Oregon Fishing License Information for Travelers and Anglers

Planning a fishing trip on the Columbia River with DG Columbia Adventures? Before you cast your first line, you’ll want to make sure you have the right fishing license. Oregon’s licensing rules are straightforward once you know the basics, and having the correct documents ensures you can enjoy your time on the water without any last-minute surprises. Here’s everything travelers and visiting anglers need to know.

Who Needs a License?

In Oregon, most people ages 12 to 90 need a valid fishing license to fish in any public waters, including the Columbia River.

• Youth ages 11 and under: No license required.
• Youth ages 12–17: Need a Youth License (just $10 for residents and non-residents).
• Seniors 70+ (who have lived in Oregon at least 5 years): Eligible for a discounted Senior License ($29 annually).
• Disabled veterans: May qualify for free or reduced-cost licenses.

Even if you’re only visiting for a day or two, Oregon law requires you to have a license in hand before fishing—unless it’s one of the state’s designated Free Fishing Days.

Resident vs. Non-Resident Pricing

License costs vary depending on your residency:

• Annual Resident License: $44
• Annual Non-Resident License: $110.50
• Short-Term Licenses: Available for 1, 2, or 3 days (ideal for travelers).

If you’re booking a salmon, steelhead, or sturgeon trip with DG Columbia Adventures, you’ll also need:

• Combined Angling Tag: $46 for residents / $66 for non-residents.
• Columbia River Basin Endorsement: $9.75 when purchased with a license, or $1/day for short trips.

Saltwater vs. Freshwater Rules

The Columbia River is freshwater, but rules change if you also plan to fish Oregon’s coast for salmon, halibut, or other saltwater species. A General Angling License covers both freshwater and saltwater fishing, but certain species may require additional tags.

For shellfishing (like Dungeness crab), you’ll need a Shellfish License—yes, even if you’re only crabbing from the boat.

Where to Get Your License

Oregon makes buying a fishing license simple:

1. Online – Purchase and print instantly from the MyODFW website or store it on your phone using the ODFW app.
2. Local Retailers – Many sporting goods stores, bait shops, and even convenience stores sell them.
3. ODFW Offices – Available at regional offices across the state.

If you’re fishing with DG Columbia Adventures, you can also arrange to pick up your license locally before your trip.

Special Exemptions

You may not need a license if:

• You’re fishing on private land with the landowner’s permission (and not targeting salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, or halibut).
• It’s a designated Free Fishing Weekend in Oregon (check ODFW’s annual schedule).

Why This Matters for Your Columbia River Trip

The Columbia River is world-renowned for its salmon runs, trophy-sized sturgeon, and scenic beauty. Whether you’re here for a weekend getaway or a once-in-a-lifetime fishing trip, making sure your paperwork is in order means you can spend your day focused on the fun—not the fines. DG Columbia Adventures is always happy to help guests figure out exactly what licenses and tags they’ll need.

Pro Tip: Buy your license before the day of your trip to avoid early-morning delays. With your documents ready, all that’s left is to step aboard, take in the Columbia River views, and get ready for your first bite.