What the Nonresident Combination License Includes

Washington's nonresident combination fishing license is a single permit that lets you fish for freshwater species, saltwater species, and shellfish in state waters during a calendar year. You do not need separate licenses for each type of fishing — one combination license covers all three. The license is valid from January 1 through December 31 of the year you purchase it.

The combination license includes the right to fish for salmon, steelhead, trout, bass, and other freshwater fish in lakes and rivers. It also covers saltwater fishing from shore or boat for species like halibut, rockfish, lingcod, and salmon. Shellfish harvesting — including crab, clams, mussels, and oysters — is included under the same permit, though some shellfish areas have separate season restrictions and daily catch limits that you must follow.

This license does not cover commercial fishing, fishing on tribal lands without a tribal permit, or fishing in Canada. If you plan to fish in multiple states or provinces during a trip, you will need to purchase licenses for each jurisdiction.

Key Takeaways

  • The nonresident combination license covers freshwater, saltwater, and shellfish fishing in Washington state for one calendar year.
  • You can purchase the license online through the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife website, by phone, or at authorized retailers throughout the state.
  • The cost varies by age and residency status; current pricing is available on the WDFW website and changes annually.
  • You must carry your license while fishing and be able to show it to a fish and wildlife officer upon request.
  • Catch limits, season dates, and area closures vary by species and location, so check current regulations before you fish.

Where to Buy Your License

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) sells nonresident combination licenses through multiple channels. The fastest option is to purchase online at the WDFW website, where you can buy and print your license immediately or have it sent to your email. Online purchase takes about five minutes and requires a credit or debit card.

You can also buy a license by phone by calling the WDFW licensing office during business hours. Staff can process your order and mail a physical license to you, though this takes longer than online purchase. Many sporting goods stores, tackle shops, and outdoor retailers throughout Washington also sell licenses over the counter — call ahead to confirm they have nonresident licenses in stock, since some smaller shops may not carry them.

If you purchase online or by phone, you receive a confirmation number immediately. Print your confirmation or show it on your phone while fishing; it is valid proof of licensure until your physical license arrives by mail. Do not wait for the physical copy to arrive before you fish.

Cost and Payment Options

Nonresident combination license prices are set by the Washington legislature and change annually. The WDFW website lists current pricing for all license types. Prices differ based on your age — there are separate rates for adults, seniors, youth, and children. Some discounts may be available for military personnel or disabled individuals; check the WDFW website for current may be able to access and the discount amount.

You can pay by credit card, debit card, or electronic check when you purchase online or by phone. Retailers that sell licenses over the counter typically accept cash, credit, and debit. No refunds are issued for licenses purchased in error or if you leave the state before the year ends — the license is valid for the full calendar year regardless of when you use it.

What You Must Carry While Fishing

Washington law requires you to have your license in your possession at all times while fishing. This means carrying either your physical license card or a printed copy of your online confirmation. A photo of your license on your phone is not sufficient — you must have the actual document or printout that a fish and wildlife officer can read and inspect.

If you are fishing from a boat, your license must be on the boat with you. If you are fishing from shore, it must be on your person. Fish and wildlife officers conduct regular patrols and can stop you to check your license. Fishing without a valid license on hand is a violation and can result in a fine, even if you purchased a license and simply forgot to bring it with you.

Freshwater Fishing Regulations and Seasons

Freshwater fishing seasons, daily catch limits, and minimum size requirements vary by species and by specific water body. Trout season in many lakes runs year-round, but some alpine lakes close in winter. Salmon and steelhead have specific seasons that differ by river and region — some rivers open in fall, others in spring. Bass season typically runs from late April through mid-March of the following year, but this varies by water body.

The WDFW publishes an annual Fishing in Washington pamphlet that lists seasons, limits, and size requirements for each region. You can download it free from the WDFW website or pick up a printed copy at most retailers where you buy your license. Before you fish any specific water, check the current regulations for that location — what is legal in one lake may be closed in another just a few miles away.

Saltwater Fishing and Shellfish Harvesting

Saltwater fishing seasons depend on the species and the area. Halibut season typically runs for a few weeks in spring and summer, with specific opening dates announced by WDFW. Rockfish and lingcod have year-round seasons in most areas, but some marine reserves prohibit all fishing. Salmon seasons vary by region and can open and close multiple times during the year based on fish populations.

Shellfish harvesting has its own set of rules. Crab seasons vary by area — Puget Sound has different dates than coastal areas. Clam and mussel seasons depend on water quality testing; some beaches are closed to shellfish harvest due to biotoxins or pollution. The WDFW website lists current shellfish closures and harvest areas by county. Before you dig or trap, check the specific beach or area where you plan to harvest.

License Validity and Renewal

Your nonresident combination license is valid only for the calendar year in which you purchase it. If you buy a license on December 15, it expires on December 31 of that year — you do not get a full year from the purchase date. To fish in Washington in the following year, you must purchase a new license.

Licenses cannot be transferred to another person. If someone else wants to fish with you, they must purchase their own license. There is no prorated pricing for licenses purchased late in the year; the cost is the same whether you buy in January or November.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish with my nonresident license on tribal lands?

No. Tribal lands in Washington require a separate tribal fishing permit in addition to your state license. Contact the specific tribe whose land you plan to fish on to learn about their permit requirements and fees. Some tribes allow nonresident fishing; others do not.

Do I need a separate license if I want to fish in Oregon or Idaho?

Yes. Each state requires its own fishing license. If you are planning a multi-state fishing trip, purchase a nonresident license for each state where you plan to fish. Licenses do not transfer between states.

What happens if I lose my license while I'm fishing?

If you lose your physical license, contact the WDFW licensing office and provide your confirmation number or purchase details. They can issue a replacement license, though this may take several days. Until you receive a replacement, you cannot legally fish. Keep a photo of your confirmation number on your phone as backup.

Can I buy a license for just saltwater fishing or just freshwater fishing?

Yes. Washington offers separate freshwater-only and saltwater-only licenses for nonresidents at lower prices than the combination license. If you know you will fish only one type of water, a single-purpose license may cost less. Check the WDFW website to compare prices.

Is my license valid if I move to Washington and become a resident?

Your nonresident license remains valid through December 31 of the year you purchased it. Once you establish residency, you can purchase a resident license for the following year at a lower cost. Bring proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or driver's license) when you purchase your resident license.