Photo: Forest Service - Northern Region, Public domain, Wikimedia Commons
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Washington
State, United States. Authority: Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife (WDFW).
2026 rules, checked on 23 September 2026.
Trout season 2027: all 50 states
Trout season 2027 guide: 50 statesPDF + online version · instant access
- Licence
- US$170Nonresident Annual Combination
- Calendar lines open on
- 123 September 2026
- Minimum sizes
- 127 cmTiger muskellunge
Where to fish
© OpenStreetMap
2026 season calendar
except Dolly Varden/bull trout and grass carp
statewide default; water-specific exceptions
Solid bars: fishing allowed. Yellow line: today.
Minimum sizes
| Species | Minimum size | 0–130 cm |
|---|---|---|
| Walleye (lakes, ponds, reservoirs)2 only 1 over 22 in | 30.5 cm | |
| Tiger muskellunge2 statewide | 127 cm | |
| Trout (rivers & streams)2 statewide; no minimum in lakes | 20.3 cm | |
| Largemouth bass (lakes, ponds, reservoirs)2 only bass under 12 in may be retained, except 1 over 17 in (protected 12-17 in slot) | not published | |
| Smallmouth bass (lakes, ponds, reservoirs)2 no minimum; only 1 over 14 in | not published |
Bag limits
| Species | Fish you may keep |
|---|---|
| Largemouth bass (lakes)2 only under 12 in, plus 1 over 17 in | 5 per day |
| Smallmouth bass (lakes)2 only 1 over 14 in; no limit in rivers/streams | 10 per day |
| Walleye (lakes)2 12 in min, only 1 over 22 in | 8 per day |
| Tiger muskellunge2 50 in min | 1 per day |
| Northern pike2 no min size, no daily or possession limit | not published |
| Trout (lakes)2 no min size | 5 per day |
| Trout (rivers & streams)2 8 in min | 2 per day |
Licence
| Licence | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Resident Annual Freshwater Fishing License1 | annual (April 1 - March 31) | US$39.95 |
| Resident Annual Freshwater1 | annual | US$39.95 |
| Resident Annual Saltwater1 | annual | US$40.71 |
| Resident Annual Combination1 | annual | US$74.37 |
| Resident 1-Day Combination1 | 1-day | US$14.90 |
| Resident 2-Day Combination1 | 2-day | US$20.98 |
| Resident 3-Day Combination1 | 3-day | US$25.53 |
| Senior (70+) Resident Annual Freshwater1 | annual | US$9.59 |
| Senior (70+) Resident Annual Combination1 | annual | US$28.83 |
| Nonresident Annual Freshwater1 | annual | US$115.85 |
| Nonresident Annual Saltwater1 | annual | US$81.70 |
| Nonresident Annual Combination1 | annual | US$170 |
| Nonresident 1-Day Combination1 | 1-day | US$27.05 |
| Nonresident 2-Day Combination1 | 2-day | US$39.19 |
| Nonresident 3-Day Combination1 | 3-day | US$48.30 |
| Two-Pole Endorsement (resident)1 | annual | US$20.23 |
Buy the licence on fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov
- Ages and exemptions1
- Anglers 15 years and younger do not need a fishing license (catch record cards still required for certain species). All fishers age 16 and older need a license. Reduced senior (70+) resident licenses.
Good to know
Prices include all fees. Short-term licenses are combination (fresh+salt). Protected slot for largemouth (12-17 in) in lakes. Northern pike: no limits (invasive). Lakes open year-round; rivers/streams default season Saturday before Memorial Day - Oct 31.
What the authority does not publish
Points we could not find in the official texts: check with the authority.
- no separate freshwater-only short-term license (1/2/3-day are combination)
- season statement read via search snippet of statewide freshwater regulations page, not full fetch
- largemouth rule in rivers/streams not captured
Rules change every year and can be amended during the season. Before fishing, check the text in force with the authority listed.
Where to fish
Fishing places listed in the official sources.
- Lake Roosevelt reservoir, Okanogan County
Rainbow trout View on the map - Baker Lake reservoir, Whatcom County View on the map
- Mayfield Lake reservoir, Lewis County
Rainbow trout, Muskellunge View on the map - Battle Ground Lake lake, Clark County
Rainbow trout View on the map - American Lake lake, Pierce County
Rainbow trout View on the map - Lake Whatcom lake, Whatcom County View on the map
- Rock Lake lake, Whitman County
Brown trout, Rainbow trout View on the map - Mineral Lake lake, Lewis County
Rainbow trout, Brown trout View on the map - Deer Lake lake, Stevens County
Brook trout, Rainbow trout View on the map - Fish Lake lake, Chelan County
Brown trout, Rainbow trout View on the map - Cowlitz River river, Cowlitz County
Rainbow trout View on the map - Wenatchee River river, Chelan County
Rainbow trout View on the map
Frequently asked questions
How much is a fishing licence in Washington in 2026?
The “Nonresident Annual Combination” licence costs US$170 (annual). Other options and prices are in the table above, with the official source.
What is the minimum size for muskellunge in Washington?
Muskellunge: 127 cm. Any smaller fish must be released immediately.
Official sources
- WDFW Fishing license types and fees (effective Jan 1, 2026) (accessed on 23 September 2026)
- Washington Statewide Freshwater Species Rules (WDFW pamphlet on eRegulations, updated 2026-06-18) (accessed on 23 September 2026)
- Washington Statewide Freshwater Regulations (accessed on 23 September 2026)
- WDFW Fishing & shellfishing licenses (accessed on 23 September 2026)
- wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/regulations
Last checked: 23 September 2026.
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