This is the first time I'm actually contemplating doing so (not renewing), having bought my first license in 2003 and consistently renewing ever since. Primarily due to the lack of opportunity with the NOF process and WDFW in general not being in the mindset of enabling substantive opportunities to fish for steelhead.
Anyone thinking of not renewing their license for 2025-26?
- Thread starter ChrisC
- Start date
I like fishing. I don't tend to break laws without a significantly valid reason (and saving ~$35 isn't enough of a reason). So I renewed and will do so again next year.
While I have sympathy for anyone who has to budget tightly, and I also feel frustration about diminishing resources, I tend to agree with @Snopro that even in WA a fishing license remains a solid value as far as outdoor recreation goes.
While I have sympathy for anyone who has to budget tightly, and I also feel frustration about diminishing resources, I tend to agree with @Snopro that even in WA a fishing license remains a solid value as far as outdoor recreation goes.
In 60+ years of fishing in WA., I have never been checked. I have been checked in MT. and ID. a number of times (all very pleasant encounters too).
I do not get out as much as I would like, but always buy my licenses for each state. I have wondered about my WA. license off 'n on but still get one. Not worth the risk IMHO.
I do not get out as much as I would like, but always buy my licenses for each state. I have wondered about my WA. license off 'n on but still get one. Not worth the risk IMHO.
Imagine a scenario where no one bought licenses. Many would jump on that as proof that the public didn’t value recreational fishing and it would cease to be a consideration when drafting policies and laws.
Anything but a static number or an increase in licenses sold could be taken as a trend towards that eventuality.
I’ve bought a full license for my eldest this year (his first being old enough to need an license) even though he only eats fish. Will continue to do so until he’s on his own.
Anything but a static number or an increase in licenses sold could be taken as a trend towards that eventuality.
I’ve bought a full license for my eldest this year (his first being old enough to need an license) even though he only eats fish. Will continue to do so until he’s on his own.
Yes, I bought my combo annual fishing license for 2025.
But... as fishing seasons diminish and river closures increase in WA state I spend more and more fishing days outside our state. When salmon fishing in MA9 is closed down for good I'm moving.
WA was blessed with tremendous year round fishing opportunities. It is shocking to see how much it has declined. Just have to adapt and fish other places.
But... as fishing seasons diminish and river closures increase in WA state I spend more and more fishing days outside our state. When salmon fishing in MA9 is closed down for good I'm moving.
WA was blessed with tremendous year round fishing opportunities. It is shocking to see how much it has declined. Just have to adapt and fish other places.
I also have an Oregon license. We should team up some time
I haven't had a WA annual license in many years. I just rarely feel like there's much need for me to have both when living on this side
I'm not on the border, but I'm doing a 9-day OR trip with my daughter at the end of the month, and loved a trip I did to the Bend area last fall, so much that I want to repeat it. Also got the water access pass for both kayaks!
Licenses are the least of expenses I put into the struggle to outsmart primitive lifeforms with brains the size of a pea
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You have the same plan as me haha. Fishing the sound is a primary reason I stick around. If I can’t fish my home waters, I’m 100% taking a job where the cost of living is lower and can actually afford a down payment on a house.
I've purchased both WA and OR licenses for many years. Besides, how the hell would I fish for muskies if I couldn't fish WA an hour from my doorstep. I've been checked a handful of times in OR and once in WA on Merwin of all places. Honestly, I think they were just making sure I had a PFD and whistle on board. I did & then they said, "well, may as well check your license I guess"....I'm just glad they're out there enforcing things....shortly after our encounter, they nabbed a couple of jetski crazies ripping around in an obviously marked no wake zone.
I have never dreamed of not getting a license! As an old man the cost of my license is less than the cost of a decent hamburger these days. For the price of filling my truck up with gas just once I could buy at least 10 annual Washington licenses! And I'm not so one dimensional that I am going to stick my head in the sand because I can't catch steelhead anymore. The price of skiing for one day, golfing, going to a concert or having a steak dinner dwarfs the cost of a fishing license that lasts a year. Still one of the great bargains available and despite the dwindling resource there is an abundance of fishing opportunities available. Stop whining about what we have no control over and seek out your own Curtis Creek.
My county, one of the poorest in the state, has been hard hit by closures, WDFW indifference, illegal species introductions and the natural tendency of shallow lakes turning into meadows. But fishing all last week with friends we probably hooked close to 100 fish, many brightly colored high jumping rainbows and cutts with some over 20''. And we were fishing general regs lakes! Not bad for a $10 license.
My county, one of the poorest in the state, has been hard hit by closures, WDFW indifference, illegal species introductions and the natural tendency of shallow lakes turning into meadows. But fishing all last week with friends we probably hooked close to 100 fish, many brightly colored high jumping rainbows and cutts with some over 20''. And we were fishing general regs lakes! Not bad for a $10 license.
As long as I am living here I’ll buy a WA license. I feel for folks who have lived here for decades and have watched their opportunities erode. I understand that has to really suck especially when you are paying more for a lot less opportunity. That said, the reality for me is I don’t have enough time to fish the opportunities that are still out there in this state today for anglers. All that for the cost of one pizza take out night essentially. I’ll also likely pay 1/3 to 2/3 of the cost of an in state WA license to fish a week AK, ID, CT and MT as well this year plus who knows where else. I’m good paying what I need to in order to fish the other 46-48 weeks in WA There are tons of opportunities to fish here every week of the year and I’m not just talking stocker trout.
If they close down salty salmon fishing opportunities, I’d be pissed. To me that’s the crown jewel of western Washington fly fishing opportunity these days (sorry steelheaders) and I’d be forced to look elsewhere 4-5 months a year. If they ever close the salt fully to all species, I’m probably moving like @DimeBrite …
If they close down salty salmon fishing opportunities, I’d be pissed. To me that’s the crown jewel of western Washington fly fishing opportunity these days (sorry steelheaders) and I’d be forced to look elsewhere 4-5 months a year. If they ever close the salt fully to all species, I’m probably moving like @DimeBrite …