If you're planning to go fishing in Oregon, it's important to know what licenses, tags, and permits you need before casting your line. Oregon boasts some of the finest and most varied angling opportunities in the country.
So, obtain your fishing license and head out to the waters to experience it firsthand. Here's a breakdown of the 2024 sport Oregon fishing license, tag, and permit fees in Oregon:
Fishing License in Oregon
Who needs a fishing license in Oregon?
To legally fish in Oregon, all anglers aged 18 and older must have a fishing license, along with appropriate tags and endorsements.
Children under the age of 12 do not need a fishing license to fish or shellfish.
Young anglers between the ages of 12 and 17 must purchase a $10 Youth License, which includes fishing, hunting, shellfishing licenses, and a Columbia River Basin Endorsement.
Older anglers may be eligible for a Pioneer or Senior license.
Veterans and active members of the armed services may also be eligible for license benefits.
There are several types of Oregon fishing licenses available in Oregon:
Annual Angling Licenses: This license is valid for one year and is available to residents and nonresidents. The fee for a resident is $44.00, while nonresidents pay $110.50.
Sports Pac: This license includes a fishing, shellfish, and hunting license, as well as a combined angling tag, spring turkey, cougar, general or controlled bear tag, elk and deer tags, and upland bird and waterfowl validations. The fee for a resident is $196.50, and for a resident with Columbia River Basin Endorsement, it's $206.25. Nonresidents are not eligible for this license.
Combined Angling and Hunting: This license is valid for one year and is available to residents only. The fee is $73.00, and nonresidents are not eligible for this license.
Endorsements and Validations
In addition to a fishing license, you may need endorsements and validations depending on the type of fishing you plan to do:
Two-Rod Validation: This validation allows you to fish with two rods at the same time. The fee is $28.00 for residents and nonresidents.
Columbia River Basin Endorsement: This endorsement is required if you plan to fish for salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, or halibut in the Columbia River and its tributaries. The fee is $9.75 when purchased with an angling license or $11.75 when purchased separately. It's available to residents and nonresidents.
Tags
Tags are required for certain types of fishing in Oregon:
Adult Combined Angling Tag: This tag is required if you plan to fish for salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, or halibut. The fee is $46.00 for residents and $66.00 for nonresidents.
Hatchery Salmon/Steelhead Harvest Card: This tag is required if you plan to harvest hatchery salmon or steelhead. The fee is $33.00 for residents and nonresidents.
Youth Licenses
Youth licenses are available for children aged 12-17:
Annual Combination License: This license includes a fishing, hunting, and shellfish license, as well as a Columbia River Basin Endorsement. The fee is $10.00 for residents and nonresidents. Find out the specific details here on where and when you need to have this endorsement before heading out to fish.
Youth Sports Pac: This license includes a fishing, shellfish, and hunting license, as well as a combined angling tag, spring turkey, cougar, general or controlled bear tag, elk and deer tags, and upland bird and waterfowl validations, and the Columbia River Basin Endorsement. The fee is $55.00 for residents and not available to nonresidents.
Youth Angling Combined Angling Tag: This tag is required if the child plans to fish for salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, or halibut. The fee is $5.00 for residents and nonresidents.
Senior and Pioneer Licenses
Discounted licenses are available for Oregon residents who meet certain age and residency requirements:
Senior Angling: This license is available to Oregon residents who are 70 years old and have been an Oregon resident for at least 5 years. The fee is $29.00, and nonresidents are not eligible.
Senior Combination: This license is available to Oregon residents who are 70 years old and have been an Oregon resident for at least 5 years. The license includes a fishing and hunting license, as well as a Columbia River Basin Endorsement. The fee is $47.50, and nonresidents are not eligible.
Pioneer Combination: This license is available to Oregon residents who are 65 years old and have been an Oregon resident for at least 50 years. The license includes a fishing and hunting license, as well as a Columbia River Basin Endorsement. The fee is $6.00, and nonresidents are not eligible. To ensure that you meet the requirements, please visit this page.
Disabled Veteran and Uniformed Service Member Licenses
Discounted licenses are available for disabled veterans and uniformed service members:
Uniformed Services Angling: This license is available to nonresident uniformed service members only. The fee is $44.00.
Disabled Veteran Combination: This license includes a Columbia River Basin Endorsement and is available to resident disabled veterans for free. Nonresidents are not eligible. To apply for the Resident Disabled Veteran License, hit the link here and follow the instructions provided by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Daily/Multi-Day Licenses
If you only plan to fish for a short period of time, daily and multi-day licenses are available:
One Day Angling: This license is valid for one day and includes a Combined Angling Tag. The fee is $23.00 for residents and nonresidents.
Two Day Angling: This license is valid for two consecutive days and includes a Combined Angling Tag. The fee is $42.00 for residents and nonresidents.
Three Day Angling: This license is valid for three consecutive days and includes a Combined Angling Tag. The fee is $59.50 for residents and nonresidents.
Seven Day Angling: This license is valid for seven consecutive days and includes a Combined Angling Tag. The fee is $93.50 for nonresidents only.
Daily Angling and Shellfish Combo: This license is valid for one day and includes a Combined Angling Tag and a Shellfish License. The fee is $32.50 for residents and nonresidents.
Three-Day Shellfish: This license is valid for three consecutive days and includes a Shellfish License. The fee is $19.00 for nonresidents only.
Other Permits and Applications
In addition to licenses and tags, you may need other permits and applications:
Duplicate License, Tag, or Permit: If you lose your license, tag, or permit, you can request a duplicate for a fee of $2.00 for residents and nonresidents.
Wildlife Area Parking Permit: This permit is required to park in designated parking areas at certain wildlife areas. The fee is $10.00 for a daily permit and $30.00 for an annual permit.
Waterway Access Permit: This permit is required for nonmotorized boats and replaces the Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Permit. The fee is $7.00 for a weekly permit (7 days) and $19.00 for a one-year permit or $32.00 for a two-year permit. Find out the specific details here on where and when you need to have this endorsement before heading out to fish.
Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Permit - Motorized Boats: This permit is required for motorized boats and is available to nonresidents only. The fee is $22.00.
Oregon Disabilities Hunting and Fishing Permit: This permit is available for free to Oregon residents with disabilities and includes disabled clam digging. A regular fishing license and tags are still required. To learn more about the Oregon Disabilities Hunting and Fishing Permit, including how to apply for it, hit the link here and visit the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife website.
Fishing in Oregon can be a fun and enjoyable experience, but it's important to make sure you have the proper licenses, tags, and permits before you start. The 2023 sport fishing license, tag, and permit fees in Oregon can vary depending on your age, residency, and type of fishing you plan to do. Make sure to review the options carefully before making your purchase and have a great time on the water! Remember, fishing without a proper license or tag is illegal and can result in fines or even legal action. Stay informed and follow the rules to ensure a safe and legal fishing experience in Oregon.
Frequently asked questions
Q: When is the best time to go fishing in Oregon?
A: Fishing is possible all year round in Oregon, with seasonal variations in species availability and weather conditions. Trout and warmwater anglers can fish all year, but some months are more comfortable and productive than others.
Q: What kind of fish are in Oregon?
The freshwaters of Oregon offer a plethora of habitats where native fish species thrive, ranging from sprawling tidal rivers to small, winding mountain streams, and even arid desert springs. These remarkable creatures exhibit a diverse range of life history strategies that continue to fascinate us as we learn more about them.
Hit the link here for comprehensive list of native freshwater fish species found in Oregon, arranged in evolutionary order by taxonomic group. Please note that subspecies are excluded unless they are the sole representative of the species. Saltwater-exclusive species are not included in this list.
Q: What makes Oregon an ideal sport fishing destination?
A: Oregon's vast landscape, which includes the ocean, mountains, rivers, and lakes, coupled with its diverse weather, make it an ideal sport fishing destination.
Q: What kinds of fish can I catch in the Pacific Ocean?
A: The Pacific Ocean off the coast of Oregon is home to a variety of fish species, including halibut, salmon, rockfish, lingcod, and sharks such as Pacific angel, salmon, and soup fin. Anglers can also catch Pacific cod, Pacific mackerel, and wolf eel.
Q: What should I know before fishing for halibut in the ocean?
A: It's important to check the regulations for the season to ensure that the fish you catch is legal. Halibut is one of several species thriving at the bottom of the ocean.
Q: Are there other activities besides fishing in the ocean?
A: Crabbing and clamming are popular activities that anglers can enjoy in addition to fishing.
Q: What else should I know before fishing in the ocean?
A: Some species of sharks are native to the area and can also be caught while fishing. Pacific angel, salmon, and soup fin sharks are among the most common in Oregon, but their unique habits can impact an angler's success.
Free Fishing Weekend in Oregon
Q: When are the 2023 Free Fishing Days in Oregon?
A: The 2023 Free Fishing Days in Oregon are February 18-19, June 3-4, and November 24-25.
Q: Who can participate in the Free Fishing Days?
A: Oregon residents and visitors can participate in the Free Fishing Days.
Q: What activities are included in the Free Fishing Days?
A: The Free Fishing Days offer participants the opportunity to explore and experience fishing, crabbing, or clamming without the need for a license or tags.
Q: Can I introduce someone to fishing during the Free Fishing Days?
A: Yes, the Free Fishing Days are an excellent opportunity to introduce a friend, child, co-worker, or family member to fishing.
Q: Where can I find more information about the Free Fishing Days?
A: For more information about the Free Fishing Days, visit the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) website at myodfw.com.
FAQ: Sport Fishing in Oregon - Rivers and Lakes & Mountains
Fishing in the Rivers and Lakes
Q: What are the most popular sport fishing grounds in Oregon? A: Oregon's rivers are probably the most popular sport fishing grounds in the world.
Q: What kinds of fish can I catch in the Columbia River?
A: The Columbia River carries several species of fish, including salmon, which is the most popular fish caught in the area due to their feisty nature. Other species like shad, smelt, and steelhead are also available, but it's important to read the regulations to know what to fish, how many you can retain, and where it is available.
Q: What are the rules on sport fishing in Oregon?
A: The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) has strict rules on sport fishing to ensure it's done safely and in moderation to avoid depleting native fish populations. Trout and salmon fishing in the lakes and rivers is often limited to give them a chance to thrive and increase in numbers.
Q: Can I catch carp in Oregon's river and lake system?
A: Yes, carp are abundant in Oregon's river and lake system and can be caught at any time.
Q: Are there any restrictions when hunting sturgeon?
A: Yes, there are times when fishing for sturgeon is prohibited, so it's important to be aware of the regulations.
Fishing in the Mountains
Q: What kinds of fish can I catch in the mountains?
A: The mountains in Oregon provide excellent hiding locations and spawning grounds for fish. Certain species are likely to be in abundance during particular fishing seasons. Guides can be helpful in identifying the ideal spot to catch specific species.
Hatchery Fish
Q: What are hatcheries?
A: Hatcheries are facilities where fish are raised and stocked to attract people seeking an easy yet fun fishing experience. You may want to check out the Wizard Falls Fish Hatchery we wrote about earlier this year.
Q: What species are available at hatcheries in Oregon?
A: Hatchery rainbow trout and other species that might be difficult to catch in the lakes or rivers are available. The whole family, including children and the elderly, can enjoy catching them.
