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Oregon offers a wealth of pristine lakes, rivers, and coastal waters that make the Pacific Northwest paradise for all levels of anglers.
However, before you set out to cast your line, it’s essential to educate yourself on Oregon fishing licenses.
Obtaining your license is not just a legal obligation, but also a vital step towards preserving the environment and ensuring a sustainable future for our favorite outdoor activity.
In this article, we’ll delve into everything you need to know about getting your Oregon fishing license, its importance, and how you can contribute to keeping the natural beauty of Oregon’s fisheries intact.
Going fishing in Oregon? Then give a read to our Best Bass Fishing Lakes in Oregon review.
Table of Contents
Who Needs a Fishing License in Oregon?
| Oregon Fishing License | |
| Residents | Non-residents |
| 12+ Years Old | 12+ Years old |
In Oregon, obtaining a fishing license is mandatory for individuals aged 12 and above, along with suitable tags and endorsements.
Children under 12 years old are exempt from this requirement when engaging in fishing or shellfishing activities.
For young fishing enthusiasts aged 12-17, a $10 Youth License is required, granting them access to fishing, hunting, shellfishing activities, and the Columbia River Basin Endorsement.
Senior citizens and pioneers may also be eligible for special fishing licenses.
Lastly, veterans and actively serving military personnel may be eligible for unique fishing licensing opportunities. Learn all about securing an Oregon fishing license in our comprehensive article tailored for local anglers.
In certain situations, there’s no need for a fishing or shellfish license in Oregon. These instances include:
- Participating in Free Fishing Weekend events;
- Capturing crayfish or bullfrogs;
- Oregon-based property owners fishing on their land, excluding instances of fishing for salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, or halibut;
- Oregon residents fish on a family member’s land where they reside, except for fishing for salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, or halibut.
Sports Pac
The Sports Pac License is an all-in-one solution that covers various outdoor activities. Along with fishing and shellfish licenses, it also includes a hunting license for a comprehensive experience.
The Sports Pac License offers a significant value by bundling multiple tags and validations. This includes a combined angling tag, as well as tags for spring turkey, cougar, general or controlled bear, elk, and deer hunting.
Additionally, upland bird and waterfowl validations are part of the package.
Oregon provides the option to exchange it for a Combination License or a Sports Pac License within three months of the initial purchase.
Combination Angling and Hunting Licenses
Combination hunting and fishing licenses are available to residents only in Oregon.
However, if you are interested in getting a combination license, you will need to meet the following criteria for the hunting license, including hunters aged 17 and younger are required to take a Hunter Education course before they are allowed to hunt.
Expectations to this rule are if the hunt takes place on land owned by a parent or legal guardian, or if the hunter is taking part in the Mentored Youth Hunter Program, then the Hunter Education course can be skipped.
What age do you need a fishing license in Oregon
Residents and non-residents are exempt from needing a fishing license if they are under 12 years old.
Anglers between the ages of 12-17 are required to have a Youth Fishing License, and residents and non-residents 18+ need to have an adult fishing license.
Oregon Resident Fishing License
Oregon offers many license options for residents ranging from one day to year long licenses, as well as combination options for fishing and hunting licenses.
Oregon Non-Resident Fishing License
For those just visiting the state, you will need to purchase an Oregon out of state fishing license.
There are multiple options ranging from one day licenses to annual licenses that are valid for a year from the date of purchase.
Columbia River Basin Endorsement
If you’re looking to fish for salmon, steelhead, or sturgeon within the Columbia River Basin, be sure to secure a Columbia River Basin Endorsement.
This endorsement is in addition to your annual fishing license can be obtained for $9.75 when purchased together, or $9.75 plus a $2 agent fee if acquired separately.
Should you opt for a daily fishing license, the endorsement fee will be $1 per day.
Keep in mind that this endorsement is mandatory for fishing salmon, steelhead, or sturgeon on all rivers and streams in the Columbia River Basin and must be accompanied by a valid fishing license and Combined Angling Tag.
Two-Rod Validation
A Two-Rod Validation grants a licensed angler the ability to utilize:
1. Two rods or lines when fishing in static water bodies, such as lakes, ponds, and reservoirs. This includes impoundments on the Snake River, situated above Hells Canyon Dam.
2. Up to five rods or lines when engaging in ice fishing activities.
3. The use of this validation in specified streams, but only when explicitly authorized.
It is important to note that a Two-Rod Validation is not mandatory for children under 12 years old.
Additionally, the Two-Rod Validation is strictly forbidden in certain areas, such as the Columbia River and its respective impoundments.
Rogue-South Coast Steelhead
Rogue-South Coast Steelhead Fishing Requirements:
- All anglers, regardless of age, must possess a Rogue-South Coast Steelhead Validation during the specified season (December 1st through April 30th) for steelhead fishing in the Rogue-South Coast region (refer to page 35 for more details);
- A valid annual angling license along with a combined angling tag, or a daily/multi-day angling license with a legitimate ODFW ID number, is mandatory.
To legally harvest wild steelhead in the Rogue-South Coast region, this tag must be carried by anglers of all ages.
Shellfish License
In order to collect shellfish and marine invertebrates in Oregon, anglers must obtain a shellfish permit.
When individuals bring ocean-harvested fish or shellfish on land within the state, they must adhere to all of Oregon’s sport fishing rules and licensing requirements.
How to Buy an Oregon Fishing License Online
Oregon offers a variety of options for purchasing fishing licenses, tags, and permits.
Anglers have the option to purchase online, at designated license agents, and at participating ODFW offices.
When applying for your Oregon fishing license, it is essential to note that both state and federal regulations require you to provide your Social Security Number.
As an added convenience, your loved ones or friends can also buy licenses and tags on your behalf.
Online
You can purchase your Oregon fishing license online by visiting odfw.huntfishoregon.com, following the prompts, choosing the desired license and tags, and checkout.
In Person
If you would prefer to purchase a license in person, you can visit a local license vendor such as a bait and tackle shop or a Walmart or visit a participating ODFW office.
How Much is a Fishing License in Oregon
Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife offers a variety of license options for both residents and non-residents.
| OREGON FISHING LICENSE PRICE | ||
| License Description | Resident Price | Non-resident price |
| Annual Angling License | $44.00 | $110.50 |
| Sports Pac | $196.50 | Not Available To Non-residents |
| Combination License – Angling and Hunting License | $73.00 | Not Available To Non-residents |
| Annual Shelfish License | $10.00 | $28.00 |
| ENDORSEMENTS AND VALIDATIONS | ||
| License Description | Resident Price | Non-resident price |
| Rogue-South Coast Steelhead Validation | $2.00 | $4.00 |
| Two-Rod Validation | $28.00 | $28.00 |
| Columbia River Basin Endorsement (When purchased at same time as angling license | $9.75 | $9.75 |
| Columbia River Basin Endorsement (If purchased separately from angling license) | $11.75 | $11.75 |
| ANGLING TAGS | ||
| License Description | Resident Price | Non-resident price |
| Adult Combined Angling Tag | $46.00 | $66.00 |
| Hatchery Salmon / Steelhead Harvest Tag | $33.00 | $33.00 |
| Rogue-South Coast Wild Steelhead Harvest Tag | $10.00 | $20.00 |
| YOUTH LICENSES | ||
| License Description | Resident Price | Non-resident price |
| Youth License (12-17 years old) (Includes Angling, Hunting, Shellfish and Columbia River Basin Endorsement) | $10.00 | $10.00 |
| Youth Sports Pac | $55.00 | Not Available To Non-residents |
| Youth Angling Combined Angling Tag | $5.00 | $5.00 |
| RESIDENT SENIOR AND PIONEER LICENSES | ||
| License Description | Resident Price | Non-resident price |
| Senior Angling (70 years old and Oregon resident for at least 5 years) | $29.00 | Not Available To Non-residents |
| Senior Combination (70 years old and Oregon resident for at least 5 years) | $47.50 | Not Available To Non-residents |
| Pioneer Combination (65 years old and Oregon resident for at least 50 years) (Includes: Angling and Hunting License and Columbia River Basin Endorsement). Available only at ODFW offices that sell licenses. | $6.00 | Not Available To Non-residents |
| DISABLED VETERAN AND UNIFORMED SERVICE MEMBER LICENSES | ||
| License Description | Resident Price | Non-resident price |
| Uniformed Services Angling | $44.00 | |
| Uniformed Services Annual Shellfish | $10.00 | |
| Disabled Veteran Shellfish | Free | |
| Disabled Veteran Combination (Includes Columbia River Basin Endorsement) | Free | |
| DAILY / MULTI-DAY LICENSES | ||
| License Description | Resident Price | Non-resident price |
| One Day Angling and Shellfish Combo | $23.00 | $23.00 |
| Two Day Angling | $42.00 | $42.00 |
| Three Day Angling | $59.50 | $59.50 |
| Seven Day Angling | Not Available To Residents | $93.50 |
| Columbia River Basin Endorsement (Each Day | $1.00 | $1.00 |
| Three Day Shellfish | Not Available To Residents | $19.00 |
| OTHER PERMITS AND APPLICATIONS | ||
| License Description | Resident Price | Non-resident price |
| Duplicate Tag (reprint) | $2.00 | $2.00 |
| Scallop Harvest Permit | Free | Free |
| Wildlife Area Parking Permit (Daily) | $10.00 | $10.00 |
| Wildlife Area Parking Permit (Annual) | $30.00 | $30.00 |
| Waterway Access Permit (All non-motorizedboats 10 feet or longer, inc. drift boats, rafts,stand-up paddleboards, inflatables, etc.) | $7.00 weekly/7 day, $19.00 annual, $32.00 two-year | |
| Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Permit (Motorized Boats) | $22.00 | $22.00 |
| Oregon Disabilities Hunting and Fishing Permit (includes disabled clam digging) | Free | Free |
Related Articles
- Ohio Fishing License
- Oklahoma Fishing License
- Pennsylvania Fishing License
- Rhode Island Fishing License
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a non-resident one day fishing license in Oregon?
A non-resident one day fishing license in Oregon costs $23 and is called the One Day Angling and Shellfish Combo.
Can you fish without a license in Oregon?
You can fish without a license in Oregon if you are younger than 12 years old, or if it is during a free fishing day. Otherwise you will need a valid fishing license to take fish in the state.
How do I get my Oregon fishing license?
You can get your Oregon fishing license one of two ways:
1. Complete your transaction on MyODFW.com.
2. Stop by an ODFW location or an authorized retailer.
Can you buy a 1 day fishing license in Oregon?
You can buy a 1 day fishing license in Oregon.
It is called the One Day Angling and Shellfish Combo and it is $23 for both residents and non-residents.
Final Thoughts
Getting your fishing license in Oregon is not only a simple process but a step towards responsible and legal fishing.
By acquiring your license, you not only ensure compliance with the law but also contribute to the preservation and protect the state’s waterways from being overfished.
So, take action today, get your fishing license, and experience the joy of casting your line with a clear conscience, knowing that you are playing your part in safeguarding the waters we all love to fish.
Once you have your Oregon fishing license be sure to download our free bass fishing lures cheat sheet so you always know the best lures to throw no matter where you’re fishing.