OLYMPIA – Free Fishing Weekend returns to Washington June 6–7, offering an opportunity for people across the state 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.
"Free Fishing Weekend gives people an easy entry point into fishing," said Kirt Hughes, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) fish management division manager. "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 statewide opportunities for Free Fishing Weekend include rainbow trout, largemouth and smallmouth bass, yellow perch, and other game fish in lakes. In 2026, WDFW staff are stocking 15.5 million trout and kokanee in more than 500 lowland lakes statewide. Anglers can find trout stocking information on WDFW's website. Lake-fishing anglers can also participate in the Trout Derby, with tagged derby trout stocked in more than 100 lakes and hundreds of prizes available.
Other Free Fishing Weekend opportunities include:
- Rockfish and surfperch on the Washington coastal jetties and shorelines – no boat required. Learn about jetty fishing in the WDFW blog.
- American shad along the shoreline on the lower Columbia River during peak spring runs. Learn how to harvest shad in the WDFW blog.
- Lingcod, cabezon, flounder, sole, and other bottomfish species in Puget Sound marine areas. Learn more about bottomfish on the WDFW website.
Anglers can find lake locations, stocking reports, fishing regulations, and beginner fishing information on the WDFW website.
"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."
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 current emergency rules. There are many ways to check fishing regulations, both on the WDFW website, in the Fish Washington® mobile app, and in the 2025-26 Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet.
Free Fishing Weekend is an annual event that 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.
Not all species are included in Free Fishing Weekend: all shellfish, salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, and halibut still require a license. Photo credit Isaac Loebsack.