The Wahkiakum County Eagle - Established as The Skamokawa Eagle in 1891

From now through September, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is offering current freshwater or saltwater fishing license holders the opportunity to upgrade to a combination license for under $28.

The upgrade will give those anglers all the fishing privileges of a combination license at the cost they would have paid if they had purchased one originally, said Peter Vernie, WDFW licensing manager.

Freshwater fishing license holders can purchase an upgrade to a combination license for $27.85 and current saltwater fishing license holders can upgrade to a combination license for $27.30.

"We realize many anglers may want a second chance to choose a combo license this year," said Vernie. "Freshwater anglers who upgrade soon will be able to take advantage of several salmon fisheries that open in the ocean and Puget Sound this July."

By purchasing the upgrade, freshwater license holders will gain access to saltwater fishing, shellfish and seaweed.

Saltwater license holders who upgrade to the combo license will gain access to fishing in lakes and rivers, as well as opportunities for shellfish and seaweed.

To purchase and upgrade a license online, visit WDFW's licensing website at https://fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov/wa/license, check with your local license vendor, or call WDFW licensing at (360) 902-2464.