Licenses aren't required to fish this weekend
Free Fishing Weekend returns Saturday and Sunday, offering an opportunity for anglers statewide to fish for many species without buying a license.
Licenses are still required to fish for or harvest salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, halibut and all shellfish.
All other fishing rules and regulations still apply, including seasons, size limits, daily limits, gear rules, recording requirements and area closures.
"Free Fishing Weekend gives people an easy entry point into fishing," state Department of Fish and Wildlife Fish Management Division Manager Kirt Hughes said in a news release. "You don't need to be an expert or own a boat to get started. There are lakes, shorelines and fishing piers across the state where people can get out and give it a try."
Some of the best options for Free Fishing Weekend include fishing for rainbow trout, largemouth and smallmouth bass, yellow perch, and other game fish in lakes.
In 2026, Fish and Wildlife staff are stocking 15.5 million trout and kokanee in about 500 lowland lakes.
Anglers who fish lakes can also participate in the Trout Derby, with tagged derby trout stocked in about 100 lakes and hundreds of prizes available.
"We want people to enjoy the weekend and have a successful trip," Hughes said. "Before heading out, anglers should take a few minutes to check the current regulations, know which species are excluded from the event, and make sure the area they plan to fish is open."
Free Fishing Weekend is an annual event that coincides with Discover Pass free days, when a Discover Pass is not required to park on land managed by the state Department of Natural Resources, Washington State Parks or Fish and Wildlife.
Besides licenses, other requirements waived during Free Fishing Weekend include having a Vehicle Access Pass (which comes with most fishing licenses) and Two Pole Endorsement (where applicable).
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This story was originally published June 5, 2026 at 7:06 AM.