Personal use saltwater, freshwater, combination, or temporary license—Charter stamp—Rule-making authority—Combination license for fishing—Two fishing poles per fishing license holder.
(1) A personal use saltwater, freshwater, combination, or temporary license is required for all persons 16 years of age or older to fish for or possess fish taken for personal use from state waters or offshore waters.
(a) A combination license allows the holder to fish for or possess fish, shellfish, and seaweed from state waters or offshore waters.
(b) A saltwater license allows the holder to fish for or possess fish taken from saltwater areas.
(c) A freshwater license allows the holder to fish for, take, or possess food fish or game fish species in all freshwater areas.
(2)(a) A temporary combination fishing license is valid for one to three consecutive days and allows the holder to fish for or possess fish, shellfish, and seaweed taken from state waters or offshore waters.
(b) A charter stamp is valid for a one-day temporary combination fishing license for residents and nonresidents for use on a charter boat as defined in RCW 77.65.150. A guide stamp is valid for a one-day temporary combination fishing license for residents and nonresidents for use with a guide as defined in RCW 77.65.370, 77.65.480, or 77.65.590.
(c) The temporary combination fishing license fee for active duty military personnel serving in any branch of the United States armed forces is the resident rate. Active duty military personnel must provide a valid military identification card at the time of purchase of the temporary license to qualify for the resident rate.
(3) The commission may adopt rules to allow the use of two fishing poles per fishing license holder for use on selected state waters. If authorized by the commission, license holders must purchase a two-pole endorsement to use a second pole. The proceeds from the sale of the two-pole endorsement must be deposited into the limited fish and wildlife account created in RCW 77.12.170(1) and used for the operation and maintenance of state-owned fish hatcheries.
[ 2025 c 328 s 11; 2020 c 148 s 20; 2011 c 339 s 12; 2009 c 333 s 6; 2008 c 35 s 1; 2007 c 442 s 5; 2005 c 192 s 1; 2003 c 181 s 1; 1998 c 191 s 16.]
NOTES:
Effective date—2025 c 328: See note following RCW 77.08.010.
Intent—Effective date—2020 c 148: See notes following RCW 77.12.170.
Effective date—2011 c 339: See note following RCW 43.84.092.
Findings—Intent—Effective date—2007 c 442: See notes following RCW 77.12.702.
Effective date—2003 c 181: "This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect immediately [May 9, 2003]." [ 2003 c 181 s 2.]
Effective date—1998 c 191: See note following RCW 77.32.410.