Who can get a resident youth angling license in Oregon

Oregon's resident youth angling license is for anglers aged 12 to 17 who live in Oregon. You must be a resident — meaning you have lived in Oregon for at least six months — to purchase this license. The license costs less than a standard adult resident license and gives you the same fishing rights on most Oregon waters.

If you turn 18 before your license expires, you will need to purchase an adult license to continue fishing legally. The youth license does not automatically convert, so plan ahead if your birthday falls during the fishing season you want.

Key Takeaways

  • Oregon's resident youth angling license is for ages 12 to 17 and costs significantly less than an adult license.
  • You must have lived in Oregon for at least six months to be considered a resident and purchase this license.
  • The license allows you to fish most Oregon waters under the same regulations as adults, with the same catch limits and seasonal rules.
  • You can purchase the license online through the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife website, by phone, or at authorized retailers across the state.
  • The license is valid for one year from the date of purchase, not by calendar year.

How to purchase a resident youth angling license

You can buy a resident youth angling license three ways: online through the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) website, by phone at 1-866-FISH-AND (1-866-347-4263), or in person at authorized retailers. Authorized retailers include sporting goods stores, outdoor shops, and some grocery stores across Oregon — the ODFW website has a searchable list of locations near you.

When you purchase, you will need to provide your date of birth to confirm you are within the 12 to 17 age range. If you buy online or by phone, you will receive your license number immediately and can print it or save it to your phone. In-person purchases at a retailer will issue a physical license card on the spot. Either format is legal — you do not need both.

The license is valid for one year from the date you purchase it, not from January 1. If you buy your license in March, it expires in March of the following year. Keep track of your expiration date so you know when to renew.

What waters you can fish and what regulations apply

Your resident youth angling license allows you to fish in most Oregon rivers, streams, lakes, and coastal waters. Some waters have special restrictions — certain areas may be closed to fishing during specific seasons, or may allow only catch-and-release fishing, or may have different gear rules. Before you fish a new location, check the ODFW website or the current Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations booklet to see if that water has special rules.

Catch limits, size limits, and season dates are the same for youth anglers as they are for adults. If the regulation says a stream is open to fishing from June 1 to September 30 with a limit of five trout, that rule applies whether you hold a youth license or an adult license. The ODFW updates regulations annually, so check the current year's rules before you go.

Some waters require a special permit or tag in addition to your angling license — for example, some lakes require a separate tag to fish for certain species. Your angling license alone does not cover these. The ODFW website lists which waters require additional permits.

Difference between youth and adult licenses

The main difference is cost. A resident youth angling license costs less than a resident adult license. Both licenses give you the same fishing rights and are subject to the same catch limits and season dates. There is no separate youth-only fishing area or youth-only season.

The only practical difference is that once you turn 18, your youth license will no longer be valid. You will need to purchase an adult resident license to continue fishing legally. Some anglers buy their adult license a few weeks before their 18th birthday so they do not have a gap in coverage.

What to bring when you go fishing

You must carry your angling license with you while you are fishing. If you purchased a physical card, bring the card. If you purchased online and printed your license, bring the printed copy. If you have a digital copy on your phone, that is also legal — Oregon recognizes digital licenses displayed on a mobile device.

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife officers can ask to see your license at any time while you are fishing. Fishing without a valid license is a violation and can result in a fine. Keep your license in a waterproof pocket or bag so it does not get damaged.

Renewing your license before it expires

You can renew your license at any time before it expires using the same methods you used to purchase it: online through the ODFW website, by phone, or at an authorized retailer. Many anglers renew a few weeks before their expiration date so they do not accidentally fish with an expired license.

If your license expires while you are on the water, you are fishing illegally, even if you intended to renew. Plan ahead, especially if you fish regularly during a particular season. Setting a phone reminder on your expiration date can help you remember.

Special situations and exceptions

Oregon offers a free angling license to youth with disabilities in certain circumstances. Contact the ODFW directly at 1-866-FISH-AND to learn whether you may be may be able to access for this program and what documentation is required.

If you are not a resident of Oregon — for example, if you are visiting from another state — you will need a non-resident angling license instead. Non-resident licenses cost more and are available for different time periods: one day, three days, or one year. Retailers and the ODFW website can issue non-resident licenses on the spot.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens to my license when I turn 18?

Your resident youth angling license becomes invalid on your 18th birthday. You must purchase a resident adult angling license to fish legally after that date. You can buy the adult license before your birthday to avoid any gap in coverage.

Can I fish in other states with my Oregon youth license?

No. Your Oregon license is valid only in Oregon. If you want to fish in another state, you will need to purchase that state's angling license. Each state manages its own licensing system and regulations.

Do I need a license to fish in a private pond or on private land?

Oregon law requires an angling license for most fishing, including on private land, unless the landowner has posted a notice exempting the water from licensing requirements. Check with the landowner before you fish on their property.

Can I get a refund if I buy a license and then cannot fish?

Oregon does not issue refunds for angling licenses once they have been purchased and issued. The license is valid for one year from purchase, so you can use it whenever you are ready during that period.

Where do I find the current fishing regulations for a specific water?

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife publishes an annual Sport Fishing Regulations booklet available free online and at retailers. You can also search for specific waters on the ODFW website, which lists season dates, catch limits, and any special rules for that location.