Fishing in Oregon. About fish. lakes, licenses and regulations

What kind of fish can you catch in Oregon

Below are 69 types of fish that can be caught in Oregon. The data have been collected based on fishing reports from Oregon and have undergone serious moderation. Explore the map of Oregon to find out where a particular type of fish is biting.

California yellowtail

Lakes and reservoirs for fishing in Oregon

Below are the largest and most popular lakes, reservoirs, and bays for fishing in Oregon. Each Oregon body of water includes information on fish species, analytics, and a map with fishing spots

Owyhee Lake (OR)

Upper Klamath Lake (OR)

Wikiup Reservoir (OR)

John C Boyle Reservoir (OR)

Cooper Creek Reservoir (OR)

Crescent Lake (Tillamook, OR)

Licenses for fishing in Oregon

For more detailed information and to purchase a fishing license online, you can visit the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife website.

License Type	Resident Price	Non-Resident Price	Notes/Validity
Annual Angling	$44.00	$110.50	Valid Jan 1 - Dec 31
Sports Pac	$196.50	-	Includes multiple licenses and tags
Combined Angling and Hunting	$73.00	-	-
Annual Shellfish	$10.00	$28.00	-
Two-Rod Validation	$28.00	$28.00	-
Columbia River Basin Endorsement	$9.75 (with license) / $11.75 (separate)	$9.75 (with license) / $11.75 (separate)	-
Adult Combined Angling Tag	$46.00	$66.00	Required for salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, or halibut
Hatchery Salmon/Steelhead Harvest Card	$33.00	$33.00	-
Youth License (12-17 years old)	$10.00	$10.00	Includes fishing, hunting, shellfish licenses and Columbia River Basin Endorsement
Youth Sports Pac	$55.00	-	Includes multiple licenses and tags
Senior Angling (70+ years old)	$29.00	-	Oregon resident for at least 5 years
Senior Combination (70+ years old)	$47.50	-	Oregon resident for at least 5 years
Pioneer Combination (65+ years old)	$6.00	-	Oregon resident for at least 50 years
Disabled Veteran Combination	Free	-	Includes Columbia River Basin Endorsement
One Day Angling	$23.00	$23.00	-
Two Day Angling	$42.00	$42.00	-
Three Day Angling	$59.50	$59.50	-
Seven Day Angling	-	$93.50	-
Three-day Shellfish	-	$19.00	-
Columbia River Basin Endorsement (per day)	$1.00	$1.00	-
Wildlife Area Parking Permit	Daily: $10.00, Annual: $30.00	Daily: $10.00, Annual: $30.00	-
Waterway Access Permit	Weekly: $7.00, Annual: $19.00, Two years: $32.00	Weekly: $7.00, Annual: $19.00, Two years: $32.00	For nonmotorized boats
Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Permit - Motorized Boats	-	$22.00	-

Fishing Regulations in Oregon

Prohibited Gear and Fishing Methods

Use of explosives, poisons, or electrical devices for fishing is illegal.
Fishing with nets, traps, or seines is allowed only with specific permits and in designated areas.
Use of live fish as bait is restricted in certain waters to protect native species.
Snagging fish is not allowed except in designated areas during specific seasons.
Spearing and bowfishing are permitted for certain species in specified waters.

Catch Limits

Trout: Daily limit varies by area, typically 5 fish with size restrictions in some waters.
Salmon and Steelhead: Daily and seasonal limits vary by area and species.
Bass (Largemouth and Smallmouth): Daily limit of 5, size limits vary by water body.
Crappie, Perch, and other Panfish: Daily limit typically 25, no size limit.
Walleye: Daily limit of 5, with minimum size requirements in some waters.
Sturgeon: Catch-and-release only in many areas; harvest opportunities are limited and regulated.
Catfish: Daily limit varies, often no more than 5 fish.
Pike: Daily limit varies, often no limit to encourage removal in certain waters.
Muskellunge: Daily limit of 1, minimum length of 40 inches.
Shellfish: Limits and regulations vary for clams, crabs, and other shellfish.

Restrictions on Access to Water Bodies

Access to some waters may be restricted for environmental conservation or tribal agreements.
Fishing on private property requires explicit permission from the landowner.
Special regulations for fishing in marine reserves and protected areas.
No fishing zones enforced around certain infrastructures like dams and fish hatcheries.
Seasonal access restrictions in certain areas for fish spawning and habitat management.

Zones of Special Regulation

Catch-and-release areas for certain species, especially trout and salmon.
Areas with gear restrictions, such as artificial lures only or fly fishing zones.
Slot limits for bass and other species in certain lakes and rivers.
Special regulations in waters with high fishing pressure or ecological sensitivity.
Trophy fisheries with enhanced size and bag limits in selected areas.

Protection of Rare Species

Fishing for endangered or threatened species is strictly prohibited.
Special regulations in habitats of rare or sensitive aquatic species.
Research fishing for rare species requires special permits.
Reporting accidental catches of rare species is important for conservation efforts.
Areas with significant ecological value may have additional fishing restrictions.

Seasonal Restrictions

Closed seasons for specific species during spawning or migration periods.
Ice fishing regulations, including shelter and gear restrictions, during winter months.
Seasonal closures in sensitive ecological areas for species protection and habitat restoration.
Temporary closures during environmental events or for population studies.
Special regulations for early and late fishing seasons in certain areas.

Most popular cities for fishing in Oregon

The largest and most popular fishing cities in Oregon. Cities in Oregon include information on fishing, as well as a map with fishing spots. Explore the cities to know what fish are caught and in which bodies of water.