The endorsement requirement applies to more than 50 rivers, lakes, and other waters
OLYMPIA – Beginning Jan. 1, all anglers age 15 and older must buy a Columbia River salmon and steelhead endorsement (CRSSE) to fish recreationally for salmon and steelhead in the Columbia River and many of its Washington tributaries. The endorsement requirement applies to more than 50 rivers, lakes, and other waters, with a full list of affected waters available on the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) website.
Fish and Wildlife Officers may check anglers at these locations to confirm CRSSE compliance. Officers will be using discretion when appropriate and educating anglers about the newly implemented endorsement requirement.
“This reinstated endorsement mirrors the program anglers were familiar with before 2019,” said Kelly Cunningham, WDFW fish program director. “Revenue from the fee is dedicated exclusively to Columbia River salmon and steelhead fisheries by state law and cannot be diverted elsewhere.”
The original CRSSE was enacted by the Washington State Legislature in 2009 and was in effect through 2019. The Legislature reinstated the CRSSE in 2025, helping to offset funding reductions to Columbia River fisheries work amid the state’s budget shortfall. Fees collected from the endorsement will be placed into the Columbia River recreational salmon and steelhead endorsement program account. Expenditures from this account may only be used to facilitate recreational salmon and steelhead fishing opportunities on the Columbia River and its Washington tributaries.
The total cost of the endorsement is $8.75 for resident and non-resident anglers 16 years old and older. The endorsement fee is $7.10 for 15-year-olds and resident seniors 70 years and older. Anglers can buy the CRSSE anywhere fishing licenses are sold – online, by phone, or at hundreds of license vendors statewide. Refer to the WDFW website to learn more about buying the CRSSE.
Endorsements purchased prior to March 31, 2026, are valid through the 2025-26 license year. Anglers will need to buy a new endorsement for the 2026-27 license year after April 1, 2026.
Licensed anglers fishing in the Columbia River or its Washington tributaries who are targeting species other than salmon or steelhead (e.g., sturgeon, trout, shad, walleye, or bass) do not need the CRSSE.
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife works to preserve, protect and perpetuate fish, wildlife and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities.
Also read:
- 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. - Letter: Worried about a replacement bridge?
Sharon Nasset raises concerns about congestion, bridge capacity, and unanswered questions surrounding inspections and decisions tied to the I-5 bridge replacement effort.
