- Maintained a permanent place of abode within the state for at least 90 days preceding license purchase;
- Washington driver’s license;
- Washington identification card; or
- Military ID with a copy of orders showing Washington as your duty station.
A fishing license is required to fish on Joint Base Lewis-McChord.
Fishing and shellfishing licenses
Residents and non-residents alike must have a license to fish or shellfish in Washington waters. Everyone age 15 and older needs a fishing license.
If you're fishing for salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, halibut, or Puget Sound Dungeness crab, your license will come with a catch record card to track your harvest. Everyone, including those younger than 15, must carry a catch record card when fishing. All catch record cards must be returned to WDFW by the appropriate deadline, even if you didn't catch anything.
Buying a license
If you're ready to buy a license, you can visit the Northwest Adventure Center, Russell Landing Marina or the Washington State online licensing website. When buying online it may take up to 10 days to receive your license in the mail. If your WILD ID has an email address associated with it, you will be emailed a temporary license to use for that 10-day period. There are no temporary catch record cards or tags. If you need immediate use of a catch record card or tag, please visit the Northwest Adventure Center to make your purchase.
Federal and state law require everyone 15 and older to provide their social security number before purchasing a license, whether buying in person, online, or by phone.
Range Control Permit
American Lake is the only lake on JBLM that does not require a Range Control permit to fish. Sequalitchew Lake, Nisqually River and any other lakes, rivers and streams within JBLM training areas require a permit from Range Control.
Fishing license types and fees
Residency requirements
Per WAC 220-220-050, to qualify as a Washington resident you must meet certain criteria:
If you do not have the above, you may need to contact WDFW Licensing to provide other documentation. To qualify for a resident license in Washington, you must not be licensed to fish or hunt as a resident in another state.
