Washington’s Free Fishing Weekend returns June 7-8, allowing anglers the opportunity to fish for many species without a license, according to a news release from the Washington state Department of Fish and Wildlife.
All fishing harvests of shellfish, salmon, steelhead, sturgeon and halibut still require a license during Free Fishing Weekend, and all other fishing rules and regulations still apply.
Some of the best statewide opportunities for Free Fishing Weekend include:
• Rainbow trout, largemouth and smallmouth bass, yellow perch and other gamefish in lakes. Visit the WDFW website to search for a lowland lake nearby at https://shorturl.at/p0p86 and learn how to get started fishing at https://shorturl.at/3NpOA.
• The 2025 Trout Derby, with over 100 lakes stocked with derby trout. Hundreds of prizes remain on tagged fish in lakes statewide. For more information, visit https://shorturl.at/EO2ES.
• Lingcod, cabezon, flounder, sole and other bottomfish species in Puget Sound.
• Rockfish and surfperch on the Washington coast, no boat required.
• Shad along the shoreline on the Lower Columbia River.
Find more information about places to go fishing at wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/locations.
“If you’re looking for a great opportunity to enjoy time outside — whether with friends and family or on your own — check out Free Fishing Weekend,” said Kirt Hughes, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife fish management division manager. “It is important to understand the rules before heading out. Notably, shellfish are excluded from this event due to high harvest pressure in recent years, a continuing trend that has already led to early beach closures this spring. We encourage people to explore the many great fishing opportunities that are still available.”
Species excluded from Free Fishing Weekend are:
• All shellfish, including clams, crabs, mussels, oysters and shrimp
• Salmon
• Steelhead
• Sturgeon
• Halibut
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. Anglers should check the current fishing regulations and any emergency rules. There are many ways to check fishing regulations, both on the WDFW website, in the Fish Washington mobile app and in the 2024-25 Sport Fishing Rules at https://shorturl.at/nCegG.
Other requirements waived during Free Fishing Weekend include:
• Vehicle Access Pass (which comes with most fishing licenses)
• Two-pole endorsement
