Washington Free Fishing Weekend
Two June days when anyone may fish most Washington waters without a license, with the fish that still need one.
For weighing a catchPiscifun Lip gripper with digital scale27% OFFSale $39.99 Photo of Outer coast (Pacific Ocean): Richard Probst – Shot in a Frame, CC BY 2.0
What WDFW waives on Free Fishing Weekend
Licenses are still required to fish for or harvest salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, halibut, and all shellfish. All other open species may be harvested without a license, but seasons, size limits, daily limits, gear rules, recording requirements, and area closures still apply.
Fishing licenses; Vehicle Access Pass (which comes with most fishing licenses); Two-Pole Endorsement (where applicable). Coincides with Discover Pass free days (Discover Pass not required on DNR, State Parks or WDFW land).
Free Fishing Weekend is open to everyone, including residents and non-residents. (pamphlet p.15)
2026-27 pamphlet, license information page (printed page 15, PDF), read on eRegulations October 31, 2026.
Washington Free Fishing Weekend, 2026 and 2027
| Year | Days | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | June 6, 2026 and June 7, 2026 | WDFW news release, May 21, 2026 |
| 2027 | June 12, 2027 and June 13, 2027 | printed in the 2026-27 pamphlet, page 15 |
Each year, the Free Fishing Weekend will be the first weekend in June after the first Monday in June.
Fish and shellfish not covered by the free weekend
- All shellfish, including clams, crabs, mussels, oysters, and shrimplicense required
- Salmonlicense required
- Steelheadlicense required
- Sturgeonlicense required
- Halibutlicense required
Catch Record Card (CRC): … This item is required during Free Fishing Weekend. Catch Record Card + Halibut: … It is required on Free Fishing Weekend, and will still have a fee associated with it.
Fishing without a license on other Washington days
Youth Anglers: Youth under 16 years old DO NOT need a fishing license, however CRCs are required for specific species and included with a free youth license. Exception, effective January 1, 2026 anglers age 15 fishing for salmon or steelhead on the Columbia River or its tributaries require the Columbia River Salmon and Steelhead Endorsement. If you elect to getting both, you must have valid mobile
You DO NOT need a license to fish for common carp in Moses Lake or Vancouver Lake, to harvest bullfrogs, or to collect relic shells.
- Licenses and limitsevery other day of the year
- Trout plantslakes WDFW stocked before the June weekend
Washington Free Fishing Weekend, with Washington water pictured
Photo: brewbooks, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: claumoho, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Eli Duke, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: Jeff Hollett, Public domain
Free Fishing Weekend questions from Washington families
When is Washington Free Fishing Weekend in 2027?
June 12, 2027 and June 13, 2027, as printed in the 2026-27 pamphlet.
When was it in 2026?
Saturday June 6, 2026 and Sunday June 7, 2026.
Can someone from out of state fish free on that June weekend?
Yes; the pamphlet says it is open to everyone, residents and nonresidents alike.
Can I keep salmon or steelhead without a license that weekend?
No; salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, halibut and all shellfish still need a license.
Is a catch record card needed?
Yes; the card is still required that weekend, and the halibut card keeps its fee.
Do I need a Discover Pass or Vehicle Access Pass?
No; WDFW waives the Vehicle Access Pass and the weekend coincides with Discover Pass free days.
How is the date picked?
It is the first weekend in June after the first Monday in June.
Do limits and seasons still apply?
Yes; seasons, size and daily limits, gear rules and area closures stay in force.