Attention Anglers: It's Washington's Free Fishing Weekend

OLYMPIA, WA — The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife has a special treat for anglers: this weekend, June 11-12, is Free Fishing Weekend.

Free Fishing Weekend is an annual event in which anglers — both Washington residents and any visitors from out of state — are allowed to go fishing, without a fishing license or any additional fees.

“If you’ve ever wanted to try fishing or any of the other unique opportunities Washington offers, Free Fishing Weekend is the perfect time,” said Steve Caromile, inland fish program manager with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW). “It’s easier than ever to get started fishing, and it’s also a great time to introduce someone to fishing without the need to buy a license.”

If you are new to fishing, WDFW experts have a few recommendations about where to get started:

• Trout and bass are common in lowland lakes.
• Lingcod, cabezon, and rockfish can be caught off the coast, and don't require a boat.
• Spring Chinook and sturgeon can be found on the lower Columbia River.

Some beaches allow for shellfish harvesting, which also does not require a license on Free Fishing Weekend. That said, if you are going to harvest shellfish, be careful: Just this Thursday the State Department of Health confirmed a diagnosis of Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning, contracted when a Snohomish County resident ate shellfish from a toxic beach.

Aspiring anglers will need to follow the state's fishing regulations. Local rules and restrictions over fishing seasons, size and daily limits will still apply. Fishers will also need to file catch record cards if they catch crab, halibut, salmon, sturgeon, or steelhead. Catch record cards can be found at most sporting goods stores across the state, and help the state monitor the fish population.

“Catch record cards are a critical management tool, so they remain a requirement during Free Fishing Weekend and it’s important that anglers continue to fill them out accurately,” Caromile said.

>> Learn more about Free Fishing Weekend from the WDFW.