Free Fishing Weekend

Rule-making status: Permanent

Rule Making Reference# P2022-04
The proposed amendment limits the waiver of a license requirement on free fishing weekend to fish that do not require a catch record card.

The proposed rule limits the waiver of licensure requirements for free fishing weekend to fish that do not require a catch record card. On free fishing weekend, licenses and catch record cards (if applicable) would be required to gather or possess shellfish or fish requiring a catch record card. A fishing license would not be required for any person, regardless of age or residency, to fish for or possess fish that do not require a catch record card on free fishing weekend. The new rule would waive the requirement for a vehicle access pass and continue to allow fishing with two poles (where legal) without a two-pole endorsement, on free fishing weekend.

Public comments

The comment period has closed as of June 28, 2022.
To view comments on this proposal, please visit the Free Fishing Weekend Public Engagement page.

Public hearing

June 24, 2022 at 11:40 a.m. - Webinar
Watch the recording on TVW

Date of adoption: July 15, 2022

For more information

Staff Contact: kirt.hughes@dfw.wa.gov

Assistance for Persons with Disabilities Contact:
Title VI/ADA Compliance Coordinator  
Phone: (360) 902-2349, TTY: 1-800-833-6388 OR 711
Email: Title6@dfw.wa.gov

Free Fishing Weekend - Timeline

  • July 15, 2022

    Fish and Wildlife Commission Decision

    The proposed rule was adopted by a unanimous decision.

  • June 24, 2022

    Briefing and Public Hearing

    Verbal public testimony was accepted at this time.

  • March 22, 2022

    CR-102 Rule Proposal Filed

    Public comments were accepted during a comment period at this time.

  • January 18, 2022

    CR-101 Rule Preproposal Notice Filed

January 2022