Information submitted by Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife
Each year, thousands of Washingtonians go fishing – legally – without a license on “Free Fishing Weekend,” scheduled for June 9-10.
During those two days, no license will be required to fish or gather shellfish in any waters open to fishing in Washington state.
Anglers will also not need a Columbia River Salmon and Steelhead Endorsement, otherwise required to fish for salmon and steelhead in the Columbia River and its tributaries. Nor will they need a Two Pole Endorsement to fish with two poles in selected waters where two-pole fishing is permitted.
Also, no vehicle access pass or Discover Pass will be required during Free Fishing Weekend to park at any of the nearly 700 water-access sites maintained by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW). A Discover Pass will also not be required on Washington State Parks lands throughout the weekend, but will be required on DNR lands both days.
“If you haven’t fished in Washington, or want to introduce fishing to someone new to the sport, this is the weekend to get out there,” said Steve Thiesfeld, WDFW inland fish program manager.
Options available on Free Fishing Weekend include:
- Trout in lowland lakes, and in the many rivers opening to trout fishing June 2 throughout the region, including Lake Chelan, Antilon Lake, Chelan Golf Course Pond, Domke Lake, Dry Lake, Roses Lake, and Wapato Lake, as well as the Columbia River.
- Bass, crappie, perch and other warmwater fish biting in lakes throughout Washington.
- Shad on the Columbia River.
Anglers can get more details on lowland lake fishing, high lake fishing and marine area opportunities through the “Fish Washington” feature at the department’s website
While no licenses are required on Free Fishing Weekend, Thiesfeld indicates it’s still important to check the regulations for other rules such as size limits, bag limits, catch record card requirements and area closures that will still be in effect.
