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Beginning Jan. 1, 2026, all anglers age 15 and older must purchase a Columbia River salmon and steelhead endorsement (CRSSE) to fish recreationally for salmon and steelhead in the Columbia River and many of its Washington tributaries. The CRSSE is an annual requirement in addition to a valid recreational fishing license.

• License year 2025-26 endorsements are available to purchase now. Those endorsements are valid until March 31, 2026.

• License year 2026-27 endorsements are also available to buy now. Those are effective beginning April 1, 2026 and run through March 31, 2027.

Licensed anglers fishing in the Columbia River or its Washington tributaries who are targeting species other than salmon or steelhead (e.g., sturgeon, trout, shad, walleye, or bass) do not need the CRSSE. 

Fees

The total cost of the endorsement after transaction and dealer fees is $8.75 for resident and non-resident anglers age 16 and older. The endorsement fee is $7.10 for 15-year-olds and resident seniors (age 70 and older).

How to buy

Anglers can purchase the CRSSE anywhere fishing licenses are sold. They are available from WDFW online, through the MyWDFW and Fish Washington® apps, over the phone at 360-902-2464, and from some 600 license vendors around the state. Search for license dealers near you using our webpage. Learn more about WDFW licenses and permits.

NOTE: The CRSSE is separate from a Catch Record Card (CRC). Anglers fishing for salmon or steelhead in the Columbia River and its Washington tributaries must possess both a CRC and CRSSE. 

Where is the CRSSE required? 

The CRSSE is required when fishing for salmon and steelhead on more than 50 rivers, lakes, and other waters in the Columbia River and its Washington tributaries. 

Beginning Jan. 1, 2026, Fish and Wildlife Officers may check anglers at these locations to confirm CRSSE compliance. Officers will use discretion when appropriate and educate anglers about the newly implemented endorsement requirement.

For more information on where the CRSSE is required, see our information webpage by clicking the button below.

What are the fees used for? 

The Washington State Legislature reinstated the CRSSE in 2025 to help offset significant funding cuts to Columbia River fisheries work amid the state’s budget shortfall. 

All fees collected from the endorsement are placed into the Columbia River recreational salmon and steelhead endorsement program account. Expenditures from the account are only used to facilitate recreational salmon and steelhead fishing opportunities on the Columbia River and its Washington tributaries.

When did this new requirement take effect?

The annual endorsement was authorized by HB 2003 during the 2025 legislative session in response to the state’s budget shortfall. It goes into effect Jan. 1, 2026.