WDFW offers mid-season upgrades to fishing licenses

ARCHIVED NEWS RELEASE
This document is provided for archival purposes only. Archived documents do not reflect current WDFW regulations or policy and may contain factual inaccuracies.

News release July 1, 2016

Peter Vernie (licensing) 360- 902-2302
Larry Phillips (fisheries) 360-870-1889

Olympia - From now through September, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is offering current freshwater or saltwater fishing license holders the opportunity to upgrade to a combination license for under $28.

The upgrade will give those anglers all the fishing privileges of a combination license at the cost they would have paid if they had purchased one originally, said Peter Vernie, WDFW licensing manager.

Freshwater fishing license holders can purchase an upgrade to a combination license for $27.85 and current saltwater fishing license holders can upgrade to a combination license for $27.30.

"We realize many anglers may want a second chance to choose a combo license this year," said Vernie. "Freshwater anglers who upgrade soon will be able to take advantage of several salmon fisheries that open in the ocean and Puget Sound this July."

By purchasing the upgrade, freshwater license holders will gain access to saltwater fishing, shellfish and seaweed.

Saltwater license holders who upgrade to the combo license will gain access to fishing in lakes and rivers, as well as opportunities for shellfish and seaweed.

"It's time to pick up that spinning rod or fly fishing gear and head out to enjoy Washington's lakes and streams," said Larry Phillips, WDFW inland fish program manager. "We have great bass fishing in every part of this state, and Washington's walleye, trout, sunfish and salmon provide opportunities for every kind of angler."

To purchase and upgrade a license online, visit WDFW's licensing website at https://fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov/wa/license, check with your local license vendor, or call WDFW licensing at (360) 902-2464.

For a complete rundown on marine and freshwater opportunities, visit our fishing page: http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/

Request this information in an alternative format or language at wdfw.wa.gov/accessibility/requests-accommodation, 833-885-1012, TTY (711), or CivilRightsTeam@dfw.wa.gov.