In Clark County, opportunities include Battle Ground Lake, Klineline Pond, Lacamas Lake, Lake Merwin and Vancouver Lake
OLYMPIA – Anglers across the state will be able to fish without a license this weekend, June 11-12, during Washington’s annual Free Fishing Weekend event.
Residents and non-residents can fish or harvest shellfish across the state on those days, in any waters open to fishing, all without a license.
“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.”
During Free Fishing Weekend, visitors are not required to display a Vehicle Access Pass or Discover Pass for day-use visits to a Washington state park or to lands managed by the Washington Department of Natural Resources or WDFW.
Some of the opportunities available during free fishing weekend include:
- Trout and bass in lowland lakes, and in the many rivers open to gamefish throughout the state. Search for a lowland lake near you and see which lakes have been recently stocked at the WDFW website, as well as this blog post on how to have a successful day on the water as a beginning trout angler.
- Lingcod, cabezon, and rockfish on the Washington coast (no boat required; see our blog post on jetty fishing).
- Salmon fishing on much of the lower Columbia River. See open dates and regulations for the different portions of river in this news release.
There are plenty of other opportunities available statewide; interested anglers should be sure to check the current fishing regulations valid through the end of June before hitting the water, as well as any emergency rules currently in effect.
While no licenses are required on Free Fishing Weekend, other rules such as seasons, size limits, daily limits, and area closures are still in effect. For example, Puget Sound crabbing is not currently open, as well as clam and oyster seasons on many beaches.
Catch record card requirements meant to help monitor certain fisheries — like crab (only coastal crab fisheries are currently open), halibut, salmon, sturgeon, and steelhead across the state – also remain in effect. Most catch record cards are available free (except halibut, which costs $5.50) at hundreds of sporting goods stores and other license dealers throughout the state. Visit the WDFW website to locate a license dealer.
“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.
Anglers without a license taking part in Free Fishing Weekend can still participate and win prizes in the department’s 2022 Trout Fishing Derby and redeem tags from trout caught over the weekend. Plenty of prizes remain on tagged fish stocked in lakes throughout the state.
Anglers will not need a two-pole endorsement to fish with two poles in selected waters where two-pole fishing is permitted.
In addition to the permanent rules and emergency rules listed above, the free Fish Washington app, available on Google Play, Apple’s App store and at WDFW’s website, is designed to convey up-to-the-minute fishing regulations for every lake, river, stream and marine area in the state.
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife works to preserve, protect, and perpetuate fish, wildlife and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish, wildlife, and recreational and commercial opportunities.
Also read:
- Opinion: In search of joy at Vancouver Mall during Christmas time
Paul Valencia reflects on his annual Christmas-time visit to Vancouver Mall, finding nostalgia, people-watching, and moments of joy amid last-minute holiday shopping. - VIDEO: WA and OR lawmakers irked as update on I-5 Bridge costs still missing
Washington and Oregon lawmakers expressed frustration after planners failed to provide updated cost estimates for the I-5 Bridge replacement during a recent legislative oversight meeting. - Opinion: Atmospheric River events mean even less clearance for vessels crossing under the proposed Interstate Bridge Plan
Neighbors for a Better Crossing argues that high river levels from atmospheric river events further reduce vessel clearance under the proposed Interstate Bridge design, creating long-term navigation risks on the Columbia River. - Vancouver USA Arts & Music Festival opens applications for 2026 performers, artists, and more
Organizers of the Vancouver USA Arts & Music Festival have opened applications for 2026 performers, artists, and vendors ahead of the three-day event returning to downtown Vancouver in August. - Opinion: Why I won’t mourn the end of enhanced ACA subsidies
Elizabeth New (Hovde) argues that allowing enhanced ACA subsidies to expire forces a necessary conversation about rising health care costs rather than continued cost shifting to taxpayers. - Columbia River salmon and steelhead endorsement goes into effect Jan. 1
Beginning Jan. 1, anglers 15 and older must purchase a Columbia River salmon and steelhead endorsement to fish for those species in the Columbia River and many Washington tributaries. - City of Washougal launches Strategic Plan Dashboard and shares year-end update
The city of Washougal has launched a new Strategic Plan Dashboard and released a year-end update outlining progress, economic indicators, and key accomplishments tied to its 2023–2028 Strategic Plan.
