Fish for free without a license next weekend

Anglers across Washington can legally cast their lines without a state-issued fishing license next weekend.

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) holds a free fishing weekend each year, and 2017’s dates are June 10 and June 11. The free day applies to both fish and shellfish.

“If you haven’t fished in Washington, or want to introduce fishing to someone new to the sport, this is the weekend to get out there,” said Steve Thiesfeld, WDFW inland fish program manager.

Vehicle passes and Discover Passes are not required to park at any of the roughly 700 WDFW water access sites during the statewide free fishing day. However, a Discover Pass is required in state parks on June 11 and on Department of Natural Resources land throughout the weekend.

Other rules such as size limits, bag limits and area closures will still be in effect. Anglers must record their catches for salmon, steelhead, sturgeon and halibut.