Fishing contest rules and permits

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. 

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. 

• Final Report of Fishing Contest MS Word | PDF (PDF)
• Aquatic invasive species in-state confirmation MS Word | PDF (PDF)
• Aquatic invasive species decontamination and inspection confirmation  MS Word | PDF (PDF)

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. 

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.