You’ll pay $44 for a year‑round resident angling license in Oregon and about $110.50 for a nonresident annual license; youth and senior rates are lower and some combo or Sports Pac options exist for residents. Short‑term one‑to‑three‑day permits are available if you don’t fish year‑round, and extra endorsements or tags may be required for certain waters or species. Keep your license on the MyODFW app or printed — more details and exceptions follow below.

Who Needs a Fishing License in Oregon?

If you’re 12 or older and casting a line in Oregon, you’ll need a valid fishing license—whether you’re on your own, with family, or aboard a charter.

You’re covered by a straightforward fishing regulations overview: age 12+ requires a license, residents are those domiciled six consecutive months (or active uniformed service members and their families), and exemptions are narrow.

You can fish without a license on designated free fishing weekends, and resident landowners may fish their property under specific conditions with immediate family exceptions.

Depending on where and what you target, you’ll also need special endorsements, like the Columbia River Basin Endorsement, so check location- and species-specific rules before you go.

Certain waters and species require extra endorsements—check location- and species-specific rules (for example, the Columbia River Basin Endorsement).

When you start the license application process, have proof of residency or military status ready, know the species you’ll pursue, and confirm any applicable endorsements.

That preparation keeps you legal on the water and helps protect Oregon’s fisheries for everyone.

Resident License Types and Prices

You’ll pay $44 for an annual resident angling license that covers fresh and saltwater, while youth residents (12–17) get a reduced $10 rate and seniors 70+ pay $29.

You can also pick a $73 combination license for both fishing and hunting or, if you’re 65+ with 50+ years in Oregon, a $6 pioneer combo.

Don’t forget to check which endorsements and tags you’ll need for specific species or seasons before you head out.

Annual Angling Cost

One affordable annual angling license—$44 for Oregon residents—lets you fish in both freshwater and saltwater, while youths 12–17 can get a reduced-rate license for $10.00. You’ll appreciate clear fishing regulations and tangible license benefits: legal access, conservation support, and combined options. A resident combination license (angling + hunting) costs $73 and simplifies outdoor access. If you harvest shellfish, a $10 annual shellfish license covers that need. Seniors have a discounted option, but details are separate. Below is a quick reference to help you choose.

Senior and Youth Rates

Several affordable resident options make fishing accessible across ages and life stages: youths 12–17 can fish for just $10, seniors 70+ pay $29 for an annual angling license (or $47.50 for the combination), and long-time residents 65+ who’ve lived in Oregon 50 years qualify for the $6 Pioneer Combination License.

You’ll find clear youth benefits: the $10 youth angling license keeps entry costs low, and the $55 Youth Sports Pac bundles multiple licenses and tags for active young anglers.

You’ll also see meaningful senior discounts—reduced angling and combination pricing makes year-round access easier on fixed incomes.

These resident-only rates exclude non-residents, so check eligibility before you buy and carry proof of Oregon residency when purchasing.

Endorsements and Tags

When you plan to fish beyond basic freshwater limits, Oregon’s endorsements and tags let you add the specific permissions you need without buying separate full licenses.

You’ll likely start with the Resident Annual Angling License ($44) for personal freshwater and saltwater fishing, then add endorsements based on tag requirements and endorsement benefits.

An Adult Combined Angling Tag ($46) is required to harvest salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, or halibut.

The Columbia River Basin Endorsement costs $9.75 with an angling license or $11.75 alone.

For targeted steelhead in the Rogue-South Coast area, the $2 Rogue-South Coast Steelhead Validation is mandatory.

If you want to fish with multiple rods, the Two-Rod Validation is $28.

These options keep your permit tailored and cost-effective.

Nonresident License Options and Fees

As a nonresident you’ll usually buy the annual angling license for $110.50 or opt for short-term daily licenses at resident-like rates.

Youth (ages 12–17) can get a $10 youth license.

Remember some trips need extra endorsements — for example, the Columbia River Basin Endorsement is $9.75 with an angling license — and there are no nonresident Sports Pac or Combination options.

Available Nonresident Licenses

If you’re a nonresident planning to fish in Oregon, your choices are limited to individual licenses: you can buy an annual angling license for $110.50 for personal-use fishing, or a Youth License for ages 12–17 at $10.00.

You won’t have access to the Sports Pac or Combination License options, so weigh nonresident benefits against those limits under Oregon fishing regulations.

Some fisheries require add-ons: a Rogue–South Coast Steelhead Validation is $4.00 if you’ll target steelhead there, and the Columbia River Basin Endorsement is $9.75 when added to an angling license for certain Columbia River species.

Buy the exact combination you need to stay legal and avoid surprise fees at checkout or on the water.

Nonresident Tag Fees

Though nonresident anglers can buy an annual angling license for $110.50, your options are narrower than a resident’s — you can’t buy the Sports Pac or Combination License, and several tags and harvest options aren’t available.

You’ll pay extra for limited endorsements: a Rogue–South Coast Steelhead Validation costs $4.00 and a Columbia River Basin Endorsement is $9.75 when bought with an angling license.

You can also get a Youth License for ages 12–17 at $10.00.

These fees reflect nonresident fishing regulations and underscore tag availability restrictions — for example, the Hatchery Salmon/Steelhead Harvest Tag isn’t offered to nonresidents.

Plan trips knowing you’ll have fewer multi-license choices and restricted harvest-tag access.

Short-Term and Daily License Choices

Looking for a short fishing outing? You’ll find short term fishing options that fit spontaneous plans without the commitment of an annual license.

Looking for a quick fishing trip? Short-term permits let you fish spontaneously without an annual commitment.

If you’re a resident, a One Day Angling and Shellfish Combo costs $23.00; a One Day Angling ticket covers a single specified day, so you can chase a forecasted bite or squeeze in a quick trip. Residents can also choose a Two Day Angling license for $42.00 or a Three Day Angling license for $59.50, giving you flexible windows for weekend jaunts.

If you’re a non-resident, daily permits are available in various forms, and you can opt for a Non-resident Annual Angling License at $110.50 if you’ll be back multiple times.

Daily permits suit occasional anglers who don’t fish often enough for an annual pass; they’re cost-effective, low-commitment, and ideal when you’re planning a brief, focused outing.

Endorsements, Tags, and Validations Explained

When you plan a trip targeting specific species or techniques, you’ll often need more than a basic angling license—endorsements, tags, and validations fill those gaps by authorizing particular waters, gear, or harvests.

You’ll add a Columbia River Basin Endorsement ($9.75 residents, $11.75 nonresidents) to reach certain species in that watershed, and the Rogue‑South Coast Steelhead Validation ($2 residents, $4 nonresidents) opens targeted steelhead opportunities in designated reaches.

If you want to fish with two rods, the Two‑Rod Validation ($28) lets residents deploy dual gear; nonresidents can’t buy it. Harvesting salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, or halibut requires an Adult Combined Angling Tag ($46 residents, $66 nonresidents).

Youth anglers 12–17 get a discounted Combined Tag ($5), though nonresident youth aren’t eligible. These add‑ons are part of your fishing regulations overview and shape how you approach local fishing hotspots, season planning, and catch limits.

Check requirements before you go so you’re legal, efficient, and ready for the water.

Senior, Youth, and Disabled License Programs

If you’re a senior, youth, or disabled veteran, Oregon’s license programs make fishing more accessible and affordable by tailoring fees and packages to different needs and histories of residency.

You’ll find senior discounts that recognize long-term residents: if you’re 70+ and have lived in Oregon five years, a Senior Angling License is $29.00 or a Senior Combination License is $47.50.

If you’re 65+ and a 50-year resident, the Pioneer Combination is just $6.00.

Youth programs keep costs low for new anglers: resident youth ages 12–17 pay $10.00, and the resident Youth Sports Pac bundles multiple licenses and tags for $55.00.

Disabled veterans receive strong support with free Shellfish and Combination Licenses (resident only).

Consider these points when you plan your season:

• Senior discounts require residency history and age thresholds.
• Youth programs offer inexpensive standalone and packaged options.
• Disabled veterans get free resident combination/shellfish privileges.

Check eligibility and documentation requirements before you apply.

Exemptions: When You Can Fish Without a License

Although most anglers need a license year-round, Oregon law carves out several clear exemptions that let you fish without one under specific conditions.

Although most anglers need a license, Oregon law includes clear exemptions allowing fishing without one in certain cases.

You can take advantage of designated free fishing weekends (typically in June) for license free fishing statewide, a great chance to introduce friends or family to angling without paperwork.

If you own land that borders water, you may fish there without a license, though certain species remain exceptions—check regulations before you cast. The same applies when you fish on immediate family land, subject to those species-specific limits.

You don’t need a license to harvest crayfish or bullfrogs, so those low-barrier pursuits are effectively license free fishing.

Disabled veterans and people holding an Oregon Disabilities Hunting and Fishing Permit also qualify for exemptions under defined conditions.

Always confirm species rules, locations, and permit specifics before you go; these fishing exemptions simplify access, but they don’t remove all regulatory responsibilities.

Where and How to Buy or Renew Your License

Those exemptions make it easy to fish occasionally without paperwork, but for regular outings you’ll want a valid license and to know where to get one.

You can handle most needs through online purchases on the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) website — print a copy or download it to your phone and store it in the MyODFW app for instant access.

Renewals open December 1 for the next calendar year (Jan 1–Dec 31), so mark your calendar.

• Buy online purchases quickly on the ODFW site and save your license in the MyODFW app for easy retrieval.
• Visit in person vendors like Walmart, bait-and-tackle shops, or local ODFW offices if you prefer a face-to-face transaction.
• Renewals start Dec 1; plan ahead to avoid lapses and carry proof when you fish.

If you run into licensing problems or have renewal questions, ODFW licensing staff are available at 503-947-6101.

Lost Licenses, Reprints, and Contact Information

When you lose your fishing license, don’t panic — you can have it reprinted at any ODFW office or licensed vendor (note that tag reprints carry a $2 fee). You’ll follow simple lost license procedures: request a reprint in person or access your purchase online to show your license electronically. Reprint fees apply only to tags; standard license reprints are handled on site.

If you bought a license on or after Dec 1, 2025, it’s valid through Dec 31, 2026, reducing renewal hassle. Keep your confirmation email or account login handy so you can fish without delay. If problems persist, call the numbers above for prompt assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do License Prices Change Mid-Year After Purchasing an Annual License?

Usually no — once you buy an annual license its rate stays fixed for you that year. You’ll want to check annual price changes and license renewal policies though, since authorities can alter future fees or renewal rules.

Can I Transfer My Annual License to Another Person?

Usually you can’t transfer an annual license, but check local office — investigating that theory shows exceptions. You’ll need to meet license transfer policies and eligibility criteria, provide ID and paperwork, and follow state-specific procedures.

Are There Discounts for Military Members or Veterans?

Yes — you can often get military discounts and veteran benefits on licenses. Check your state agency for eligibility, required ID, and reduced fees; some places grant free or discounted permits for active-duty, reserves, and honorably discharged veterans.

Does an Annual License Cover Fishing From Private Property Lakes?

Birds of a feather flock together — yes, an annual license often covers fishing from private property lakes if you have landowner permission; check local private property regulations for fishing rights clarity, and carry proof of permission.

Is There a Refund if I Move Out of Oregon During the License Year?

Yes — you can request a partial refund if you move out; check license refund policies with the Oregon agency, provide proof, and note Oregon residency requirements may affect eligibility, so follow their procedures promptly to maximize refund.

Conclusion

Don’t let a missing permit turn you into a wanted outlaw of the river—get the right Oregon license and fish with confidence. Whether you’re a resident, a visitor grabbing a short-term pass, or a senior angler with special fees, the small cost protects fish, habitat, and your right to cast all year round. Buy or renew online, carry proof, and you’ll be back on the water, legally hooked and wildly relieved.