Oregon's angling license covers fishing in both freshwater and saltwater. As in other states, licensing fees vary according to age, residency, and fishing activities. Here are four things you should know before applying for an adult license.
1. All Anglers Should Have a State-Issued Fishing License
With a few exceptions, anyone must hold a valid Oregon angling license in order to take any fish out of the water for personal use. An angling license is not required for taking shellfish. Instead, people need to purchase a separate shellfish license.
However, no license is required at any time for taking crayfish, smelt, or bulldogs,
according to the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife.
URGENT: Do You Support Obama's Plans for Stricter Gun Control? Vote Now
In another exception, the state offers a "Free Fishing Weekend" in June when no licenses or tags are required for taking either fish or shellfish. Meanwhile, either a Washington resident's license or an Oregon license may be used for fishing in the Pacific Ocean within three miles from shore between Cape Falcon, Oregon, and Leadbetter Point, Washington.
2. License Good in All State Fishing Zone
The angling license covers all nine fishing zones in the state. These zones include the Marine Zone, which runs along the Pacific coast.
3. Prices
Prices for regular adult angling license, for those who are age 18 and up, are $38 for residents and $97.50 for nonresidents, as of 2016.
Oregon also charges additional fees for the following: combined angling harvest tags; hatchery harvest tags; Columbia River basin endorsements; and two-rod angling licenses. Regardless of age, purchase of a combined angling harvest tag is required for fishing for salmon, sturgeon, steelhead, and halibut.
Annual prices for combined angling harvest tags are $35 for Oregonian adults, $55 for nonresidents. The hatchery harvest tag ($25) is needed for harvesting adipose or otherwise fin-clipped salmon, and steelhead. Oregon also offers one-, two-, three-, four-, and seven-day angling licenses for lower rates. A combined angling harvest tag is included with these temporary permits.
4. Reduced Rates
Angling licenses are available free of charge or at reduced rates for some seniors aged 65 and up.
Seniors aged 70 and up who have lived in Oregon for at least five years can purchase a senior citizen angling license for $25 annually. Seniors aged 65 and up who have lived in Oregon for at least 50 years are eligible for a $6 Pioneer Angling and Hunting Permanent License.
VOTE NOW: Do You Support a Ban on All Fully Automatic Rifles?
Related Stories:
© 2026 Newsmax. All rights reserved.