Starting Jan. 1, those planning to cast their lines for Columbia River salmon and steelhead will need to pay for an additional endorsement along with their fishing license. 

State lawmakers reinstituted the Columbia River salmon and steelhead endorsement during the 2025 legislative session. It costs $8.75 for resident and nonresident anglers 16 years old and older, and $7.10 for 15-year-olds and seniors 70 years and older. 

Previously enacted in 2009, the endorsement lapsed in 2019. The endorsement’s return is intended to backfill funding reductions for the state’s Columbia River fisheries. 

“This reinstated endorsement mirrors the program anglers were familiar with before 2019,” said Kelly Cunningham, fish program director for the state Department of Fish and Wildlife, in a statement. “Revenue from the fee is dedicated exclusively to Columbia River salmon and steelhead fisheries by state law and cannot be diverted elsewhere.” 

The endorsement requirement applies to more than 50 rivers, lakes and other waters, with a full list of affected waters available on the state website. 

Endorsements bought prior to March 31, 2026, are valid through the 2025-26 license year. Anglers will need to buy a new endorsement for the 2026-27 license year after April 1, 2026. 

State wildlife officials may check anglers fishing at endorsement-required locations and educating about the reinstated endorsement.