What Oregon fishing licenses cost

An Oregon resident fishing license costs $31.95 for a one-year license. A three-day license costs $13.95. A one-day license costs $8.95. Non-residents pay $63.95 for a one-year license, $38.95 for a seven-day license, and $24.95 for a one-day license.

These prices are current as of 2024, but Oregon raises fishing license fees periodically. Before you buy, check the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) website to confirm the current price, since fees can change without notice.

You will also need to buy tags or stamps for specific fish you want to catch — a steelhead tag, for example, or a salmon tag. These cost extra and vary by species. Some fish do not require tags. The ODFW website lists which fish need tags and what each one costs.

Key Takeaways

  • Oregon resident one-year fishing licenses cost $31.95; non-residents pay $63.95 for the same period.
  • Short-term licenses are available for one day, three days (residents only), or seven days (non-residents only) at lower prices.
  • Many fish species require additional tags or stamps beyond the base license fee, and you must buy them before you fish.
  • You can buy licenses online through the ODFW website, by phone, or at sporting goods stores and tackle shops throughout Oregon.
  • Licenses are not refundable once purchased, so choose your license length carefully.

Where to buy an Oregon fishing license

You can buy a license online through the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife website at oregondfw.org. You will need your driver's license or ID number and a valid email address. The license prints when ready as a PDF, and you can fish the same day.

You can also buy licenses by phone by calling the ODFW at 1-866-ODFW-INFO (1-866-633-9463). A staff member will process your order and email you the license. Phone sales are available during business hours.

Licenses are sold in person at sporting goods stores, tackle shops, and some outdoor retailers throughout Oregon. Call ahead to confirm the store has the license type you need in stock. In-person purchases are when ready — you walk out with your license printed.

Resident versus non-resident license prices

Oregon charges non-residents roughly double what residents pay for a one-year license. A resident pays $31.95; a non-resident pays $63.95. The gap narrows for shorter licenses — a non-resident one-day license is $24.95 versus a resident one-day license at $8.95.

You are a resident if you have lived in Oregon for at least six months and hold an Oregon driver's license or state ID. If you live in another state or country, you are a non-resident, even if you own property in Oregon.

If you fish in Oregon only occasionally and live out of state, a short-term non-resident license may cost less than a full year. A seven-day non-resident license costs $38.95 — less than the one-year price but enough to cover a week-long fishing trip.

Tags and stamps for specific fish species

A fishing license alone does not let you keep every fish in Oregon waters. Salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, and some trout require separate tags or stamps. You must buy these before you fish, and they cost between $5 and $20 depending on the species and whether you want to keep one fish or multiple fish.

A Chinook salmon tag costs $8.95 and lets you keep one Chinook. A steelhead tag costs $11.95. A sturgeon tag costs $12.95. Trout tags vary — some trout do not need tags, while others do. Check the ODFW website or the current fishing regulations pamphlet to see which fish you plan to catch and whether they need tags.

Tags are not refundable. If you buy a salmon tag and decide not to fish, you cannot get your money back. Buy tags only for the fish you are confident you will pursue.

How long licenses last and when they expire

A one-year resident license runs from the date you buy it for exactly 12 months. If you buy on March 15, it expires on March 15 the following year. A three-day license is valid for three consecutive calendar days starting the day you buy it. A one-day license is valid only on the day you purchase it.

Non-resident licenses work the same way — a one-year license lasts 12 months from purchase, a seven-day license covers seven consecutive days, and a one-day license is good for one day only.

You can fish on the last day of your license's validity. Once midnight passes on the expiration date, you cannot fish without a new license. If you plan to fish near the end of your license period, buy a new one before the old one expires.

Special licenses and exemptions

Oregon offers reduced-price licenses for seniors (age 70 and older) and people with disabilities. A senior resident license costs $15.95 for one year. A disability license costs $8.95 for one year, regardless of residency status. You will need proof of age or disability status when you buy.

Children under 12 do not need a license to fish in Oregon, but they must be supervised by a licensed adult. A licensed adult can supervise up to two unlicensed children. Once a child turns 12, they need their own license.

Some waters in Oregon are open to free fishing on specific days or for specific groups. The ODFW publishes a free fishing days calendar each year. Check the website to see if any free days fall during your planned trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish with an expired license?

No. You must have a valid, current license in your possession while you fish. An expired license is not valid. Buy a new license before your current one expires, or you will be fishing illegally.

Do I need a license to fish in private ponds or on private property?

No. You do not need a state license to fish on private property with the owner's permission. However, you still must follow Oregon's catch limits and seasons for the fish you keep. Check the ODFW regulations to see which fish are in season.

What happens if I lose my license?

Contact the ODFW and provide your purchase information. They can reissue a duplicate license for a small fee, usually around $5. Have your receipt or the email confirmation of your purchase ready. You can also buy a new license and use that instead.

Can I buy a license for someone else?

Yes. You can buy a license online or in person for another person if you have their driver's license or ID number. The license will be issued in their name. They will need to print it or pick it up before they fish.

Do I need a license to fish in the ocean from shore?

Yes. Ocean fishing from shore, jetties, or rocks requires a valid Oregon fishing license, just like freshwater fishing. You will also need tags for species like salmon and sturgeon if you plan to keep them.