What Oregon fishing licenses cost

An Oregon resident fishing license costs $27.95 for a one-year license, or $9.95 for a one-day license. Non-residents pay $54.95 for a one-year license or $16.95 for a one-day license. These are the base prices for freshwater fishing; saltwater licenses and combination licenses (freshwater and saltwater together) cost more.

Oregon also sells short-term licenses: a three-day non-resident license runs $24.95. If you fish only occasionally or are visiting from out of state, the one-day or three-day options let you fish without committing to a full year.

Prices can change annually, so check the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife website before you buy to confirm the current cost. You can purchase a license online, by phone, or at a retailer that sells them — most sporting goods stores, bait shops, and some grocery stores carry them.

Key Takeaways

  • Oregon resident one-year freshwater licenses cost $27.95; non-residents pay $54.95 for the same license.
  • One-day licenses are available for $9.95 (residents) or $16.95 (non-residents) if you fish only occasionally.
  • Saltwater and combination licenses cost more than freshwater-only licenses.
  • You can buy licenses online through the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, by phone, or at sporting goods stores and bait shops.

Saltwater and combination license prices

A saltwater-only license for Oregon residents costs $27.95 for one year — the same as a freshwater license. Non-residents pay $54.95. If you want to fish both freshwater and saltwater, a combination license costs $38.95 for residents and $76.95 for non-residents.

The combination license is the better value if you plan to fish both environments during the year. One-day saltwater licenses are also available at the same one-day rates as freshwater ($9.95 for residents, $16.95 for non-residents).

Who needs a license and who doesn't

Anyone 12 years old or older must have a license to fish in Oregon, whether in freshwater or saltwater. Children under 12 can fish without a license as long as they are supervised by a licensed adult.

A few specific situations do not require a license. You do not need one to fish on certain designated free-fishing days that Oregon announces each year — typically two days in spring and two in fall. You also do not need a license to fish on private property with the owner's written permission, or to fish for certain species under specific conditions (like using a rod and reel for steelhead in particular rivers during certain seasons). Check the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife regulations for your specific situation, because the rules vary by species and location.

Where to buy an Oregon fishing license

The easiest way to buy a license is online through the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife website. You can purchase and print your license when ready, or have it sent to you by email. Online purchases are available 24 hours a day.

You can also call the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife at 1-866-FISH-AND (1-866-347-4263) to buy a license by phone. A staff member will process your order and mail the license to you or provide an authorization number you can use to fish while waiting for the physical license to arrive.

In-person retailers include sporting goods stores, bait and tackle shops, and some grocery stores and outdoor retailers. Call ahead to confirm they have the type of license you need in stock, especially for less common options like saltwater-only or multi-day licenses.

What information you need to buy a license

To purchase an Oregon fishing license, you will need your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), your date of birth, and your Oregon driver's license number or state ID number. If you do not have an Oregon ID, you can use your home state's driver's license number instead.

Non-residents will need their home state driver's license number or equivalent ID. You will also need to provide your mailing address so Oregon can send you the physical license if you buy by phone or in person.

Discounts and reduced-price licenses

Oregon offers reduced-price licenses for seniors (age 70 and older) and for people with disabilities. A senior resident license costs $7.95 for one year. A disability license for residents also costs $7.95. Non-residents do not may have access to for these discounts.

Oregon also waives the license fee entirely for veterans with a service-connected disability rated at 0% or higher by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. You will need to provide proof of your VA disability rating when you purchase.

How long your license is valid

An annual Oregon fishing license is valid from January 1 through December 31 of the year you purchase it. If you buy a license in November, it expires at the end of that same calendar year, not 12 months from your purchase date. This means buying late in the year is less economical than buying early.

One-day and three-day licenses are valid for the calendar days you specify when you purchase them. A one-day license bought for a Friday is good only on that Friday; a three-day license covers three consecutive calendar days.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Oregon does not recognize out-of-state licenses. Non-residents must buy an Oregon license, even if they hold a valid license from their home state. The one-day or three-day options are available if you are visiting briefly.

Do I need a separate license for each type of fish?

No. A single freshwater or saltwater license covers all species in that water type, with some exceptions. Certain species like salmon and steelhead may require an additional tag or permit, but the base fishing license itself covers all fish in the category.

What happens if I fish without a license?

Fishing without a valid license in Oregon is a violation. Penalties include fines and possible loss of fishing privileges. If you are caught, you will be cited and required to pay a penalty. It is cheaper and simpler to buy the license upfront.

Can I buy a license for someone else as a gift?

You can purchase a license online or by phone and have it mailed to someone else, but the person receiving it must provide their own Social Security number, date of birth, and ID information. The license is tied to that individual and cannot be transferred.

What if my license gets lost or damaged?

Contact the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife to request a replacement. You will need to provide your original license number or the information you used to purchase it. There may be a small replacement fee, though this varies.