Oregon Fishing License (2026): Cost, Where to Buy & Rules
Issued by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
How much is a fishing license in Oregon (OR)?
A resident annual Oregon fishing license costs $50.00, and a non-resident (out-of-state) annual license is $138.00. Oregon also offers short-term day passes for out-of-state visitors and discounted youth and senior licenses, all sold by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.
How does Oregon compare? See the 2026 fishing license cost by state price index.
🎫 Buy a Oregon Fishing License →Fishing in Oregon
Oregon is salmon, steelhead and trout. Chinook and coho salmon and both winter and summer steelhead run the Columbia, Rogue, Deschutes and coastal rivers, while the Deschutes "redsides" are prized wild trout on the fly. The Columbia holds sturgeon, and the coast adds bottomfish, halibut, tuna and Dungeness crab. Harvest tags and endorsements cover the anadromous fishing, and something is in season nearly year-round.
Oregon Fishing License Types & 2026 Prices
Resident Annual
Freshwater
$50.00
Non-Resident Annual
Freshwater
$138.00
One-Day
Freshwater
$29.00
One-Day Angling and Shellfish; same price for residents and non-residents
Non-Resident 7-Day
Freshwater
$117.00
Senior (70+)
Freshwater
$34.00
OR resident 70+, 5-year residency. The $10 Pioneer license needs 65+ and 50 years OR residency.
Youth (under 12)
Free✅ Prices verified August 2026 from the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. License fees can change year to year — confirm current rates with the agency before you buy.
Who needs a Oregon fishing license?
Most adult anglers need a license to fish in Oregon. Several groups are exempt or pay a reduced fee:
- Youth
- Children under 12 do not need a license. Youth 11 and younger fish free. Ages 12–17 buy a $10 Youth License (angling, hunting, shellfish, plus the Columbia River Basin Endorsement). All anglers 18 and older must buy a license. For salmon, steelhead, sturgeon and halibut, youth 11 and under still need a free Youth Angling License plus a Juvenile Combined Angling Tag.
- Seniors (70+)
- $34 Resident Senior Angling license for residents 70+ who have lived in Oregon the last 5 years. A cheaper route exists at 65: the $10 Pioneer Combination license, for residents 65+ who have lived in Oregon at least 50 years.
- Anglers with disabilities
- Oregon does NOT waive the license for disability. Anglers may apply for a free Oregon Disabilities Hunting and Fishing Permit, but it is not a license and does not replace one — it grants accommodations and allows assistance. Eligibility needs medical certification of one of six conditions, or VA certification of at least 65% disability.
- Veterans & military
- A FREE combination hunting, angling and shellfish license (including Columbia Basin and Ocean endorsements) for Oregon residents with a VA or Armed Forces disability rating of at least 25 percent who have physically resided in Oregon for no less than 6 consecutive months before applying. Renewable every year.
- Free fishing days (2026)
- February 14–15, June 6–7, and November 27–28, 2026 — everyone may fish, crab and clam anywhere in Oregon with no license and no tags/endorsements. Area closures, bag limits and all other regulations still apply.
Short-term day licenses are available for visitors and occasional anglers. Always confirm the current rules with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife before heading out. ✅ Exemptions verified August 2026.
Saltwater & beach fishing in Oregon
Combined angling tag covers ocean salmon, Pacific halibut, and steelhead at additional cost
Where to buy a Oregon fishing license
Online (cheapest): buy directly from the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife — that’s the cheapest option, with no third-party markup.
In person: most sporting goods retailers (Bass Pro Shops, Cabela’s, Walmart) and many tackle shops in Oregon also sell licenses.
Oregon Fishing Limits by Species (2026)
General statewide bag, size, and season limits for popular Oregon species.
| Species | Daily Bag | Min Size | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| TroutHighly zone-specific; the Deschutes and many rivers are special-regulation | No limit | No limit | Varies by zone |
| Salmon/SteelheadRequires combined angling tag; hatchery-only on most runs | No limit | No limit | Tag/endorsement seasons |
| SturgeonMostly catch-and-release; retention days announced in-season | No limit | No limit | Limited retention windows |
⚠️ Limits are general statewide references and change year to year — many lakes and rivers carry their own bag, size, and slot rules. Always confirm the current regulation for your specific water with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife before you keep a fish. Reviewed July 2026.
Oregon Fishing License FAQ
How much is a fishing license in Oregon?
A resident annual fishing license in Oregon costs $50.00, and a non-resident (out-of-state) annual license costs $138.00. Oregon also offers short-term (day) licenses for visitors, discounted youth and senior options. Licenses are sold by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.
How much is an out-of-state fishing license in Oregon?
An out-of-state (non-resident) annual fishing license in Oregon costs $138.00. For a shorter trip, Oregon also sells One-Day, 7-Day licenses. Buy online from the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife before you fish.
Do you need a fishing license in Oregon?
Yes. Oregon requires a fishing license to fish recreationally. Children under 12 are exempt. $34 Resident Senior Angling license for residents 70+ who have lived in Oregon the last 5 years. A cheaper route exists at 65: the $10 Pioneer Combination license, for residents 65+ who have lived in Oregon at least 50 years. Always confirm current rules with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife before you fish.
Where do you buy a Oregon fishing license?
Buy directly from the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife online — that's the cheapest option (no third-party markup). You can also buy at most sporting-goods retailers and many tackle shops in Oregon.
Fishing licenses in nearby states
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