Recreational fishing and hunting license costs increase July 1

Date: Wednesday, June 18, 2025

Washington hunting and fishing license fees will increase by 38% on July 1, the first price hike since 2011, under a new law signed by Gov. Bob Ferguson. File photo

Signed by Gov. Bob Ferguson on May 17, the bill increases fees by 38% and includes a senior discount for hunting licenses and a senior and disabled veteran discount for license packages

As a result of state legislation passed this session, hunting and fishing license fees will increase July 1, 2025, reflecting the first license fee increase since 2011. Signed by Gov. Bob Ferguson on May 17, the bill increases fees by 38% and includes a senior discount for hunting licenses and a senior and disabled veteran discount for license packages (Fish Washington and Get Outdoors).

WDFW did not request this legislation. Although this bill increases revenue for the Department, most of the revenue is used to cover increased costs while the remainder is used to offset State General Fund reductions as a fund swap. The swap is $10.1 million for 2025-27 and $7 million per biennium ongoing thereafter. 

Visit the WDFW website for updated license fee tables for fishing, big game hunting, and small game hunting licenses.

If you would like to buy hunting and fishing licenses, you can always do so by visiting myWDFW.org, calling 360-902-2464, or going to a license dealer near you. Go to wdfw.wa.gov/licenses/dealers to find your nearest license dealer.

Columbia River salmon and steelhead endorsement to begin Jan. 1, 2026

Starting Jan. 1, 2026, anglers fishing for salmon and steelhead in the Columbia River and its Washington tributaries will need a Columbia River Salmon and Steelhead Endorsement (CRSSE). This new requirement, established by House Bill 2003 and signed into law on May 17, applies to resident and non-resident anglers age 15 and older. The endorsement will cost $8.75 for most anglers, with a discount for youth and seniors.