year. You do not need both endorsements unless you actually fish in both areas.

Short-Term Licenses for Occasional Fishing

If you fish only once or twice a year, a short-term license saves money. A one-day license costs $8.50 for residents and $12.50 for non-residents. A three-day license costs $13.50 for residents and $20.50 for non-residents. The three-day license is valid for three consecutive calendar days, not three separate fishing trips.

Short-term licenses cover freshwater only. If you want to fish saltwater on a short-term license, you still need to buy the appropriate endorsement ($10.50). A resident buying a one-day license plus a Puget Sound Endorsement would pay $8.50 + $10.50 = $19.00 for one day of saltwater fishing.

Where and How to Buy Your License

The fastest way to buy a license is online at the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife website (wdfw.wa.gov). You can complete the purchase in five minutes, print your license when ready, and start fishing the same day. You can also save the license as a PDF on your phone and show it to a ranger if asked.

If you prefer not to buy online, call 1-866-246-9453 during business hours and a staff member will process your order over the phone. You can also visit any licensed vendor in the state — this includes Cabela's, Bass Pro Shops, Ace Hardware, Fred Meyer, and many local sporting goods stores. Vendors may charge a small processing fee (usually $1 to $2) on top of the license price.

Special Licenses and Exemptions

Washington offers reduced-cost or free licenses for certain groups. Seniors (age 69 and older) pay $5.50 for a one-year freshwater license instead of the full price. People with disabilities may be exempt from needing a license entirely, depending on the type of disability and the type of fishing. Children under 16 do not need a license to fish in Washington.

Military members on active duty stationed in Washington can buy a license at the resident rate even if they are not residents. Veterans may also may have access to for discounts — check the WDFW website for current veteran pricing and requirements. Tribal members who are enrolled in a federally recognized tribe may have different rules; contact the WDFW directly for tribal-specific information.

License Validity and Renewal

A one-year license is valid from the date of purchase for exactly one year. If you buy a license on March 15, it expires on March 14 of the next year. You can renew your license online, by phone, or at a vendor at any time — you do not have to wait until it expires. Many people renew a few weeks before expiration to avoid a gap in coverage.

Short-term licenses (one-day and three-day) expire at the end of the calendar day or the third calendar day, regardless of what time you buy them. If you buy a one-day license at 11 p.m., it is still only valid until midnight that same night. Plan accordingly if you are buying late in the day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a license to fish for steelhead or salmon in Washington?

Yes, you need a base freshwater license for both. Steelhead and salmon are freshwater fish when they return to rivers and streams, so your $31.06 resident license covers them. You do not need an additional endorsement unless you are fishing saltwater areas where they congregate before entering rivers.

Can I fish with someone else's license?

No. Your license is non-transferable and must be in your possession while you fish. A ranger can ask to see your license at any time. Fishing without a valid license in your name is a violation and can result in a fine.

What happens if my license expires while I am on a fishing trip?

Your license must be valid on the day you fish. If it expires on a Tuesday and you fish on Wednesday, you are fishing without a valid license. Renew before your trip ends or before the expiration date. You can renew online in seconds.

Is there a discount if I buy a license for multiple years at once?

Washington does not offer multi-year licenses or bulk discounts. You must buy one year at a time. However, you can renew early — buying next year's license before this year's expires does not cost extra.

Do I need a license to fish on tribal land?

Rules vary by tribe. Some tribes require their own separate permit in addition to a Washington state license. Others have different rules for tribal members versus non-members. Contact the specific tribe's fish and wildlife office before fishing on tribal land.