What a Temporary Combination License Covers

Washington's Temporary Combination Fishing License lets you fish for both freshwater and saltwater species during a short window without buying separate licenses. It covers all game fish in rivers, lakes, and Puget Sound — salmon, steelhead, trout, bass, and marine species — for the duration you purchase. The license is issued by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) and is valid only for the consecutive days you specify when you buy it.

This license is designed for visitors or residents who want to fish both environments but do not plan to hold a year-round license. You do not need to choose between freshwater and saltwater; one temporary license covers both. However, you still must follow all species-specific rules, seasons, and catch limits that apply to the water you are fishing.

Key Takeaways

  • A Temporary Combination License covers freshwater and saltwater fishing for consecutive days you choose when purchasing, ranging from 1 to 10 days.
  • You can buy the license online through the WDFW website, by phone, or at authorized retailers like sporting goods stores and tackle shops.
  • The cost varies by the number of days: a 1-day license costs less than a 10-day license, and prices differ slightly for residents and non-residents.
  • You must carry your license while fishing and be prepared to show it to a fish and wildlife officer on request.
  • The license does not override seasonal closures, species restrictions, or daily catch limits — you must still follow all current WDFW fishing regulations.

How Long the License Lasts and When to Buy It

You choose the length when you purchase: 1, 3, 5, 7, or 10 consecutive days. The clock starts on the first day you specify, and the license expires at the end of the final day. If you buy a 5-day license on a Monday, it runs Monday through Friday and is no longer valid on Saturday.

There is no waiting period. You can buy the license the day you plan to fish or several days in advance. If you are unsure how many days you will need, buy the shorter option first — you can always purchase another temporary license if your trip extends.

Where to Buy and How Much It Costs

You can purchase a Temporary Combination License through three channels: the WDFW website (wdfw.wa.gov), by calling the WDFW licensing office, or at authorized retailers throughout Washington. Retailers include most sporting goods stores, tackle shops, and some grocery stores and gas stations that sell hunting and fishing licenses.

Pricing depends on residency and the number of days. Resident and non-resident rates differ, and the cost per day decreases as you buy more days. For exact current prices, check the WDFW website or call the licensing office, since rates can change annually. When you buy online or by phone, you receive your license number immediately and can print it or show it on your phone; at a retailer, you receive a physical license card.

What You Must Carry and Show

Your license must be in your possession while you are fishing. If you printed it, keep the printed copy with you. If you received a physical card from a retailer, carry that card. If you bought online and printed from your phone, that image counts as your license.

A fish and wildlife officer can stop you at any time and ask to see your license. Failure to produce it can result in a citation. The license must show your name, the license number, the dates it is valid, and the type (Temporary Combination). Make sure the dates match the days you are actually fishing.

Species You Can Fish and Seasonal Rules That Still Apply

The Temporary Combination License removes the barrier between freshwater and saltwater — you do not have to choose. You can fish for trout in a lake in the morning and salmon in Puget Sound in the afternoon on the same license. However, the license itself does not override any other regulation.

You must still follow all current season dates, species closures, and daily catch limits set by WDFW. Some waters are closed to fishing during certain months. Some species have minimum size requirements or are catch-and-release only. Some areas require special permits or have gear restrictions. Check the current WDFW fishing pamphlet or the WDFW website for the specific water and species you plan to target before you go.

Difference Between Temporary and Year-Round Licenses

A Temporary Combination License is short-term and costs less per day than a year-round license, but it expires after your chosen window. A year-round Combination License (called a Resident Combination Fishing License or Non-Resident Combination Fishing License) is valid for a full calendar year and covers the same waters and species, but costs more upfront.

If you fish only a few days per year, the temporary license is cheaper. If you fish regularly throughout the year, a year-round license is more economical. Some anglers buy a temporary license to test whether they want to commit to a year-round license.

What Happens If Your License Expires Mid-Trip

Once your temporary license expires, you cannot fish legally. If you bought a 5-day license and want to fish on day 6, you must purchase a new temporary license before you fish. There is no grace period or extension. Plan your purchase to cover all the days you intend to fish, or be ready to buy another license if your trip runs longer than expected.

If you are caught fishing without a valid license, you face a citation and a fine. The penalty varies but can be substantial, so it is worth the small cost to buy an extra day or two of coverage if you are uncertain about your schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a Temporary Combination License to fish for shellfish like crab or clams?

No. The Temporary Combination License covers game fish only — species like salmon, trout, bass, and marine fish. Shellfish require a separate Shellfish and Seaweed License. If you plan to dig clams or crab, you will need to purchase that license in addition to your fishing license.

Do I need a separate license if I want to fish in a tribal area or a private lake?

Tribal areas and some private waters have their own rules. Many tribal lands require a tribal fishing permit in addition to or instead of a state license. Private lakes may require permission from the owner. Check with the specific location before you fish — the WDFW website lists tribal contacts and private water restrictions by region.

What if I lose my license or it gets wet and unreadable?

If you bought online and printed it, print another copy from your account on the WDFW website. If you bought a physical card and lost it, contact the WDFW licensing office with your license number and they can issue a replacement. If you bought at a retailer and do not have your license number, the retailer may have a record of the sale and can help you retrieve it.

Can I buy a Temporary Combination License for someone else as a gift?

Yes, but the license must be issued in the name of the person who will fish. You cannot buy a license in your name and have someone else use it. If you want to give someone a fishing license as a gift, you can purchase it at a retailer or online, but you will need their name and residency status to complete the purchase.

Does the Temporary Combination License work in other states?

No. A Washington license is valid only in Washington waters. If you plan to fish in Oregon, Idaho, or another state, you will need to purchase a license from that state. Some states have reciprocal agreements, but you must check each state's requirements separately.