To see current fishing contests, visit the contest calendar.
When do I need a permit?
All fishing contests require a fishing contest permit issued by WDFW (WAC 220-220-220) if:
- Six or more licensed anglers (aged 15 and older) are competitively fishing for game fish (as defined by RCW 77.08.020). Common game fish include walleye, bass, and trout.
AND
- A winner will be determined.
Fishing contests may require additional permits not issued by WDFW, depending on the location.
When don't I need a permit?
No permit is required for fishing contests that meet one or more of the following criteria:
- Five or fewer participants aged 15 and older competitively fish for game fish (as defined by RCW 77.08.020).
- It is a juvenile-only contest for ages 14 and under. For information on juvenile fishing events and contests, see 'additional information' section below.
- The event is non-competitive (no winner will be determined).
- Participants competitively fish for only food fish as defined by WAC 220-300-370. Common food fish species include carp and non-landlocked salmon.
Application
Process
Applications can be submitted by mail or email. Download the application below and follow the instructions for your preferred submission method.
- Application MS Word (DOCX) | PDF (PDF)
For mail submission
- Print and fill out the application.
- Mail the application to the contact information at the bottom of the page.
For email submission
- Print, fill out, and scan the application OR fill out the form electronically and save it to your computer.
- Email the form as an attachment to Alex.Fulton@dfw.wa.gov.
- If you do not receive a confirmation that your email has been received within 30 days, please resend your application.
Submission deadline
Applications received by July 1 for contests taking place the following calendar year are more likely to receive permits for their preferred date. After July 1, applications must be submitted 30 days or more before the contest start date and are processed on a first come, first served basis. More information can be found under WAC 220-220-220.
Fishing contest permits are limited to 7 per person or club per calendar year.
Permit and application fees
- Fishing contest permit fee: $24 per contest (refunded if permit is denied)
- Application fee: $70 per contest (non-refundable, RCW 77.65.480)
- Fees can be submitted online (includes a 3% card fee) OR send check by mail at the contact information at the bottom of the page.
Modify permit application
Complete the permit modification application form and submit the form via email (preferred) or mail following the submission instructions above.
After contest reporting
Contest directors have 30 days from the contest end date to return the final report of fishing contest and aquatic invasive species in-state confirmation. If applicable, aquatic invasive species decontamination and inspection confirmation(s) must also be included.
Download the files below and submit the final report by email (preferred) or mail to the contact information on the bottom of this page.
Contest regulations
Additional Permits
Additional permits may be required by WDFW or other organizations.
Boat Identification
All contest boats must be clearly identified with:
- Fluorescent banner or flagging visible from 360 degrees.
- Have text identifying it as a contest participant. Examples include contestant, tournament, or contest.
Waterbody limit
The number of boats participating per contest and the number of contests per waterbody, per day are limited. Refer to WAC 220-220-220 for more information.
Additional information
Juvenile fishing contests
Contests restricted to individuals under 15 years of age are defined as juvenile fishing events. If the contest meets the following criteria, sponsors of juvenile fish competitions must inform the WDFW regional office in which the event will occur.
- Ten or more juveniles competitively fish for game fish as defined by RCW 77.08.020. Common game fish include walleye, bass, and trout.
AND
- A winner will be determined (regardless of prize value).
Juvenile fishing event sponsors requesting fish from the WDFW are required to apply for fish by February 1st of the year in which the event is planned. Please see the WAC that governs juvenile fishing events (WAC 220-310-230) for more detailed information.
Bass fishing contest results
To view and download results from bass fishing contests since 2008, visit the bass fishing contest results page. Contest results prior to 2008 can be found in the publication library.
Contact information
Mailing address:
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
PO Box 43160
Olympia, WA 98504-3160