Washington Non-Resident Fishing License: Cost, Short-Term Options, Catch Cards and 2026 Rules
A Washington non-resident fishing license can mean freshwater, saltwater, combination, shellfish, razor clam or a short-term combination license. Visitors also need to understand catch record cards, Puget Sound crab endorsement, two-pole endorsement, Columbia River salmon and steelhead endorsement, mobile license options and emergency rules. This guide explains the 2026 costs and how to avoid buying the wrong license.
Use these quick paths before reading the full guide. The biggest Washington visitor mistake is buying a base license and missing the catch record card or endorsement required for salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, halibut, Puget Sound crab or Columbia River salmon and steelhead.
Washington Non-Resident Fishing License: The Fastest Safe Answer
For 2026, WDFW lists the main non-resident annual fishing costs as $115.85 for freshwater, $81.70 for saltwater and $170.00 for combination. Non-resident shellfish/seaweed is listed at $47.39, and non-resident razor clam is listed at $28.07.
For short trips, WDFW lists non-resident short-term combination licenses at $27.05 for 1 day, $39.19 for 2 days and $48.30 for 3 days. These can be better for weekend trips, but catch record cards and endorsements may still be required depending on species and location.
Washington Non-Resident Fishing License Quick Facts
Washington fishing licenses are issued by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. The 2025-2026 sport fishing rules run from July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026, while WDFW license products and mobile license options may follow the license-year system shown in the official licensing portal.
What This Washington Non-Resident Fishing License Guide Covers
Official Washington Non-Resident Fishing License Links
Use official WDFW links before paying. Washington license costs, mobile license display, electronic catch record cards, Columbia River endorsement rules and emergency fishing rules can change. These are the safest links to use before buying.
💵 WDFW License Types and Fees
Official fee table for non-resident freshwater, saltwater, combination, shellfish, razor clam and short-term licenses.
Check WDFW Fees💳 WDFW Online Licensing
Official Washington online licensing portal for buying and managing fishing licenses.
Buy Online🎣 Fishing and Shellfishing Licenses
WDFW overview of license requirements, buying routes, catch record cards and dealer notes.
Open License Info📋 Catch Record Cards
Official WDFW rules for salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, halibut and Puget Sound crab cards.
Check CRC Rules📱 Washington License Online
Need online buying, renewing and printing help? Read our Washington online license guide.
Read Online Guide📗 Fishing License Guide
Compare Washington with general fishing license rules across other states.
Read General GuideWashington Non-Resident Fishing License Cost: Annual and Short-Term Fees
WDFW lists prices that include applicable fees. Buying multiple items in the same transaction may reduce the total cost. Always check the cart before paying because endorsements, catch record cards, duplicate documents and special items can change the final total.
| License or Endorsement | Non-Resident Cost | Best For | Important Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Freshwater | $115.85 | Lakes, rivers and freshwater fishing. | Includes Vehicle Access Pass. |
| Annual Saltwater | $81.70 | Marine fishing and saltwater trips. | Includes Vehicle Access Pass. |
| Annual Combination | $170.00 | Visitors fishing both freshwater and saltwater. | Includes Vehicle Access Pass. |
| Shellfish/Seaweed | $47.39 | Shellfish and seaweed harvest. | Check crab endorsement and CRC rules separately. |
| Razor Clam | $28.07 | Razor clam harvest only. | Not needed if you already have shellfish/seaweed or combination license. |
| 1-Day Combination | $27.05 | One-day visitor fishing. | Short-term combination license. |
| 2-Day Combination | $39.19 | Weekend trip. | Short-term combination license. |
| 3-Day Combination | $48.30 | Long weekend or short vacation. | Short-term combination license. |
| 3-Day Razor Clam | $11.79 | Short razor clam trip. | Check razor clam openings before buying. |
| Two-Pole Endorsement | $20.23 | Using two poles where allowed. | Water must be open to two-pole fishing. |
| Puget Sound Crab Endorsement | $11.89 | Puget Sound Dungeness crab with annual license. | CRC also required. |
| Columbia River Salmon and Steelhead Endorsement | $8.75 | Salmon or steelhead on Columbia River and many WA tributaries. | Required for anglers age 15+ beginning Jan. 1, 2026. |
How to Buy a Washington Non-Resident Fishing License Online
The official online route is the WDFW licensing system. Non-residents can also buy by phone or from authorized license dealers. If your trip needs catch record cards or tags immediately, a license dealer may be safer than online buying.
Open the official WDFW online licensing system
Start with fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov, the official Washington license sales portal.
Select non-resident license products
Choose freshwater, saltwater, combination, shellfish/seaweed, razor clam or short-term combination based on your trip.
Add endorsements when required
Add Puget Sound crab endorsement, two-pole endorsement or Columbia River salmon and steelhead endorsement if your activity requires it.
Add catch record cards
Catch record cards are required for salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, halibut and Puget Sound Dungeness crab. Add them during checkout if needed.
Save proof and check emergency rules
Save digital or printed proof. Before fishing, check the Fish Washington app, annual rules and emergency rule changes for your species and water.
Washington Non-Resident Short-Term Fishing License: 1-Day, 2-Day and 3-Day Costs
Short-term combination licenses are useful for visitors who only fish a few days. They cover combination fishing privileges for the selected period, but they do not remove endorsement, catch record card or species-specific requirements.
Best for 1 Day
The non-resident 1-day combination license costs $27.05. It can work for a one-day freshwater or saltwater trip.
Single-day visitorBest for 2-3 Days
The non-resident 2-day combination license costs $39.19, and the 3-day combination license costs $48.30.
Weekend visitorWashington Non-Resident Freshwater vs Saltwater vs Combination License
Washington has separate freshwater and saltwater licenses, plus a combination license for anglers who may fish both. The right choice depends on water type, not just species. Salmon, trout, bass, sturgeon, halibut and shellfish can involve different license and record-card rules.
$115.85: for non-residents fishing Washington freshwater lakes, rivers and streams.
$81.70: for non-residents fishing Washington marine waters.
$170.00: for non-residents who may fish both freshwater and saltwater.
Useful if your trip is only 1, 2 or 3 days and you want flexible freshwater/saltwater coverage.
Washington Non-Resident Shellfish, Seaweed and Razor Clam License Costs
Shellfish and seaweed harvest is separate from regular fishing. WDFW lists the non-resident shellfish/seaweed license at $47.39 and non-resident razor clam license at $28.07. The 3-day razor clam license is listed at $11.79.
A razor clam license is not needed if you already have a shellfish/seaweed license or combination license. However, razor clam openings are managed carefully, so check current WDFW razor clam announcements and beach openings before buying or traveling.
Non-resident annual cost is $47.39. Use this for shellfish and seaweed harvest where allowed.
Non-resident annual razor clam license is $28.07. Short 3-day razor clam license is $11.79.
Puget Sound Dungeness crab requires crab endorsement and catch record card, not just shellfish/seaweed coverage.
Shellfish and razor clam seasons can close quickly. Check WDFW current rules before harvesting.
Washington Catch Record Cards for Non-Resident Anglers
Catch record cards are required when fishing for salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, halibut or Puget Sound Dungeness crab. WDFW says anglers must carry their catch record card while fishing, record retained catch immediately and return or report the card by the required deadline.
Fish catch cards are due by April 30 after the end of the license year. Summer crab cards are due by October 1 after the summer season, and winter crab cards are due by February 1 after the winter season.
Catch record card checklist
- Required for salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, halibut and Puget Sound Dungeness crab.
- Required for youth under 16 when fishing for covered species.
- Must be in your possession while fishing.
- Retained catch must be recorded immediately before continuing to fish.
- Cards must be returned or reported by the deadline.
- There are no temporary catch record cards or tags for online or phone purchases.
Washington Non-Resident Endorsements: Crab, Two-Pole and Columbia River Salmon/Steelhead
Endorsements are add-ons that allow specific fishing activities. Non-residents should check endorsements before checkout, especially for Puget Sound crab, two-pole fishing and Columbia River salmon and steelhead.
The Puget Sound Dungeness crab endorsement costs $11.89 with annual license options. Catch record cards are required.
Puget Sound crab endorsement can cost $5.05 with a 1-3 day combination license.
The two-pole endorsement costs $20.23 and allows a second pole only where rules allow it.
Beginning Jan. 1, 2026, anglers age 15+ need this endorsement for salmon and steelhead in the Columbia River and many Washington tributaries.
The Columbia River Salmon and Steelhead Endorsement is separate from the catch record card. Salmon/steelhead anglers may need both.
Youth under 15 do not pay for the Puget Sound crab endorsement, but the endorsement and CRC are still required.
Washington Non-Resident Youth Fishing License Rules
Youth under age 16 do not need a Washington fishing license. But this does not mean youth have no paperwork. Catch record cards are still required for salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, halibut and Puget Sound Dungeness crab.
For Puget Sound Dungeness crab, WDFW says youth anglers under 15 are not required to buy a fishing license, but they are required to have a Puget Sound crab endorsement and maintain a catch record card. Youth crab endorsements and CRCs can be issued at no charge.
No base Washington fishing license required.
Required for covered species even for youth anglers.
Youth must have crab endorsement and CRC, even when issued at no charge.
Starting Jan. 1, 2026, anglers age 15+ need Columbia River salmon and steelhead endorsement for covered salmon/steelhead fishing.
When Non-Residents Should Use a Washington License Dealer Instead of Buying Online
Online buying is convenient, but it is not always the best choice for visitors. WDFW says if you need immediate use of a catch record card or tag, you should visit a local license dealer. This is common for salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, halibut and Puget Sound crab trips.
Use a license dealer if:
- Your trip starts today or tomorrow.
- You need a physical catch record card immediately.
- You need a tag or document that cannot be temporarily issued online.
- You are confused about crab, halibut, salmon or Columbia River requirements.
- You prefer printed documents before leaving for a remote lake, river, beach or marina.
🗺️ WDFW License Dealers
Find authorized Washington license dealers for immediate physical documents.
Find License Dealers💳 WDFW Online Licensing
Use online licensing when you have time and know exactly what documents you need.
Buy Online📋 Catch Record Cards
Review catch record card rules before deciding online vs dealer purchase.
Check CRC RulesWashington Fishing Rules Non-Residents Should Check After Buying
A Washington non-resident fishing license does not replace fishing regulations. WDFW tells anglers to read the annual fishing pamphlet, check emergency rule changes and use the Fish Washington app for current rules on a mobile device.
📘 WDFW Fishing Regulations
Official page for annual pamphlet, emergency rules, fishing app and current regulation tools.
Open WDFW Rules📗 2025-2026 Sport Fishing Rules
Online version of Washington State Recreational Fishing Seasons and Regulations.
Open Rules Pamphlet⚠️ Emergency Rule Changes
Emergency rules can change salmon, steelhead, shellfish, halibut and local fishing seasons.
Check Emergency RulesBefore keeping fish or shellfish, check this list
- Does your non-resident license cover the water type?
- Do you need a catch record card?
- Do you need Puget Sound crab endorsement?
- Do you need Columbia River salmon and steelhead endorsement?
- Do you need a two-pole endorsement for the method you plan to use?
- Is the species open in that water today?
- Are emergency rules different from the printed pamphlet?
- What are the size, daily and possession limits?
Washington Non-Resident License Tips for Seattle, Puget Sound, Columbia River, Spokane and Coastal Trips
Visitors often search for a Washington non-resident fishing license right before a trip. The correct license can change quickly between a Seattle-area lake, Puget Sound crab trip, Columbia River salmon trip, coastal razor clam dig, Spokane trout lake or halibut trip.
Freshwater or short-term combination license may fit, but check lake-specific rules and two-pole permission.
Saltwater or combination license may apply. Puget Sound Dungeness crab needs endorsement and CRC.
Salmon and steelhead anglers age 15+ need the Columbia River endorsement in covered waters beginning Jan. 1, 2026.
Freshwater license is the common starting point, but check trout rules and emergency changes.
Razor clam license or shellfish/seaweed coverage may apply, but openers and beach rules change.
Check saltwater or combination license plus halibut catch record card requirements before boarding.
Common Washington Non-Resident Fishing License Mistakes
Most non-resident mistakes happen because visitors buy a base license but skip the exact paperwork needed for the species. Salmon, steelhead, halibut, sturgeon, Puget Sound Dungeness crab and Columbia River salmon/steelhead can all add requirements.
Freshwater, saltwater and combination licenses cover different trip types.
Catch record cards are required for salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, halibut and Puget Sound crab.
There are no temporary catch record cards or tags. Use a dealer if you need them immediately.
Starting Jan. 1, 2026, anglers age 15+ need CRSSE for covered salmon/steelhead fishing.
Emergency rules can close or change fisheries after the printed pamphlet is published.
Catch record cards must be returned or reported by deadlines, even if no fish or crab were kept.
How This Washington Non-Resident Fishing License Guide Was Checked
This guide was prepared from official Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife license fee tables, fishing and shellfishing license pages, online licensing resources, catch record card rules, endorsement pages, Columbia River Salmon and Steelhead Endorsement information, and Washington fishing regulations. It explains common visitor questions in plain language, but it does not replace WDFW checkout rules or regulations.
- WDFW non-resident freshwater, saltwater and combination license fees.
- WDFW non-resident shellfish/seaweed and razor clam fees.
- 1-day, 2-day and 3-day non-resident combination fees.
- Puget Sound crab endorsement and catch record card rules.
- Two-pole endorsement fee and limitation notes.
- Columbia River Salmon and Steelhead Endorsement start date and age rule.
- Catch record card possession, recording and return deadline rules.
- Youth under-16 license and catch record card requirements.
- No temporary catch record cards or tags warning.
- WDFW fishing regulations, emergency rules and Fish Washington app guidance.
Find Washington Fishing License Dealers Near You
If you need immediate catch record cards, tags or printed documents, use an authorized WDFW license dealer. This is often safer for visitors whose trip starts right away.
Search Washington Fishing License Dealer Near Me
Use this as a convenience search, then verify the seller is an authorized WDFW license dealer before visiting.
Washington Non-Resident Fishing License FAQs: Cost, Online Buying, Catch Cards and Rules
How much is a Washington non-resident fishing license in 2026?
WDFW lists the non-resident annual freshwater license at $115.85, annual saltwater at $81.70, annual combination at $170.00, shellfish/seaweed at $47.39 and razor clam at $28.07.
How much is a Washington non-resident short-term fishing license?
WDFW lists non-resident short-term combination licenses at $27.05 for 1 day, $39.19 for 2 days and $48.30 for 3 days.
Can non-residents buy a Washington fishing license online?
Yes. Non-residents can buy Washington fishing licenses through the official WDFW online licensing system, by phone or from authorized license dealers.
Do non-resident youth need a Washington fishing license?
Youth under age 16 do not need a Washington fishing license. However, catch record cards are still required for salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, halibut and Puget Sound Dungeness crab.
Do I need a Washington catch record card as a non-resident?
Yes, when fishing for salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, halibut or Puget Sound Dungeness crab. You must carry the card, record retained catch immediately and return or report it by the deadline.
Do non-residents need the Puget Sound crab endorsement?
Yes, if harvesting Puget Sound Dungeness crab where the endorsement applies. The annual endorsement costs $11.89, and separate catch record cards are required.
Do non-residents need the Columbia River Salmon and Steelhead Endorsement?
Beginning January 1, 2026, anglers age 15 and older need the Columbia River Salmon and Steelhead Endorsement to fish recreationally for salmon and steelhead in the Columbia River and many Washington tributaries.
What is the cheapest Washington non-resident fishing license for one day?
The non-resident 1-day combination fishing license is listed at $27.05. If your trip is only razor clams, compare the 3-day razor clam license at $11.79.
Should I buy freshwater, saltwater or combination as a Washington visitor?
Buy freshwater for freshwater only, saltwater for marine fishing only, and combination if you may fish both. Short-term combination licenses can be good for 1 to 3 day visits.
Should I buy online or at a WDFW license dealer?
Buy online if you have time and know exactly what you need. Use a WDFW license dealer if you need immediate catch record cards, tags or printed documents for a trip starting right away.
Final Summary: Washington Non-Resident Fishing License Choice Depends on Water Type, Days and Catch Cards
The right Washington non-resident fishing license starts with water type and trip length. Freshwater annual is $115.85, saltwater annual is $81.70, combination annual is $170.00, and short-term combination licenses are $27.05 for 1 day, $39.19 for 2 days and $48.30 for 3 days.
Before paying, check whether your trip needs shellfish/seaweed, razor clam, Puget Sound crab endorsement, two-pole endorsement, Columbia River salmon and steelhead endorsement, or catch record cards. Buy through WDFW, save proof, and review emergency rules before keeping fish or shellfish.