Oregon’s rivers, lakes, and coastline offer some of the best fishing in the Pacific Northwest — from world-class salmon runs on the Columbia River to trophy steelhead on the Deschutes. Here’s your complete guide to 2026 Oregon fishing license fees, the new Ocean Endorsement, and how to buy.
Source: Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW), updated for 2026 fishing season.
What’s New for 2026 Oregon Fishing Licenses?
ODFW has made several important changes for 2026, the first fee increase since 2020:
- 📈 Fees increased 12–14% across most recreational licenses
- 🌊 New Ocean Endorsement required for ocean fishing (except salmon, steelhead, or shellfish) — $9/year or $4/day
- 🐟 Youth Combo License stays at $10 and now includes the Ocean Endorsement
- 🎣 New kokanee limits — 10 per day, no size limit, open year-round in Central, Willamette, NE, and SE zones
- 🏹 Spearfishing now allowed for bass and walleye in streams and rivers
Who Needs an Oregon Fishing License?
Anyone aged 12 and older must have a valid fishing license to fish in Oregon. A Social Security Number is required for purchase.
Exemptions — Who Fishes for Free
- Children 11 and under — No basic angling license required (but need a Juvenile Combined Angling Tag for salmon/steelhead/sturgeon/halibut)
- Free Fishing Weekends — Three weekends per year, no license or tag required
- Resident landowners — Can fish on their own property without a license (does not apply to salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, or halibut)
- Immediate family of landowners — Same exemption as above
- Crayfish and bullfrogs — No license needed to take these species
2026 Oregon Fishing License Fees
Resident Fishing Licenses
| License Type | 2026 Cost |
|---|---|
| Annual Angling License | $50.00 |
| Annual Combo (Angling + Hunting) | $78.50 |
| Combined Angling Tag (salmon/steelhead/sturgeon/halibut add-on) | $69.00 |
| Annual Shellfish License | $13.00 |
| Senior Annual Angling License (70+, 5yr residency) | $34.00 |
| Senior Annual Combo License (70+, 5yr residency) | $56.00 |
| Pioneer License (65+, 50yr residency) | $10.00 |
| Disabled Veteran Combo License (25%+ disability) | FREE |
| Youth Combo License (ages 12–17) | $10.00 |
| Ocean Endorsement (annual) | $9.00 |
| Ocean Endorsement (daily) | $4.00 |
Source: ODFW & MyODFW.com, current as of March 2026.
Non-Resident Fishing Licenses
| License Type | 2026 Cost |
|---|---|
| Annual Angling License | $138.00 |
| 7-Day Angling License | $117.00 |
| 1-Day Angling + Shellfish Combo | $29.00 |
| 2-Day Angling License | $48.00 |
| 3-Day Angling License | $68.00 |
| Combined Angling Tag (salmon/steelhead/sturgeon/halibut) | $69.00 |
| Annual Shellfish License | $25.00 |
| Ocean Endorsement (annual) | $9.00 |
| Ocean Endorsement (daily) | $4.00 |
Source: ODFW & MyODFW.com, current as of March 2026.
Military & Veteran Discounts
- Disabled veterans (25%+ disability): FREE Combo License including Ocean Endorsement
- Veterans (65%+ disability): May qualify for Oregon Disabilities Hunting and Fishing Permit
- Active-duty military (non-resident): Can purchase at resident rates
2026 Free Fishing Weekends in Oregon
Oregon offers three free fishing weekends in 2026 — no license or tag required for fishing, crabbing, or clamming:
| Free Fishing Weekend | Dates |
|---|---|
| President’s Day Weekend | February 14–15, 2026 |
| Summer Free Fishing Weekend | June 6–7, 2026 |
| Thanksgiving Weekend | November 27–28, 2026 |
All fishing regulations (bag limits, size restrictions, area closures) still apply during free weekends. ODFW typically stocks extra rainbow trout before these events.
How to Buy Your Oregon Fishing License
1. Online (Fastest Option)
Visit MyODFW.com — the official ODFW license portal. Licenses are available for immediate use after purchase.
2. In-Person
Buy at any of these locations across Oregon:
- ODFW offices
- Sporting goods stores (Bi-Mart, Cabela’s, Bass Pro Shops)
- Walmart stores
- Local bait and tackle shops
- Many hardware stores
3. By Phone
Call ODFW at (503) 947-6000 for assistance.
Pro Tip: Oregon annual licenses are valid from January 1 through December 31 of the calendar year, not 365 days from purchase. If you buy in November, it expires December 31 — consider a short-term license instead.
Understanding the New Ocean Endorsement
Starting January 1, 2026, if you fish in the ocean for anything other than salmon, steelhead, or shellfish, you need the new Ocean Endorsement:
- Annual: $9.00
- Daily: $4.00
- Included FREE with Youth Combo, Pioneer, and Disabled Veteran licenses
- Funds marine surveys for species like black rockfish
If you only target salmon, steelhead, or shellfish in the ocean, you do not need this endorsement.
Oregon Fishing Regulations Quick Reference
- Combined Angling Tag — Required for salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, and halibut, regardless of age
- Marine bag limits — 4 per day for lingcod, rockfish, greenlings, and cabezon (sub-bag of 2 canary rockfish)
- Kokanee — New 10-per-day limit, no size limit, year-round in Central/Willamette/NE/SE zones
- Crab — Oregon Sport Crab Permit may be required for Dungeness crab
- Check in-season updates at MyODFW.com for current Columbia River salmon and sturgeon regulations
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a basic Oregon fishing license in 2026?
A resident annual angling license costs $50.00 (up from $44 in 2025). Non-residents pay $138.00 for an annual license. The cheapest non-resident option is a 1-day angling + shellfish combo at $29.00.
Do kids need a fishing license in Oregon?
Children 11 and under do not need a basic license. However, they need a Juvenile Combined Angling Tag to fish for salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, or halibut. Youth ages 12–17 need a Youth Combo License at $10.00.
When are Oregon’s Free Fishing Weekends in 2026?
Three weekends: February 14–15, June 6–7, and November 27–28, 2026. No license or tags required.
What is the new Ocean Endorsement?
Starting 2026, you need a $9 annual (or $4 daily) Ocean Endorsement to fish in the ocean for species other than salmon, steelhead, or shellfish. It’s free with Youth Combo, Pioneer, and Disabled Veteran licenses.
Are Oregon fishing licenses valid for a full year?
No — Oregon licenses run on a calendar year (January 1 – December 31), unlike some states where they’re valid 365 days from purchase.
Can non-resident military members get a discount?
Yes. Non-resident uniformed service members can purchase Oregon fishing licenses at resident rates.
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