Everything You Need to Know About the Oregon Fishing License
Fishing in Oregon is a popular activity for both locals and tourists. With over 30,000 miles of rivers and streams and more than 5000 lakes, there is no shortage of places to cast a line. However, before you can start fishing in Oregon, you need to have an Oregon fishing license. In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about getting an Oregon fishing license.Embarking on a fishing adventure in Oregon, with its diverse freshwater spots and the majestic Columbia River, can be a truly rewarding experience. However, before you cast your line, it’s important to understand Oregon’s fishing license requirements.
Get an Oregon Fishing License
To fish legally in Oregon, you need a valid fishing license, which is available to both people who live there and people who don’t. You can purchase your license online through the official Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) website, or in person at an authorized license agent or ODFW office.
Who Needs a Fishing License in Oregon?
Oregon requires a fishing license for most individuals, but there are some exemptions:
- Children under a certain age can fish without a license.
- Oregon offers designated free fishing weekends where no license is required.
It’s important to check the most recent rules to see if you need a fishing license for your situation.
How to Get an Oregon Fishing License
To fish legally in Oregon, you need to have a valid Oregon fishing license. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to Get an Oregon fishing license:
- Decide what type of license you need. Oregon offers several types of fishing licenses, including annual, one-day, and multi-day licenses. You can also Get a combination license that includes hunting and fishing.
- Determine your eligibility. Oregon fishing licenses are available to residents and non-residents. Resident licenses are less expensive than non-resident licenses.
- Purchase your license. You can buy an Oregon fishing license online, over the phone, or at a licensed retailer.
- Print your license. After purchasing your license, you will receive a temporary document that you can use to fish immediately. Your permanent license will be mailed to you within 7–10 business days.
| LICENSES, PERMITS, AND TAGS | ||
| DESCRIPTION | RESIDENT | NON-RESIDENT |
| ANNUAL LICENSES | ||
| Angling | $41.00 | $103.50 |
| Sports Pac (Includes: Angling, Shellfish, and Hunting License; combined angling tag; spring turkey, cougar, general or controlled bear tag, elk and deer tags; upland bird and waterfowl validations) | $188.50 | NOT AVAILABLE |
| Combination Angling and Hunting | $69.00 | NOT AVAILABLE |
| Annual Shellfish | $10.00 | $28.00 |
| ENDORSEMENTS AND VALIDATIONS | ||
| Two-Rod Validation | $24.50 | |
| Columbia River Basin Endorsement (If purchased separately from angling license) | $9.75 | |
| Columbia River Basin Endorsement (If purchased separately from angling license) | $11.75 | |
| TAGS | ||
| Adult Combined Angling Tag | $40.50 | $60.50 |
| Hatchery Salmon / Steelhead Harvest Card | $28.50 | |
| YOUTH LICENSES | ||
| Youth License (12-17 years old) (Includes Angling, Hunting, Shellfish and Columbia River Basin Endorsement) | $10.00 | |
| Youth Sports Pac (Includes: Angling, Shellfish, and Hunting License; combined angling tag; spring turkey, cougar, general or controlled bear tag, elk and deer tags; upland bird and waterfowl validations and the Columbia River Basin Endorsement) | $55.00 | N/A
|
| YOUTH TAGS | ||
| Youth Angling Combined Angling Tag | $5.00 | |
Both locals and visitors can apply for unique licenses. Briefly, this is what we learned:
| LICENSE, TAG AND PERMIT FEES | ||
| DESCRIPTION | RESIDENT | NON-RESIDENT |
| RESIDENT SENIOR AND PIONEER LICENSES | ||
| Senior Angling (70 years old and Oregon resident for at least 5 years) | $27.00 | NOT AVAILABLE |
| Senior Combination (70 years old and Oregon resident for at least 5 years) | $188.50 | NOT AVAILABLE |
| 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. | $69.00 | NOT AVAILABLE |
| DISABLED VETERAN AND UNIFORMED SERVICE MEMBER LICENSES | ||
| Uniformed Services Angling | NOT AVAILABLE | $41.00 |
| Uniformed Services Annual Shellfish | NOT AVAILABLE | $10.00 |
| Disabled Veteran Shellfish | FREE | NOT AVAILABLE |
| Disabled Veteran Combination (Includes Columbia River Basin Endorsement) | FREE | NOT AVAILABLE |
| DAILY / MULTI-DAY LICENSES | ||
| One Day Angling | $21.00 | |
| Two Day Angling | $38.00 | |
| Three Day Angling | $54.50 | |
| Seven Day Angling | NOT AVAILABLE | $84.50 |
| Columbia River Basin Endorsement (Each Day) | $1.00 | |
| Daily Angling and Shellfish Combo | $30.50 | |
| Three Day Shellfish | NOT AVAILABLE | $19.00 |
| OTHER PERMITS AND APPLICATIONS | ||
| Duplicate License, Tag, or Permit | $25.50 | |
| Abalone Harvest Permit | FREE | |
| Scallop Harvest Permit | FREE | |
| Wildlife Area Parking Permit (Daily) | $10.00 | |
| Wildlife Area Parking Permit (Annual) | $30.00 | |
| Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Permit (Nonmotorized Boats) | $7.00 | |
| Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Permit (Motorized Boats) | NOT AVAILABLE | $22.00 |
| Oregon Disabilities Hunting and Fishing Permit (includes disabled clam digging) | FREE | |
Where to Buy an Oregon Fishing License
Here are the most common places to buy an Oregon fishing license:
Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) offices:
If you’d rather buy your fishing license in person, you can go to any of the offices of the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW), which are spread out across the state. Here are some of the contact details for the ODFW offices:
- Salem Headquarters: 4034 Fairview Industrial Drive SE, Salem, OR 97302. Tel: (503) 947-6000
- Springfield Office: 3150 E Main St, Springfield, OR 97478. Tel: (541) 726-3515
- Clackamas Office: 17330 SE Evelyn St., Clackamas, OR 97015. Tel: (971) 673-6000
You can also visit the ODFW website at https://myodfw.com/articles/where-buy-license to find a full list of their office locations. At these offices, you can not only buy a fishing license for Oregon, but you can also find out about fishing rules, conservation efforts, and how Oregon manages its wildlife.
Licensed retailers:
If you prefer to purchase your Oregon fishing license at a licensed retailer, here are the contact details for some popular retailers in Oregon that sell fishing licenses:
- Bi-Mart: Multiple locations across Oregon Visit https://www.bimart.com/locations/ for more information.
- Walmart: Multiple locations across Oregon Visit https://www.walmart.com/store/finder?location=Oregon&distance=25 for more information.
- Fred Meyer: “Multiple locations across Oregon.” Visit https://www.fredmeyer.com/stores/search-results.html?searchTerm=Oregon for more information.
It’s always a good idea to call ahead to make sure that the store you want to go to sells Oregon fishing licenses and to find out if you need to bring anything special with you.
Online through the ODFW website:
If you prefer to purchase your Oregon fishing license online, you can do so through the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) website. Here is the website address where you can purchase your Oregon fishing license online:
Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) website: https://myodfw.com/articles/how-buy-license
To buy a fishing license for Oregon online, just go to the above website and follow the instructions. To finish the transaction, you will need to give some personal information and payment information. If you have any questions or concerns about purchasing your Oregon fishing license online, you can contact the ODFW call center at 1-800-720-6339. Their call center is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time.
Helpful Tips for Buying an Oregon Fishing License
Here are some tips to help you when buying an Oregon fishing license:
- Make sure you have the correct information. When buying your Oregon fishing license, be sure to have all the necessary personal and payment information ready. This includes your name, address, date of birth, and credit card information.
- Check the regulations. Before you buy your Oregon fishing license, make sure you are familiar with the fishing regulations in the area where you will be fishing. These regulations can change depending on the season, location, and type of fish you are targeting.
- Get the right license: Oregon offers several types of fishing licenses, including annual, one-day, multi-day, and combination licenses. Make sure you choose the right type of license that meets your needs.
- Consider purchasing a combo license: If you plan to both hunt and fish in Oregon, you may want to consider purchasing a combination license. This will allow you to do both activities with a single license.
- Plan ahead: If you plan to purchase your Oregon fishing license in person, make sure you check the business hours and location of the retailer or ODFW office ahead of time.
- Know the expiration date: Make sure you know the expiration date of your Oregon fishing license so that you can Renew it before it expires.
Types of Fishing Licenses and Fees
Oregon offers a range of fishing licenses to accommodate various needs:
- Resident Licenses: Lower-cost licenses available for Oregon residents.
- Non-Resident Licenses: Licenses for those visiting Oregon from other states or countries.
- Senior and Pioneer Licenses: Special licenses for seniors and pioneer anglers who meet specific criteria.
Fees for these licenses vary depending on the type and duration.
Oregon Fishing License Requirements and Exemptions
While most people need a fishing license to fish in Oregon, there are some exceptions:
- Youth Fishing: No license required for children below a certain age.
- Free Fishing Weekends: License not required during designated free fishing weekends.
Make sure to stay up-to-date with the latest regulations before heading out to fish.
Renewing, Replacing, and Additional Requirements
Oregon fishing licenses expire, so remember to Renew your license annually. If you lose your license, you can obtain a replacement for a small fee. Additionally, some species or areas may have specific requirements, like tags or permits, so always check the latest information to ensure you’re fully prepared.
Responsible Fishing and Oregon Laws and Regulations
To fish responsibly in Oregon, it’s essential to understand and follow the state’s fishing laws and regulations:
- Check the latest recreation report: Stay informed about fishing conditions and any regulation changes.
- Adhere to catch limits and size restrictions: Follow daily catch limits and size restrictions for the fish species you’re targeting.
- Respect closed seasons and protected areas: Some fish species have closed seasons, and certain areas may be off-limits for fishing.
By following these rules, you’ll help protect Oregon’s fishing resources so that future generations can enjoy them.
FAQs:
Q: Can I use my Oregon fishing license in other states?
No, an Oregon fishing license is only valid for fishing in Oregon. If you plan to fish in other states, you will need to purchase a license for each state.
Q: Can I fish for salmon with my Oregon fishing license?
A: Yes, you can fish for salmon with your Oregon fishing license. However, there may be additional regulations and fees for salmon fishing.
Q: Can I fish for sturgeon with my Oregon fishing license?
A: Yes, you can fish for sturgeon with your Oregon fishing license. However, there are special regulations and restrictions for sturgeon fishing, so be sure to check the current regulations before you go.
Conclusion:
Getting an Oregon fishing license is an important step for anyone who wants to fish in Oregon. Whether you are a resident or a non-resident, there are several types of licenses available to meet your needs. By following the regulations and guidelines, getting the right gear, and researching the best fishing spots, you can have a successful and enjoyable fishing experience in Oregon. So, grab your fishing rod, bait, and Oregon fishing license and head out to explore all the beautiful waterways that Oregon has to offer.
