June 6–7, 2026
Not every species is included in free fishing weekend. All fishing for and harvest of shellfish, salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, and halibut still requires a license even on Free Fishing Weekend, and all other fishing rules and regulations still apply.
Free Fishing Weekend is June 6–7, 2026, when fishing licenses are not required to fish for many species in Washington. See our 2025 news release to learn more about the event.
Best opportunities for anglers
Some great fishing opportunities available without a license on Free Fishing Weekend include:
- Rainbow trout and bass in lowland lakes across the state.
- Lingcod, cabezon, flounder, and sole in Puget Sound.
- Rockfish and surfperch on the Washington coast.
- Shad in the Columbia River.
Remember - all other rules still apply. While no licenses are required for some species on Free Fishing Weekend, it's still important to check the regulations for size limits, bag limits, and area closures that will still be in effect. Please see the Fishing Regulation Pamphlet for all rules and restrictions.
What's excluded from Free Fishing Weekend?
Licenses are still required for:
- All shellfish, including clams, crabs, mussels, oysters, and shrimp
- Salmon
- Steelhead
- Sturgeon
- Halibut
Discover Pass free days
Free Fishing Weekend in Washington is always the first weekend after the first Monday in June. The event coincides with Discover Pass free days, when the Discover Pass is not required to park on land managed by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources, Washington State Parks, or WDFW.
Other requirements waived during Free Fishing Weekend include:
- Vehicle Access Pass (which comes with most fishing licenses).
- Two-Pole Endorsement (where applicable).
Recreate responsibly
Recreate Responsibly to keep your trips outdoors safe and fun. Learn more at recreateresponsibly.org. Looking for additional ways to enjoy Washington's great outdoors this summer? Visit our Life Outdoors web page.