Fishing in Oregon: First-Trip Checklist
The basics for your first trip in Oregon, with links to the official sources.
1. License
- Under 12? No license needed. ODFW says: "Children younger than 12 years do not need a license to fish or shellfish."
- Ages 12–17: A $10 Youth License.
- 18 or older: You need a fishing license, plus any tags or endorsements your trip calls for.
2026 annual angling license:
- Resident: $50.00
- Nonresident: $138.00
Prices are from ODFW's fee schedule and include the agent fee. Salmon, steelhead, sturgeon and ocean fishing can need extra tags or endorsements.
Details: ODFW: How to buy an Oregon fishing license · ODFW fee schedule (PDF)
Buy or read more: Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
2. Fishing rules
All current rules: myodfw.com/fishing/regulations
3. Free fishing days
On Oregon's free fishing weekends, nobody needs a license, tag or endorsement to fish, crab or clam. Closures, bag limits and all other rules still apply.
2026 dates: Feb 14–15, June 6–7, and Nov 27–28 (Thanksgiving weekend).
Official dates: ODFW 2026 Free Fishing Days · 2027 dates: Official info coming soon · check ODFW
4. Eating your catch
Before you keep fish to eat, check the Oregon Health Authority's advisory map for your lake or river. OHA notes that no advisory doesn't always mean a water was tested.
Catch & release is a great choice with kids.
Official advisories: OHA Fish and Shellfish Consumption Advisories
5. Boating & life jackets
- Kids 12 and under must wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket when the boat is underway, unless below decks or in an enclosed cabin.
- Life jackets must be worn in Class III or higher whitewater.
Life jacket rules: Oregon State Marine Board
6. Where to fish
Spots coming soon. We only list spots we can confirm on an official page.