FishKillFlea· License Types · 4 min read
Washington Non-Resident Fishing License (2026) — Costs, Options & Salmon/Steelhead Permits
Reviewed by FishKillFlea Editorial Team
Washington non-resident fishing license costs $84.50/year. Full guide to WA visitor permits, salmon/steelhead cards, and Columbia River reciprocity.
A Washington non-resident freshwater fishing license costs $84.50 annually, with short-term options starting at $20.40 for a 1-day permit. Washington is a premium fishing destination known for world-class salmon, steelhead, and halibut — but visitors should be prepared for additional endorsement costs on top of the base license.
Washington Non-Resident License at a Glance
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| NR Annual Freshwater | $84.50 |
| NR 1-Day Freshwater | $20.40 |
| NR 2-Day Freshwater | $31.55 |
| NR 3-Day Freshwater | $40.40 |
| Combination (Fresh + Salt) | $114.25 |
| Resident Annual (comparison) | $30.05 |
| Where to Buy | WDFW.wa.gov, Walmart, sporting goods stores |
| Official Agency | Washington Dept. of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) |
Non-Resident License Options — Full Breakdown
Base Licenses
| License Type | Cost | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Freshwater | $84.50 | All freshwater fishing |
| Annual Saltwater | $55.35 | All saltwater fishing |
| Annual Combination (Fresh + Salt) | $114.25 | Best value for both waters |
| 1-Day Freshwater | $20.40 | Single-day freshwater |
| 2-Day Freshwater | $31.55 | 2 consecutive days |
| 3-Day Freshwater | $40.40 | 3 consecutive days |
Required Add-Ons (Endorsements)
Washington uses an endorsement system — your base license doesn’t cover everything:
| Endorsement | Cost | Required For |
|---|---|---|
| Salmon/Steelhead Catch Card | $24.70 | ALL salmon and steelhead fishing |
| Two-Rod Endorsement | $13.80 | Fishing with two rods simultaneously |
| Columbia River Salmon/Steelhead | $9.30 | Columbia River system specifically |
| Puget Sound Crab | $7.05 | Dungeness crab in Puget Sound |
| Razor Clam | $15.75 | Razor clam digging |
| Shellfish/Seaweed | $7.05 | Clams, mussels, oysters, squid |
Critical for salmon anglers: The base fishing license does NOT cover salmon or steelhead. You MUST purchase the Salmon/Steelhead Catch Card ($24.70) separately. This catches many visitors by surprise.
True Cost for Common Visitor Scenarios
| Scenario | Licenses Needed | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Weekend freshwater bass | 2-day fresh ($31.55) | $31.55 |
| Week of salmon fishing | Annual combo ($114.25) + catch card ($24.70) | $138.95 |
| 3-day salmon + steelhead | 3-day fresh ($40.40) + catch card ($24.70) | $65.10 |
| Puget Sound crab + salmon | Annual salt ($55.35) + catch card ($24.70) + crab ($7.05) | $87.10 |
| Everything for a week | Annual combo + catch card + 2-rod + crab/shellfish | $166.80+ |
Piscifun Fishing Tackle Backpack
Large capacity fishing backpack with tackle boxes. Waterproof rain cover included.
Affiliate link · Prices may vary
Columbia River — Oregon/Washington Reciprocity
The Columbia River is one of the most important fishing waters in the Pacific Northwest, and it has a reciprocal agreement between Oregon and Washington:
| Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| Base fishing license | Either OR or WA license valid on the Columbia from the mouth to the OR/WA border |
| Salmon/Steelhead | Need both OR and WA Catch Cards/Tags for combined-area fishing |
| Columbia River endorsement | WA requires $9.30 Columbia River endorsement |
| Sturgeon | Either state’s license, but must follow the most restrictive state’s regulations |
Columbia River visitors: You can fish with just a WA license, but to have maximum flexibility on the Columbia, many anglers buy the WA combo + catch card + Columbia endorsement package.
Short-Term Options — When to Buy What
| Days in WA | Best Option | Cost | Savings vs. Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 day | 1-Day Freshwater | $20.40 | $64 saved |
| 2 days | 2-Day Freshwater | $31.55 | $53 saved |
| 3 days | 3-Day Freshwater | $40.40 | $44 saved |
| 4-5 days | Annual Freshwater | $84.50 | No short-term option |
| 5+ days | Annual Combo | $114.25 | Best for mixed fishing |
No 7-day or 10-day license exists in Washington — it jumps from 3-day to annual. If you’re fishing 4+ days, the annual license is unavoidable.
Plano Guide Series Rod Tube Case
Hard-shell rod tube protects rods during travel. Airline-approved for checked baggage.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices may vary.
Military in Washington State
| Situation | Rate | Documentation |
|---|---|---|
| Active duty stationed at JBLM | Resident ($30.05) | Military ID + PCS orders |
| Active duty at NAS Whidbey | Resident ($30.05) | Military ID + PCS orders |
| WA National Guard on T-10/32 | Check WDFW | Active-duty orders |
| Disabled veteran (30%+ VA) | Reduced rate | VA documentation |
How to Buy Your WA Non-Resident License
Online (Fastest)
- Visit WDFW.wa.gov/licenses
- Create a WILD account (Washington Interactive Licensing and Database)
- Select non-resident fishing license type
- Add endorsements (salmon catch card, etc.)
- Pay and print — valid immediately
At Retail Stores
- Walmart — all WA locations
- Sportsman’s Warehouse
- Cabela’s (multiple WA locations)
- REI (select locations)
- Local bait and tackle shops
WDFW Fish Washington App
- Buy and display licenses digitally
- Real-time fishing reports and emergency closures
- Species identification and regulations
KastKing Blackhawk II Telescoping Rod
Portable telescoping design collapses to 17 inches. Perfect for travel fishing.
Affiliate link · Prices may vary
Top Fishing Destinations for Visitors
| Destination | Target Species | Best Season |
|---|---|---|
| Puget Sound | Salmon, halibut, lingcod, crab | July – October |
| Columbia River | Chinook salmon, steelhead, sturgeon | Year-round |
| Olympic Peninsula rivers | Steelhead, coho salmon | Dec – March |
| Lake Chelan | Sockeye salmon, trout | Summer |
| Yakima River | Wild rainbow trout (C&R) | Spring – Fall |
| Westport (offshore) | Halibut, lingcod, yelloweye | May – September |
| San Juan Islands | Salmon, halibut | Summer |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Washington non-resident fishing license cost? The annual freshwater license is $84.50. The combo (freshwater + saltwater) is $114.25. Add the salmon/steelhead catch card ($24.70) if you plan to target salmon or steelhead.
Do I need a separate card for salmon fishing in Washington? Yes — the base fishing license does NOT cover salmon or steelhead. You must purchase a Salmon/Steelhead Catch Card ($24.70) as an add-on.
Can I use my Oregon license to fish the Columbia River? Yes — for base fishing, either an Oregon or Washington license is valid on the Columbia River. However, for salmon/steelhead, you may need catch records for both states depending on where exactly you’re fishing.
Is there a 7-day fishing license in Washington? No — Washington offers 1-day, 2-day, 3-day, and annual licenses. There is no 7-day option. If you’re fishing 4+ days, the annual license is the only option.
Do seniors get a non-resident discount in Washington? No — Washington does not offer non-resident senior discounts. Washington residents 70+ get a free license, but this does not extend to non-residents. See our Senior Fishing License Guide.
What is the cheapest way to fish in Washington as a visitor? The 1-day freshwater license at $20.40 is the cheapest. For salmon, add the $24.70 catch card = $45.10 total for a single day of salmon fishing.
Compare all states’ non-resident costs in our Non-Resident Fishing License Guide, or see WA-specific regulations on our Washington state page.
Source: Washington Dept. of Fish and Wildlife — Prices as of 2025-26 license year