Some menu items show up like clockwork.
Every year, around the same time, they return for a few weeks and then disappear until the cycle repeats.
Wendy’s Crispy Panko Fish Sandwich is one of those items.
As of February 17th, the fan-favorite sandwich is back on menus nationwide, timed perfectly with the start of Lent.
For people who’ve been waiting since last spring, the return is right on schedule.
And for anyone who’s never tried it, this is your window.
What’s Back
The Crispy Panko Fish Sandwich returns with the same formula that made it a standout last year.
The sandwich includes:
- Panko-breaded wild-caught Alaskan pollock
- Dill tartar sauce
- Lettuce
- Cheese
- Pickles
- Soft bun
It’s a straightforward fish sandwich, but the details matter.
The panko breading gives the fish a crispier texture than standard breading. The dill tartar sauce sets it apart from competitors who use generic tartar. The pickles add an extra hit of dill that ties the whole thing together.
It’s available now at participating Wendy’s locations, with pricing around $6 depending on your region.
Why It’s Seasonal
The Crispy Panko Fish Sandwich appears every year during Lent.
Lent is the 40-day period before Easter, observed primarily by Catholics and some other Christian denominations. During Lent, many people abstain from eating meat on Fridays.
Fish becomes the go-to protein.
Fast food chains have capitalized on this for decades, offering fish sandwiches as alternatives to their usual beef and chicken options.
Wendy’s leans into the tradition by bringing back its fish sandwich specifically for this window, then removing it once Easter passes.
It’s a predictable cycle, but it works.
The Dill Factor
What separates Wendy’s fish sandwich from the competition is the dill.
Most fast food fish sandwiches use:
- Standard tartar sauce
- Basic pickles (if any)
- Generic seasoning
Wendy’s doubles down on dill:
- Dill-flavored tartar sauce
- Dill pickles
- A flavor profile that’s more distinctive than most fast food fish options
Dill and fish is a classic pairing, but not every chain emphasizes it.
Wendy’s does, and it makes the sandwich memorable.
According to Allrecipes editor Bailey Fink, the dill element is what makes the sandwich stand out. She’s called it the only fish sandwich she actively craves, even outside of Lent.
That kind of loyalty from food editors—people who taste everything—says something.
How It Stacks Up Against Competitors
Wendy’s isn’t the only chain offering a fish sandwich right now.
Other recent returns include:
- Arby’s King’s Hawaiian Fish Deluxe Sandwich
- Culver’s Walleye Sandwich and Dinner
- McDonald’s Filet-O-Fish (available year-round)
Allrecipes has taste-tested fast food fish sandwiches multiple times, and Wendy’s Crispy Panko Fish Sandwich has consistently ranked near the top.
In one test, it took first place, with testers praising:
- Perfectly crispy fish
- The best tartar sauce of the lineup
- A balance of flavors that didn’t feel generic
In a follow-up test, it placed fifth out of 11 sandwiches—still in the upper half of the rankings.
The consistency across multiple tests suggests the sandwich isn’t just a fluke. It’s genuinely well-executed.
Why Panko Breading Matters
Panko isn’t just a trendy ingredient.
It’s a Japanese-style breadcrumb that’s coarser and lighter than traditional breadcrumbs.
The difference in texture is noticeable:
- Panko creates a crispier, airier crust
- It stays crunchy longer, even with sauce
- It doesn’t get as soggy as standard breading
For a fish sandwich, where the breading is doing most of the work, panko is a smart choice.
It gives the Alaskan pollock a satisfying crunch that holds up through the entire sandwich.
Other chains use standard breading, which can get soft or greasy quickly. Panko holds its structure better.
The Alaskan Pollock Choice
Wendy’s uses wild-caught Alaskan pollock, which is:
- A mild, white fish with a flaky texture
- Sustainably sourced
- Commonly used in fast food and frozen fish products
Pollock is a practical choice for fast food fish sandwiches because:
- It has a neutral flavor that appeals to a wide audience
- It’s affordable and readily available
- It holds up well to frying and breading
It’s not a premium fish like cod or halibut, but for a $6 fast food sandwich, it’s a solid option.
The quality comes down to execution—freshness, breading, and cooking method—and Wendy’s generally does well in those areas.
The Lent Market
Lent creates a seasonal surge in fish sandwich sales.
Every year, fast food chains see increased demand for non-meat options during the 40-day period.
The market is competitive:
- McDonald’s keeps the Filet-O-Fish on the menu year-round but promotes it heavily during Lent
- Arby’s brings back seasonal fish options
- Culver’s offers walleye sandwiches and dinners in select regions
- White Castle, Long John Silver’s, and other chains lean into fish promotions
Wendy’s strategy is to offer a higher-quality option at a mid-range price point.
At around $6, it’s more expensive than McDonald’s Filet-O-Fish but positioned as a step up in quality.
The panko breading, dill tartar sauce, and wild-caught pollock justify the price difference.
How Long It Lasts
Wendy’s hasn’t announced an official end date for the Crispy Panko Fish Sandwich.
Based on past years, expect it to stick around through Easter, which falls on April 20th in 2026.
That gives customers about two months to try it.
But availability can vary:
- Some locations may run out early if demand is high
- Wendy’s could extend availability if sales are strong
- The sandwich could disappear sooner in regions where it doesn’t sell as well
If you want to try it, ordering sooner rather than later is the safer bet.
Waiting until the week before Easter risks missing out entirely.
Why Seasonal Items Work
Limited availability creates urgency.
When something is only around for a few weeks, people are more likely to:
- Try it immediately rather than putting it off
- Order it multiple times during the window
- Talk about it on social media before it’s gone
Wendy’s could make the Crispy Panko Fish Sandwich a permanent menu item, but keeping it seasonal has advantages:
- It maintains excitement and novelty
- It aligns with cultural and religious observances
- It keeps the menu feeling fresh without overcrowding it
- It generates media coverage every time it returns
The trade-off is that fans have to wait 10 months between appearances.
But that wait seems to make the return feel more special.
What Other Customers Are Saying
Social media reactions show a mix of excitement and frustration.
Some customers are thrilled:
- Happy to see it back
- Already planning multiple trips to Wendy’s
- Praising the dill tartar sauce specifically
Others are frustrated:
- Wishing it was a year-round option
- Annoyed by the limited availability
- Comparing it favorably to other chains’ fish sandwiches
The recurring theme is that people who like the sandwich really like it—and they wish they could get it more often.
That kind of loyalty is exactly what Wendy’s wants from a seasonal item.
The Takeaway
Wendy’s Crispy Panko Fish Sandwich is back as of February 17th and will stick around through Easter.
It features panko-breaded wild-caught Alaskan pollock, dill tartar sauce, lettuce, cheese, and pickles on a soft bun.
It’s priced around $6 and has consistently ranked as one of the better fast food fish sandwiches in taste tests.
If you’ve been waiting for it since last spring, now’s your chance.
And if you’ve never tried it, you’ve got about two months to see what the hype is about.
After that, it’s gone until next year.
