Free Fishing Weekend returns to Washington June 7–8

OLYMPIA — Washington’s Free Fishing Weekend returns June 7–8, 2025, allowing anglers the opportunity to fish for many species without a license. All fishing for and harvest of shellfish, salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, and halibut still requires a license during Free Fishing Weekend, and all other fishing rules and regulations still apply.

Some of the best statewide opportunities for Free Fishing Weekend include:

• Rainbow trout, largemouth and smallmouth bass, yellow perch, and other gamefish in lakes. Visit the WDFW website to search for a lowland lake near you and learn how to get started fishing.
• The 2025 Trout Derby, with over 100 lakes planted with derby trout. Hundreds of prizes remain on tagged fish in lakes statewide.
• Lingcod, cabezon, flounder, sole, and other bottomfish species in Puget Sound.
• Rockfish and surfperch on the Washington coast (no boat required; learn about jetty fishing).
• Shad along the shoreline on the Lower Columbia River (learn where and how to harvest shad).

Find more information about places to go fishing on the WDFW website.

“If you’re looking for a great opportunity to enjoy time outside—whether with friends and family or on your own—check out Free Fishing Weekend,” said Kirt Hughes, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) fish management division manager. “It is important to understand the rules before heading out. Notably, shellfish are excluded from this event due to high harvest pressure in recent years, a continuing trend that has already led to early beach closures this spring. We encourage people to explore the many great fishing opportunities that are still available.”

Species excluded from Free Fishing Weekend are:

• All shellfish, including clams, crabs, mussels, oysters, and shrimp
• Salmon
• Steelhead
• Sturgeon
• Halibut

All other open species may be harvested without a license, but seasons, size limits, daily limits, gear rules, recording requirements, and area closures still apply. Anglers should check the current fishing regulations and any emergency rules. There are many ways to check fishing regulations, both on the WDFW website, in the Fish Washington® mobile app, and in the 2024-25 Sport Fishing Rules.

Free Fishing Weekend coincides with Discover Pass free days, when the Discover Pass is not required to park on land managed by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources, Washington State Parks, or WDFW.

Other requirements waived during Free Fishing Weekend include:

• Vehicle Access Pass (which comes with most fishing licenses)
• Two-Pole Endorsement (where applicable)

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife works to preserve, protect, and perpetuate fish, wildlife and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish, wildlife, and recreational and commercial opportunities.