For one weekend a year, anglers young and old across the state can fish for many species without a license during the annual Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife’s …
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For one weekend a year, anglers young and old across the state can fish for many species without a license during the annual Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife’s (WDFW) Free Fishing Weekend scheduled for June 8 and 9.
Some of the fishing opportunities available throughout Washington on Free Fishing Weekend include, trout and warm water fish species in lakes across the state and some salt water species.
Anglers, both with, and without, a license fishing over Free Fishing Weekend, can participate and win prizes in the WDFW’s annual trout fishing derby and redeem tags from trout caught over the weekend. Plenty of prizes remain on tagged fish stocked in lakes throughout the state. In addition, salt water anglers can cast for lingcod, cabezon, and rockfish along the Washington coast. And better yet, fishing from jetties doesn’t require a boat.
Any fish requiring a catch record card, including sturgeon, salmon, steelhead, and halibut and all shellfish will still require a license on Free Fishing Weekend. All other species open for harvest can be harvested without a license.
Other rules such as seasons, size limits, daily limits, and area closures are still in effect. Anglers should check the current fishing regulations before hitting the water, as well as any current emergency rules. There are many ways to check fishing regulations, both on the WDFW website, in the newly upgraded Fish Washington mobile app, and in the printed Fish Washington booklet available wherever licenses are sold.
“Fish and Wildlife police remind you that failure to follow the regulations may result in a citation,” said Kirt Hughes, WDFW fish management division director. “Knowing the rules before heading out will make for a safe and enjoyable outdoor experience.”
Other requirements also waived during Free Fishing Weekend include a vehicle access pass (which comes with most fishing licenses), a Discover Pass for parking on WDFW, DNR, or Washington State Park lands and the two-pole endorsement.
Beginning in 2024, a valid fishing license is required for anyone 15 or older to harvest any fish species requiring a catch record card (including salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, and halibut) or shellfish on free fishing weekend.
