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š£ Free Fishing Weekend in Washington
No License Needed June 7ā8, 2025!

Whether Youāre a Seasoned Angler or First-Timer, This Is the Perfect Time to Get Out on the Water

Washington Stateās annual Free Fishing Weekend is back on June 7ā8, 2025, giving residents and visitors a rare chance to fish without needing a license or permitāand itās not just the fishing thatās free. On these two days, parking at state parks and public lands is also included, making it an ideal weekend to enjoy the outdoors.
š Free Fishing Weekend Details
šļø Dates: Saturday & Sunday, June 7ā8, 2025
ā
No fishing license required for most freshwater and saltwater species
ā
No Discover Pass needed for state parks and public lands
ā
No vehicle access pass needed for Department of Fish & Wildlife areas
Itās a great opportunity to grab your rod, pack a cooler, and hit the waterāwhether youāre solo, with friends, or taking the kids on their first fishing trip.
š What You Can (and Canāt) Catch for Free
While most fishing is license-free, some exceptions apply. Here's a quick breakdown:
ā No License Required for:
Trout
Bass
Panfish
Perch
Other non-catch-card species
ā Still Requires a License:
Salmon
Steelhead
Halibut
Sturgeon
Shellfish (due to recent beach closures and population protections)
Reminder: Even if youāre fishing for free, you still need to follow all:
Size limits
Daily catch limits
Gear rules
Seasonal regulations
All of this information is easily accessible through the āFish Washingtonā mobile app or printed Fish Washington rulebooks (available at license vendors and outdoors shops).
š Try Your Luck in the 2025 Trout Derby
If lake fishing is your thing, donāt forgetāthere are still hundreds of prizes left in the 2025 Washington State Trout Derby.
šļø Fish Tag Info:
This yearās tags are orange and begin with the letter āJā
Prizes valued at over $54,000 are still up for grabs
Participating lakes are listed at wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/contests/trout-derby/lakes
š£ Why Free Fishing Weekend Matters
This event isnāt just about catching fishāitās about connecting people to nature, removing barriers, and introducing new generations to the outdoors.
ā Great for beginners
ā Perfect for family outings
ā Affordable weekend adventure
ā A chance to explore state parks and public lands at no cost
š¬ Whereās Your Favorite Fishing Spot in the South Sound?
Whether itās Long Lake, American Lake, or a secret tucked-away spot, weād love to know where youāre casting a line this year. Drop your favorite fishing hole in the comments belowāand share a photo if you reel in a winner!
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š Share this post with someone whoās never gone fishingāyou might just spark a new hobby!
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