"Free Fishing Weekend" is June 7-8, 2025, when fishing licenses are not required of anyone to fish in Washington. Free Fishing Weekend in Washington is always the first weekend after the first Monday in June.
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.
Also NOT required on Free Fishing Weekend:
- Vehicle Access Pass (which comes with a fishing license)
- A Discover Pass will not be required on WDFW or Washington State Park lands throughout the weekend, but will be required on DNR lands both days.
- Two-Pole Endorsement
Recreate Responsibly
Anglers will need to follow state guidelines by continuing to recreate in their local communities, traveling only with family or other members of their immediate household, and practicing physical distancing by keeping 6 feet apart.
Anglers should check ahead of time if their preferred destination or launch is open. Some local marinas or facilities – including tribal lands – remain closed, and anglers should be prepared to change plans if their first choice is closed or too congested. For more tips to recreate responsibly during the COVID-19 pandemic, visit our blog post.
Remember - all other rules still apply. While no licenses are required on Free Fishing Weekend, 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.
Catch record cards, required for some species, are available free at hundreds of sporting goods stores and other license dealers throughout the state. Visit the license vendors page to locate a license dealer.
Please see the Fishing Regulation Pamphlet for all rules and restrictions.
