Before planning a fishing trip, all Oregon anglers must possess a valid fishing license. The type of license to fishs issued is according to the purpose of the catch, and accordingly, both recreational and commercial fishing licenses are available for OR residents and visitors. Fishing licenses in Oregon are issued by the state's Department of Fish and Wildlife and individuals can apply in several different ways. When buying fishing licenses in OR, anglers are encouraged to attend fishing education classes to learn about fishing techniques and equipment, fish species, safety and more. Experienced fishermen have the opportunity to join a fishing organization in their area and share their knowledge with other fellow hobbyists. Read below to find out about the following topics:
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In Oregon waters, anglers can fish for recreation or for profit and thus must obtain a recreational or a commercial fishing license, respectively. All individuals who are at least 12 years of age or older must meet the following requirements:
The Department of Fish and Wildlife does not require an Oregon fishing license in the following instances:
You can easily buy a fishing license in Oregon in one of the following ways:
The OR DFW offers purchasing of fishing licenses via the online license sales system. Applicants will be asked to enter their Social Security Number, credit card information and details from a previous fishing license. The system will allow you to print your license and use it immediately.
To buy a fishing license in person, visit any ODFW office or find an authorized license agent in your area. Certain OR fishing licenses can be purchased by mail or fax, by sending the appropriate application to the ODFW license services.
Oregon's anglers can choose from one of the following recreational fishing licenses:
In addition, Oregon's oceanside offers fishing opportunities for groundfish, ocean salmon and halibut.
Fishermen who fish for profit must obtain the appropriate Oregon commercial fishing license. All commercial fishermen must report the harvest to an authorized fish dealer. Dealers and fishermen can buy one of the following licenses:
Additionally, if you assist in commercial fishing operations or operate a fishing boat, you must obtain an individual commercial fishing license:
If you are a beginner angler who would like to learn fishing basics, enroll in fishing education classes through the Angler Education Program in Oregon. The program is primarily focused on educating young anglers and it offers four main areas of focus:
Some of the many fishing activities include fish identification, casting techniques, equipment basics, catch and release, fly tying and more.Adult anglers can participate in education classes and seminars for trout fishing.
If you would like to share your skills and knowledge with other anglers in your area, join one of the many fishing clubs and organizations in Oregon. Some of the most important ones include:
The OR Fishing Club is an organization that offers fishermen well-selected private fishing spots. The club owns 37 private properties where both novice and professional fishermen can enjoy their favorite sport. Anglers are not required to obtain a fishing license for the private ponds, but must have one for river fishing. The lakes and ponds are mainly intended for 'catch and release,' but on certain occasions, anglers can take some of the catch home. The fishing locations are abundant with rainbow trout, panfish and bass.
The Oregon B.A.S.S. Federation Nation is a state branch of the National B.A.S.S Federation. Its members can take part in many fishing activities, tournaments and conservation events, as well as to attend club meetings. The federation also offers youth programs and tournaments to promote fishing from a young age.
The Native Fish Society of Oregon aims to protect and recover the state's native, wild fish species and to promote the preservation of their habitats. The society is involved with work on harvest, hatchery, habitat protection and management reforms. Even though the NFS is not a fishing organization per se, its vision and mission are of great interest for all Oregon fishermen.