What Oregon fishing licenses cost

Oregon resident fishing licenses cost $31.95 for a one-year license and $84.95 for a three-year license. Non-residents pay $63.95 for a one-year license. These are the base freshwater licenses that let you fish in most Oregon waters. Saltwater licenses, combination licenses, and special-use permits cost more and are priced separately.

Prices can change each year, so check the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) website before you buy. You can purchase licenses online through the ODFW website, at sporting goods retailers, or at ODFW regional offices. Online purchase is fastest — your license is active when ready after payment.

Some people pay nothing. Oregon residents age 70 and older, people with permanent disabilities, and Native American tribal members may not need a license. Children under 12 can fish without a license in Oregon, though they must follow all other fishing rules.

Key Takeaways

  • Oregon resident one-year freshwater licenses cost $31.95; non-residents pay $63.95 for the same period.
  • Three-year resident licenses cost $84.95 and are available only to Oregon residents.
  • Saltwater fishing, combination licenses, and special permits each have their own separate fees.
  • You can buy licenses online through the ODFW website and fish when ready after payment.
  • Oregon residents 70 and older and people with permanent disabilities may fish without a license.

Freshwater versus saltwater license costs

A freshwater license covers rivers, streams, and lakes inside Oregon. A saltwater license covers ocean waters and bays. If you want to fish both, you need both licenses — they do not overlap. A saltwater license costs $13.95 for residents and $28.95 for non-residents, on top of your freshwater license.

Some anglers buy a combination license instead, which covers both freshwater and saltwater in one purchase. Combination licenses cost more than buying them separately, so compare the total before you decide. Check the ODFW website for current combination pricing.

Multi-year licenses and when they save money

Oregon offers three-year resident licenses at $84.95, which works out to about $28.32 per year — cheaper than buying three one-year licenses at $31.95 each. Non-residents do not have a multi-year option and must buy a one-year license each time.

A three-year license is worth buying if you plan to fish every year for the next three years. If you are unsure whether you will fish next year, a one-year license gives you flexibility. The three-year license does not expire after three years — it is valid for exactly 36 months from the date you buy it.

Special permits and endorsements that cost extra

Beyond the base license, Oregon charges extra for certain types of fishing. A steelhead endorsement costs $13.95 for residents and $28.95 for non-residents and is required to keep steelhead in most Oregon rivers. A salmon permit costs $13.95 for residents and $28.95 for non-residents and is required to fish for salmon in certain waters.

A Klamath Basin permit is required if you fish in the Klamath River system and costs $13.95 for residents. Coquille River permits are required for that specific river and cost $13.95. These are in addition to your base license, so your total cost depends on where and what you fish.

Check the ODFW website or call your regional ODFW office before you buy to confirm which endorsements you need. Some waters require multiple permits, and the rules change by season.

Where to buy licenses and how long it takes

The fastest way to buy is online through the ODFW website at myodfw.com. You pay, print your license or save it to your phone, and you can fish when ready. You do not need to wait for anything to arrive in the mail.

You can also buy in person at sporting goods stores like Cabela's, Bass Pro Shops, and local tackle shops throughout Oregon. These retailers have the same prices as the ODFW website. Some Walmart and Fred Meyer locations sell licenses too, though not all do — call ahead if you are not sure.

ODFW regional offices sell licenses during business hours. If you need help choosing the right license or have questions about where you can fish, staff at an ODFW office can answer them in person. Regional office locations and hours are listed on the ODFW website.

Who does not need to buy a license

Oregon residents age 70 and older do not need a license to fish freshwater. They still must follow all other fishing rules — catch limits, season dates, and gear restrictions explore to them the same way.

Oregon residents with a permanent disability may fish without a license. You need to register with ODFW and receive a disability exemption card. Contact your regional ODFW office to start the process.

Native American tribal members who are enrolled in a federally recognized tribe may fish under tribal regulations instead of state regulations. This varies by tribe and by water. Contact your tribe's fish and wildlife office for details.

Children under 12 can fish without a license in Oregon, but they must follow all catch limits and season rules. An adult must supervise them, and the adult needs a license.

License validity and what happens if it expires

A one-year license is valid for 12 months from the date you buy it. A three-year license is valid for 36 months. Your license expires at the end of that period, and you cannot fish legally after the expiration date without buying a new one.

If you fish with an expired license, you can be cited and fined. ODFW rangers check licenses during patrols. Keep your license with you while you fish — you must show it if asked.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish in Oregon with a license from another state?

No. You must have an Oregon license to fish in Oregon waters, even if you have a valid license from your home state. Non-residents can buy a one-year Oregon license online and fish when ready.

Do I need a separate license for each family member?

Yes. Each person who fishes needs their own license, including children age 12 and older. Children under 12 do not need a license but must follow all other rules. You can buy multiple licenses at once online or at a retailer.

What if I lose my license or it gets damaged?

You can reprint your license from myodfw.com if you bought it online. If you bought it in person, contact the retailer or ODFW office where you purchased it. You may be charged a replacement fee.

Can I get a refund if I buy a license and do not use it?

Oregon does not refund fishing licenses once they are sold. If you are unsure whether you will fish, buy a one-year license instead of a three-year license so you have more flexibility.

Do I need a license to fish on private property?

Yes. You need a license to fish anywhere in Oregon, including on private land, unless you are exempt. You also need permission from the property owner to fish on their land.