Widely known as the land of trout and salmon, Oregon's waters teem with large and smallmouth bass, crappie, catfish and bluegill; making it a natural haven for avid anglers and nature hungry tourists.
Securing your own Oregon fishing license can easily be done online via the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife website. The links below will answer all your questions regarding fishing license information and fees. It will also walk you through the steps on how to purchase one online.
Reading the various fishing rules and regulations should be your next step after purchasing a license. It is important to know about the local protocols of the area you are visiting in order for you to be able to contribute in the protection of marine life. These laws are strictly implemented to avoid extinction. And since some rules change without prior notice, it is important to check the links below for updates.
Do you want to help in the state's conservation efforts? FishSmart can help you do that! The people behind this advocacy teach both experts and beginners how to properly catch and release fish back into the water without harming them. Click on the link to learn more about how to boost the survival rate of marine life in the area.
A valid fishing license is needed in order to enjoy the abundant waters anywhere in the United States. Depending on the state, these licenses come with reasonable fees that are used to fund the government’s conservation programs to make sure that a healthy fish population is maintained amidst all the fishing activities that they accommodate.
In the state of Oregon, the Department of Fish and Wildlife collects fees in exchange for Angling Licenses, and these fees go toward fishery management, habitat development, endangered species programs, and conservation education. Thus, it is necessary that you purchase the relevant license for you before you go to the state waters to catch some trout.
There are different types of angling licenses that are available for purchase in Oregon. The fees depend on several factors, such as age, residency, and other special privileges that you may have. Understanding these regulations and licensing requirements is the first step towards an unforgettable fishing experience in Oregon. If you still have no idea what these regulations are, this article will answer the most important questions regarding angling licenses in Oregon.
Here are what you need to know:
Who is required to purchase an Oregon Angling License?
All anglers who are 12 years or older must have in possession a valid Oregon Angling
License to angle for or take, or help another angle for or take, any fish for personal use. On top of that, you also need a valid Shellfish License to take any shellfish for personal use. It is important that all necessary documents - e-License or a paper license as well as other identity documents - must be accessible upon request by department staff or law enforcement.
Of course, there are also some exemptions to this rule. No fishing or shellfish license is needed:
- During Free Fishing Weekend(s);
- When taking crayfish or bullfrogs;
- When Oregon resident landowners are angling on land, they own, except when angling for salmon, steelhead, sturgeon or halibut.
- When an Oregon resident is angling on land owned by an immediate family member, and resides on that land, except when angling for salmon, steelhead, sturgeon or halibut.
Furthermore, all anglers, regardless of age, need a valid Combined Angling Tag in possession to angle for salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, and halibut. This specific tag can only be purchased once every year for each angler and should be used to record harvested adult wild salmon or steelhead.
Where to buy an Oregon Angling License?
The easiest way to procure an Oregon Angling License is to buy from the online licensing system from the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. In order to purchase an Oregon Angling License or Tags online, you will need to either Verify your account online or Create a new one to buy online. Go to the login page by following this link. If you have preference points, any other certifications (such as disabilities permit), or have purchased an annual license since 2016, then you already have an online profile and will need to use Verify/Look up your account to find it. Provide your Hunter/Angler ID # (aka ODFW ID), email address, or phone number associated with your account to look it up; contact ODFW if you can’t remember any of these.
You can also purchase your Oregon fishing license by mail, via fax, at any Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife office, or at a license issuing agent location. Please note Anglers now have the option of purchasing a digital license, tags, endorsements, and validations that can be displayed on a smartphone or can choose the traditional paper license (hard copy) option and will be able to print at home, at a license vendor, or ODFW office.
Please contact ODFW at odfw.websales@state.or.us or (503) 947-6101, or via private message on social media (@MyODFW on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter) for more questions.
Different Angling Licenses in Oregon
There are different types of licenses and permits that are available for purchase in the state of Oregan. These licenses vary in cost depending on several factors, such as age, residency, and other special privileges offered by the state. Here’s a summary of all the licenses, tags, and permits you can purchase in the state of Oregon:
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LICENSES, PERMITS, AND TAGS |
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DESCRIPTION |
RESIDENT |
NON-RESIDENT |
|
ANNUAL LICENSES |
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|
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 |
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ENDORSEMENTS AND VALIDATIONS |
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|
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 |
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|
TAGS |
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Adult Combined Angling Tag |
$40.50 |
$60.50 |
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Hatchery Salmon / Steelhead Harvest Card |
$28.50 |
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YOUTH LICENSES |
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Youth License (12-17 years old) (Includes Angling, Hunting, Shellfish and Columbia River Basin Endorsement) |
$10.00 |
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|
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 |
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Youth Angling Combined Angling Tag |
$5.00 |
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Both residents and non-residents can purchase an annual angling license for $41.00 (residents) and $103.50 (non-residents). The annual angling license can be bought starting December 1 of every year and is valid from January 1 to December 31 the following year. The annual shellfish license can also be bought for $10 (residents) and $28.00 (non-residents). Residents also have the option to purchase a combination hunting, and angling license for $69.00 and a Sports Pac which 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 for only $188.50. The latter licenses are also valid for one year.
Anglers below the age of 17 and above the age of 12 can also purchase a youth license for only $10.00. This price is applicable to both residents and non-residents. A youth Sports Pac and youth combined tags are also available for residents between 12 to 17 years old for $55.00 and $5.00, respectively.
Special licenses are also available for both residents and non-residents. Here is a summary:
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LICENSE, TAG AND PERMIT FEES |
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|
DESCRIPTION |
RESIDENT |
NON-RESIDENT |
|
RESIDENT SENIOR AND PIONEER LICENSES |
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|
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 |
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DISABLED VETERAN AND UNIFORMED SERVICE MEMBER LICENSES |
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|
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 |
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DAILY / MULTI-DAY LICENSES |
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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 |
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OTHER PERMITS AND APPLICATIONS |
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|
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 |
|
Anglers who don’t want to avail of an annual angling license, a one-day, two-day, three-day license for $21.00, $38.00, $54.00, respectively, can be purchased. This is available for both residents and non-residents. Daily permits like Columbia River Basin Endorsement, Angling, and Shellfish Combo, Three Day Shellfish that is only valid for a day, are also available for purchase.
Other Angling License Regulations
The State of Oregan has also set in place other relevant regulations regarding the purchase and the use of a fishing license to catch fish across the State’s waters. Here is the summary of all applicable regulation that should be followed:
- All anglers (regardless of age) need a valid Combined Angling Tag in possession to
- angle for salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, and halibut.
- Anglers may purchase only one Combined Angling Tag (authorizing harvest of 20 salmon or steelhead) per year.
- Harvested adult wild salmon or steelhead must be recorded on the Combined Angling Tag.
- An angler who takes the fish must record the fish on their tag irrespective of who hooked the fish.
- Hatchery salmon or steelhead can be recorded on either the Combined Angling Tag or a Hatchery Harvest Tag, but hatchery catch must be recorded on one of these tags.
- Anglers may purchase multiple Hatchery Harvest Tags to record hatchery salmon and steelhead harvested, in lieu of recording these fish on the Combined Angling Tag.
- Only hatchery salmon and hatchery steelhead may be recorded on the Hatchery Harvest Tag.
- The combined angling tag, along with all hatchery harvest tags, must be in possession and presented when requested.
- Harvest tags are included with daily and multiday licenses.
- Anglers are not required to record the harvest of jack salmon.
- All anglers, regardless of age, must have in possession a valid Columbia River Basin Endorsement when angling for salmon, steelhead, and sturgeon in the mainstem Columbia River from Buoy 10 upstream, and in all rivers and their tributaries that flow into the Columbia River.
- When angling within three miles of shore from Cape Falcon, OR to Leadbetter Point, WA, or in the waters of the Columbia River, where it forms the Oregon-Washington boundary, both Washington and Oregon resident fishing licenses are valid. Any anglers other than Washington residents must have a valid Oregon angling or shellfish license when landing fish or taking shellfish by boat in Oregon.
- All licenses, tags, and permits are available online and through license agents, and ODFW offices that sell licenses.
- Licenses and tags may be purchased for you by a family member or friend. • Angling licenses may be exchanged for a Combination License or Sports Pac License within 90 days of original purchase.
- State and federal laws require a Social Security Number to obtain most hunting and angling licenses.
Please download the Oregon Sport Fishing Regulation Guidebook for complete information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the minimum age required to purchase a license?
An Oregon fishing license is required for residents and non-residents, age 12 and over. You must carry your fishing license at all times while fishing in the State.
Q: How to verify my ODFW Licensing System account?
If you have preference points, any other certifications (such as disabilities permit), or have purchased an annual license since 2016, then you already have an online profile and will need to use Verify/Look up your Account to find it. Provide your Hunter/Angler ID # (aka ODFW ID), email address, or phone number associated with your account to look it up; contact ODFW if you can’t remember any of these.