Washington Fishing License Cost 2026: Resident, Nonresident, Shellfish, Crab and Endorsement Fees
Washington fishing license cost can be confusing because freshwater, saltwater, shellfish, razor clam, crab, two-pole, Columbia River salmon and catch record card rules all work differently. This guide breaks down the 2026 resident and nonresident fees, short-term prices, senior discounts, youth rules and WDFW purchase options in one simple place.
Use these quick paths before you pay. The cheapest Washington license is not always the right one because freshwater, saltwater, shellfish, razor clam, catch record cards and endorsements can change your final cost.
Washington Fishing License Cost Quick Answer for 2026
For the 2026-27 Washington license year, WDFW lists the resident annual freshwater license at $39.95, resident saltwater license at $40.71, and resident combination license at $74.37. For nonresidents, WDFW lists annual freshwater at $115.85, saltwater at $81.70, and combination at $170.00.
Shellfish and seaweed licenses cost $21.58 resident and $47.39 nonresident. Razor clam licenses cost $17.44 resident and $28.07 nonresident. Short-term combination licenses start at $14.90 resident and $27.05 nonresident for one day.
Washington Fishing License Cost Quick Facts Before You Pay
Washington’s fishing license fees increased beginning July 1, 2025, and the 2026-27 license products are valid from April 1, 2026 through March 31, 2027. Because some package prices and endorsements changed, use the official WDFW fee table before buying.
What This Washington Fishing License Cost Guide Covers
Official Washington Fishing License Cost Links You Should Use First
Use official WDFW links before buying because Washington fees, endorsements and catch record requirements can change. The official fee table is the best source for current resident, nonresident, senior, disabled, endorsement and permit pricing.
💵 WDFW License Types and Fees
Official Washington fishing license price table with annual, short-term, endorsement, pass and permit costs.
Check Official Fees🎣 Fishing and Shellfishing Licenses
Main WDFW page explaining who needs a license, catch record cards, online buying and purchase options.
Open WDFW License Page💳 MyWDFW License Portal
Official purchase route for Washington fishing, shellfishing, hunting and access products.
Buy on MyWDFW📍 License Dealers
Find a Washington license dealer if you need immediate catch record cards, tags or in-person help.
Find License Dealer🎣 Fishing License Guide
Need broader state-by-state help? Read our main fishing license guide for online buying and cost basics.
Read Main Guide🌴 Florida Fishing License
Fishing in Florida too? Compare Washington costs with our Florida fishing license guide.
Read Florida GuideHow to Buy a Washington Fishing License and Confirm the Final Cost
Washington fishing and shellfishing licenses can be purchased through MyWDFW, the Fish Washington app, by phone at 360-902-2464, or from hundreds of license dealers around the state. WDFW says federal and state law require everyone age 16 and older to provide a Social Security number before purchasing a license.
Open the official WDFW fee table
Start with the official WDFW fishing license types and fees page. This helps you avoid outdated prices from old blogs or pre-2025 fee tables.
Choose your license category
Select resident, nonresident, resident senior age 70+, resident disabled, nonresident disabled veteran or youth category based on your status.
Choose freshwater, saltwater, combination or shellfish
Pick the license by water and activity. Freshwater and saltwater are separate unless you buy a combination or package that includes both.
Add endorsements and catch record cards
Check two-pole, Puget Sound crab, Columbia River salmon and steelhead, catch record card, halibut and shellfish needs before checkout.
Use a dealer if you need immediate cards or tags
WDFW says online or phone license purchases may take 10-15 days to arrive by mail, and there are no temporary catch record cards or tags. If you need immediate use of a catch record card or tag, visit a local license dealer.
Washington Resident Fishing License Cost in 2026
Washington resident anglers age 16 to 69 have separate prices for freshwater, saltwater, combination, shellfish/seaweed, razor clam and package licenses. Several annual fishing licenses include a Vehicle Access Pass, but that is not the same as a Discover Pass for state parks and other lands.
| Resident License Type | 2026 Cost | What It Covers | Practical Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freshwater | $39.95 | Freshwater fishing | Includes a Vehicle Access Pass. |
| Saltwater | $40.71 | Saltwater fishing | Includes a Vehicle Access Pass. |
| Combination | $74.37 | Freshwater and saltwater fishing | Includes a Vehicle Access Pass. |
| Shellfish/Seaweed | $21.58 | Shellfish and seaweed harvest | Separate from freshwater/saltwater fishing unless package covers it. |
| Razor Clam | $17.44 | Razor clam harvest | Check open beaches, seasons and toxin closures before digging. |
| Fish Washington | $94.15 | Freshwater, saltwater, shellfish/seaweed plus listed endorsements | Resident package option for anglers doing multiple activities. |
| Get Outdoors | $322.98 | Broad fishing and hunting package | Only useful if you also need the hunting items in the package. |
Washington Nonresident Fishing License Cost in 2026
Nonresident Washington fishing licenses cost more than resident licenses, so trip planning matters. Visitors should compare annual, short-term, shellfish and endorsement needs before paying, especially if fishing only one to three days.
| Nonresident License Type | 2026 Cost | What It Covers | Practical Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freshwater | $115.85 | Freshwater fishing | Includes a Vehicle Access Pass. |
| Saltwater | $81.70 | Saltwater fishing | Includes a Vehicle Access Pass. |
| Combination | $170.00 | Freshwater and saltwater fishing | Best annual option if fishing both water types. |
| Shellfish/Seaweed | $47.39 | Shellfish and seaweed harvest | Needed for shellfish activities unless covered by package or short-term option. |
| Razor Clam | $28.07 | Razor clam harvest | Check razor clam digs and marine toxin status before travel. |
Washington Short-Term Fishing License Cost: 1-Day, 2-Day and 3-Day Fees
Washington short-term fishing licenses can be a better fit for visitors or residents who only fish occasionally. Short-term licenses are combination licenses, but you still need to check catch record card, halibut, Puget Sound crab and endorsement requirements for the species and water.
| Short-Term License | Resident Cost | Nonresident Cost | Senior / Disabled Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-Day Combination | $14.90 | $27.05 | Resident senior cost is $14.90; nonresident disabled veteran cost is $14.90. |
| 2-Day Combination | $20.98 | $39.19 | Resident senior cost is $20.98; nonresident disabled veteran cost is $20.98. |
| 3-Day Combination | $25.53 | $48.30 | Resident senior cost is $25.53; nonresident disabled veteran cost is $25.53. |
| 3-Day Razor Clam | $11.79 | $11.79 | Same listed price across categories where available. |
Washington Senior, Disabled and Disabled Veteran Fishing License Cost
WDFW lists reduced prices for resident seniors age 70 and older, resident disabled anglers and nonresident disabled veterans for some products. These categories can require proof or eligibility, so confirm your status before choosing a reduced-fee license.
Resident senior age 70+ combination license is listed at $28.83.
Resident senior freshwater license is listed at $9.59.
Resident senior saltwater license is listed at $10.35.
Resident senior shellfish/seaweed license is listed at $13.99.
Resident disabled reduced-fee combination license is listed at $12.89.
Nonresident disabled veteran combination is listed at $74.37.
Washington Shellfish, Seaweed, Razor Clam and Puget Sound Crab Costs
Shellfish and crab are major reasons Washington license cost gets confusing. A freshwater or saltwater fishing license is not always enough for shellfish harvest, razor clams or Puget Sound Dungeness crab. You need the correct shellfish license, razor clam license, endorsement and catch record card when required.
| Shellfish / Crab Item | Resident Cost | Nonresident Cost | Important Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shellfish/Seaweed | $21.58 | $47.39 | For shellfish and seaweed harvest where required. |
| Razor Clam | $17.44 | $28.07 | Check open digs and toxin closures before harvesting. |
| 3-Day Razor Clam | $11.79 | $11.79 | Short-term razor clam option. |
| Puget Sound Crab Endorsement with Annual License | $11.89 | $11.89 | Use with annual license when crabbing in Puget Sound. |
| Puget Sound Crab Endorsement with Temporary License | $5.05 | $5.05 | Use with temporary licenses when applicable. |
Washington Fishing Endorsement Cost: Two-Pole, Columbia River Salmon and Puget Sound Crab
Endorsements are add-ons that expand specific fishing opportunities. They are not the same as the base fishing license, and they do not override seasons, closures, area rules or catch limits.
| Endorsement | Resident / Nonresident Cost | Senior / Reduced Cost | When to Check It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Columbia River Salmon and Steelhead Endorsement | $8.75 | $7.10 for resident seniors and youth where listed | Fishing for salmon or steelhead in Columbia River endorsement waters. |
| Two-Pole Endorsement | $20.23 | $8.09 for resident seniors | Using two poles where two-pole fishing is allowed. |
| Puget Sound Crab with Annual License | $11.89 | $11.89 | Puget Sound Dungeness crab with an annual license. |
| Puget Sound Crab with Temporary License | $5.05 | $5.05 | Puget Sound Dungeness crab with a temporary license. |
Washington Catch Record Card Cost and Rules
WDFW says if you fish for salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, halibut or Puget Sound Dungeness crab, your license will come with a catch record card to track harvest. Everyone, including youth under 16, must carry a catch record card when fishing for those species.
Catch record cards are listed as free, but catch record card plus halibut costs $7.59. WDFW also says all catch record cards must be returned by the appropriate deadline even if you did not catch anything.
Listed as free, but must be carried for salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, halibut and Puget Sound Dungeness crab.
Listed at $7.59 for categories where available.
Youth may not need a regular license, but they still need a catch record card for covered species.
Catch record cards must be returned by the appropriate deadline, even with no catch.
Who Needs a Washington Fishing License in 2026?
WDFW says residents and nonresidents age 16 and older need a license to fish or shellfish in Washington waters. You do not need a license if you are fishing for bullfrogs or collecting relic shells.
Youth under 16 do not need a regular fishing license, but this does not remove catch record card rules. Everyone, including youth under 16, must carry a catch record card when fishing for salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, halibut or Puget Sound Dungeness crab.
Before you buy, check:
- Are you age 16 or older?
- Are you a Washington resident or nonresident?
- Will you fish freshwater, saltwater or both?
- Will you harvest shellfish, seaweed or razor clams?
- Will you crab in Puget Sound?
- Will you fish for salmon, steelhead, sturgeon or halibut?
- Will you need a two-pole or Columbia River endorsement?
Washington 2026-27 Fishing License Year and Renewal Timing
Washington 2026-27 hunting and angling license products are valid from April 1, 2026 through March 31, 2027. Products from the 2025-26 license year expired March 31, 2026.
This matters because Washington’s license year does not follow the regular January-to-December calendar. If you fish in early spring, check the license year before heading to the water.
Fish Washington Package vs Combination License: Which Cost Makes Sense?
For residents, the Fish Washington package costs $94.15. WDFW says it includes annual freshwater fishing, saltwater fishing, shellfish and seaweed licenses, plus Puget Sound Dungeness crab and two-pole endorsements. That package can make sense if you truly use several activities.
The resident combination license costs $74.37 and covers freshwater plus saltwater fishing. It is better for anglers who fish both water types but do not need shellfish/seaweed and the listed endorsements.
Combination License
Good when you fish both freshwater and saltwater but do not need shellfish and endorsements.
$74.37 residentFish Washington
Good when you fish, shellfish, crab in Puget Sound and use two-pole opportunities.
$94.15 residentWashington Discover Pass, Vehicle Access Pass and AIS Permit Cost
Many Washington annual fishing licenses include a Vehicle Access Pass, but that is different from a Discover Pass. WDFW also lists Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Permit pricing that may matter for certain watercraft situations.
| Pass or Permit | 2026 Cost | What to Know |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle Access Pass | Included with several annual fishing licenses | Used for WDFW lands where applicable; not the same as Discover Pass. |
| Discover Pass | $51.50 | Effective Oct. 1, 2025 pricing listed by WDFW. |
| One-Day Discover Pass | $11.50 | Short-term vehicle access option for covered lands. |
| Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Permit | $24 | Check if your watercraft situation requires it. |
Common Washington Fishing License Cost Mistakes That Make Anglers Overpay or Buy Wrong
Most Washington fishing license cost mistakes happen because anglers compare only base license fees and forget activities, endorsements, catch record cards, immediate-use needs or pass differences. A quick checklist can prevent most issues.
Freshwater and saltwater are separate unless you buy a combination license or package.
Shellfish, seaweed and razor clam harvest require specific licensing or package coverage.
Salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, halibut and Puget Sound crab require a catch record card.
Online temporary licenses do not include temporary catch record cards or tags.
Online or phone purchases can take 10-15 days to arrive by mail. Use a dealer for immediate card/tag needs.
Vehicle Access Pass and Discover Pass are not the same thing.
How This Washington Fishing License Cost Guide Was Checked
This guide was prepared from official Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife license fee tables, fishing and shellfishing license pages, license-year notices, catch record card requirements, WDFW buying instructions and WDFW fee increase information. It explains official numbers in plain language but does not replace the WDFW license checkout screen or current fishing regulations.
- 2026-27 license year validity from April 1, 2026 through March 31, 2027.
- Resident and nonresident freshwater, saltwater, combination, shellfish/seaweed and razor clam costs.
- Resident senior, resident disabled and nonresident disabled veteran reduced-fee examples.
- Short-term 1-day, 2-day, 3-day and 3-day razor clam pricing.
- Two-pole, Puget Sound crab and Columbia River salmon/steelhead endorsement costs.
- Catch record card and catch record card plus halibut costs.
- Age 16 and older license requirement and youth catch record card warning.
- MyWDFW, Fish Washington app, phone and license dealer purchase routes.
Find Washington Fishing License Dealers Near You
If you need a license immediately, especially with a catch record card or tag, WDFW recommends using a local license dealer. Online and phone purchases can provide a temporary license when eligible, but there are no temporary catch record cards or tags.
Search Washington Fishing License Dealers
Use this map as a starting point, then confirm the seller is an official WDFW license dealer before visiting.
Washington Fishing License Cost FAQs: Resident, Nonresident, Shellfish and Endorsement Fees
How much is a Washington resident fishing license in 2026?
WDFW lists the 2026 resident freshwater license at $39.95, saltwater license at $40.71, combination license at $74.37, shellfish/seaweed license at $21.58 and razor clam license at $17.44.
How much is a Washington nonresident fishing license in 2026?
WDFW lists the 2026 nonresident freshwater license at $115.85, saltwater license at $81.70, combination license at $170.00, shellfish/seaweed license at $47.39 and razor clam license at $28.07.
How much is a Washington one-day fishing license?
The 1-day combination fishing license is listed at $14.90 for residents and $27.05 for nonresidents. Resident seniors and nonresident disabled veterans are also listed at $14.90 for this item.
How much is a Washington two-pole endorsement?
WDFW lists the Two-Pole Endorsement at $20.23 for residents and nonresidents, $8.09 for resident seniors, and $20.23 for resident disabled and nonresident disabled veteran categories where listed.
How much is the Washington Columbia River salmon and steelhead endorsement?
WDFW lists the Columbia River salmon and steelhead endorsement at $8.75 for most categories and $7.10 for resident seniors and youth where listed.
Who needs a Washington fishing license?
Residents and nonresidents age 16 and older need a license to fish or shellfish in Washington waters. A license is not needed for bullfrogs or collecting relic shells.
Do youth need a Washington fishing license?
Youth under age 16 do not need a regular fishing license, but everyone, including youth under 16, must carry a catch record card when fishing for salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, halibut or Puget Sound Dungeness crab.
When is the Washington 2026 fishing license year?
Washington 2026-27 license products are valid from April 1, 2026 through March 31, 2027. Products from the 2025-26 license year expired March 31, 2026.
Can I buy a Washington fishing license online?
Yes. You can buy through MyWDFW, the Fish Washington app, by phone at 360-902-2464 or from a license dealer. If you need immediate catch record cards or tags, use a local license dealer.
How much is a duplicate Washington fishing license?
WDFW lists duplicate licenses at $9.70 for lost, stolen or mutilated licenses.
Final Summary: Washington Fishing License Cost Depends on Water Type, Shellfish and Endorsements
The 2026 Washington fishing license cost starts with your base activity. Residents pay $39.95 for freshwater, $40.71 for saltwater and $74.37 for combination. Nonresidents pay $115.85 for freshwater, $81.70 for saltwater and $170.00 for combination. Shellfish, razor clam, crab and endorsements can change the final cost.
Before buying, decide whether you will fish freshwater, saltwater or both, whether you will harvest shellfish or razor clams, whether Puget Sound crab is part of your trip, and whether you need two-pole or Columbia River salmon/steelhead endorsement coverage. Use WDFW or MyWDFW as the final source before paying.