Washington Fishing Compliance Checklist
Source: Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW). Fees verified for 2026. Generated by FishFig — informational only, not legal advice.
1 · What license do you need?
| Angler | Annual fee |
|---|---|
| Resident | $55.35 |
| Non-resident | $124.65 |
Source: Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife — 2026 Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet (wdfw.wa.gov). (2026). Verify the exact product and any one-day or short-term options with the agency.
2 · Size & bag limits
| Species | Min size | Bag limit | Citation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Largemouth & Smallmouth Bass | — | 5 | WDFW 2026 Sport Fishing Rules. |
| Rainbow Trout (general) | — | 5 | WDFW 2026 Sport Fishing Rules (special regs on many waters). |
3 · Required stamps & report cards
WDFW 2026: resident combination (fresh+salt+shellfish) $55.35; resident freshwater $29.50; nonresident combination $124.65. Many fisheries require catch record cards (salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, halibut, Puget Sound crab).
4 · Legal citations
- WDFW 2026 Sport Fishing Rules.
- WDFW 2026 Sport Fishing Rules (special regs on many waters).
- Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife — 2026 Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet (wdfw.wa.gov). (2026)
Always confirm current fees, seasons, and closures with Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) before fishing. This checklist is a planning aid and may not reflect in-season changes.