New catch record card options: what anglers and crabbers need to know for 2026

Anglers can now choose between paper or electronic catch record cards to record their salmon, steelhead, halibut, sturgeon, and Puget Sound Dungeness crab catch. Photo credit: Jason Williams

Fishing for salmon, steelhead, halibut, sturgeon, or Puget Sound Dungeness crab? There’s a new way to report your catch: electronic catch record cards (eCRCs). Available through the MyWDFW and Fish Washington® mobile applications, eCRCs offer recreational anglers and crabbers a faster, easier way to record and report catch using a mobile device. eCRCs are an optional alternative to paper reporting for those who opt in as Washington mobile licensing customers.

Still want to use paper? No problem. WDFW still offers paper reporting options for anglers who prefer it, but paper licenses and catch record cards will look different this license year compared to in the past.

Choose between electronic or paper reporting

For the 2026–2027 license year, you can choose the reporting method that works best for you.

Electronic catch record cards (eCRCs)

Electronic catch record cards are available through the MyWDFW and Fish Washington® mobile apps. To use eCRCs, you must choose to be a mobile licensing customer for the current license year.

With an eCRC, you can:

· Instantly access your catch record card on your device; no need to wait for paper documents in the mail.

· Record your catch directly on your mobile device while in the field. As with paper, you must record retained catch immediately before continuing to fish.

· Save entries without cell service. Before leaving cell service, you must log in to the app and confirm your licenses and catch record cards are visible. If you are not logged in or your documents are not loaded, you may not be able to access them or record catch. Information will automatically submit once your device reconnects.

· Complete recording and reporting in one step. When you enter your catch in the app, it is automatically reported to WDFW.

· Avoid having to mail or turn in a catch record card at the end of the season.

Using eCRCs

If you want to use eCRCs in 2026, enroll as a mobile license holder:

1. Log in to fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov.

2. Verify your WILD licensing account.

3. Select “Mobile License Holder” for the 2026–2027 license year. If you select this option, you will use mobile licenses only for the 2026–2027 license year.

4. Download the MyWDFW or Fish Washington® apps from the Google Play or Apple app stores.

5. Log in to the app using your WILD username and password.

Add a catch record card when purchasing a license

When purchasing a mobile license for the season, remember to add a catch record card to your cart before checking out. Catch record cards for salmon and steelhead are free but must still be added to your account. Before going fishing, make sure all required licenses and catch record cards appear in the app.

What if you don’t see your catch record cards in the app?

You may not have added them when you purchased your license. If your catch record cards are missing, log in to your account at fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov and add them. Catch record cards must be added to your account before they will appear in the mobile apps and be available for use.

Screenshot from fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov showing a search for “Catch record card” and the result, with an option to add to cart for $0.00.

Once you’re set up in MyWDFW or Fish Washington®, recording a catch is easy. Watch our YouTube video to see the process. If you’re having any issues, WDFW is available for support via email or by phone at 360–902–2464, Option 1.

YouTube video walking users through how to use eCRCs to report catch

Paper catch record cards

Paper catch record cards are still a valid reporting option. If you choose to use paper:

· You must carry your catch record card while fishing.

· You must record retained catch immediately, before continuing to fish or redeploying crabbing gear.

· You must return your catch record card by the required deadlines:

· Fish catch record cards are due by April 30, following the end of the license year. Summer Puget Sound Dungeness crab catch record cards are due by Oct. 1 following the end of the summer season. Winter Puget Sound Dungeness crab catch record cards are due by Feb. 1, following the end of the winter season.

· Anglers must return catch record cards even if no fish or Dungeness crab were caught. Sport harvest estimates are based on the catch on all submitted cards, including those who did not catch or keep fish or Dungeness crab.

See complete instructions and a full list of catch area codes (PDF).

What’s staying the same

Though WDFW is offering new electronic reporting options starting in 2026, reporting requirements remain the same. Anglers and crabbers must continue to record and report their catch when fishing for salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, halibut, and Puget Sound Dungeness crab. Catch recording is an important management tool used to estimate recreational catch and support fishery planning.

Washington law requires that a catch record card be in your possession when fishing for these species. After you retain a fish or Puget Sound Dungeness crab, you must record that catch on your catch record card before continuing to fish or redeploying crab gear.

There are no new recording or reporting requirements for the 2026–2027 license year. The same rules apply:

· You must have a valid catch record card when fishing for these species.

· You must record retained catch immediately, before continuing to fish.

· You must report your catch by the required deadline when using a paper catch record card, even if no fish or crab were retained.

· WDFW staff will continue fish sampling and established data collection methods.

Catch record cards are not required for Dungeness crab in the coastal management area, including Grays Harbor, Willapa Bay, and the Columbia River estuary.

If you do not return your Puget Sound Dungeness crab catch record card by the reporting deadline, you will continue to be assessed a $10 nonreporting penalty. If you did not retain and record any catch on your electronic catch record card, you will be required to attest to your card to avoid receiving the nonreporting penalty.

Paper changes coming spring 2026

WDFW will no longer print hunting and fishing licenses or other license documents on durable waterproof, tear-resistant license paper. WDFW license dealers and WDFW offices can print customers’ license products on standard 8.5-inch by 11-inch copy paper. Paper license customers can also print their license products at home beginning May 13.

Anglers will need to take a little extra care to ensure their paper license and catch record card hold up over the season. A sturdy zip top bag can help protect your documents while you’re on the water. Many sporting goods stores sell waterproof license holders or small waterproof boxes.

Though the paper type is changing, anglers can:

· Still purchase licenses from participating license dealers.

· Print licenses at home after purchasing online.

· Carry paper copies of licenses and catch record cards.

· Use traditional reporting methods where available.

Learn more about paper changes in our news release.

For more information about the MyWDFW and Fish Washington® mobile apps, including frequently asked questions and how-to videos, visit WDFW’s website. WDFW is available for app support via email or by phone at 360–902–2464, Option 1.