How to Use This Guide

Instructions

1. Read the general statewide regulations for information about license and tag requirements, catch and possession limits, gear and bait restrictions, harvest methods, and legal angling hours.
2. Read the zone regulations for where you will be angling and check for exceptions by water body. If a water body or a section of a water body is not listed in exceptions, zone regulations apply.
3. Emergency or temporary rules may be adopted after these rules are printed, and they will supersede these regulations. Anglers are responsible for knowing current regulations. Anglers may call ODFW Headquarters or field offices at the numbers shown on the table of contents page, or check ODFW’s website myodfw.com for sport fishing regulations updates.

Freshwater Angling Ethics

Enjoying angling in Oregon’s waters brings with it some responsibilities. To ensure viable fish populations and continued fishing opportunities, all Oregonians are encouraged to make a personal commitment to the care of the state’s fish and their habitats. Positive voluntary efforts can reduce the necessity for future mandatory regulations.

Here are some guidelines to consider when pledging a personal code of ethics, one that reflects your values and your respect for Oregon’s natural places:

• Know and follow all state angling rules and regulations. Visit ODFW’s website at: myodfw.com.
• Protect Oregon’s waters from pollutants and waste. Dispose of all trash, including fishing line and tackle, at collection stations or disposal sites.
• Ask first! Do not trespass on private land.
• Be courteous to other anglers, boaters, hikers and campers.
• Remember that warm water conditions can stress salmon, steelhead and trout. Seek cooler waters during summer months, especially early in the day.
• Clean angling equipment and boats. Disinfect wading boots to prevent the spread of aquatic “hitchhikers.”
• Report angling violations to the Oregon State Police at: 1-800-452-7888.
• Avoid actively spawning fish.
• Teach future generations how to enjoy and conserve Oregon’s fish and their habitats.

Catch-and-release

Using Tackle:

• Use barbless hooks so you can easily release your catch. Use pliers to pinch down barbs.
• Use tackle strong enough to bring your fish in quickly and gently.

Removing Hooks:

• Land fish as carefully as possible.
• Avoid removing fish from the water, but if you must, use a cotton or rubber net — not nylon.
• Keep your hands wet when handling fish.
• If taking a photo, cradle the fish at water level and quickly take the picture.
• Remove the hook quickly and gently while keeping the fish under water.
• Use long-nosed pliers or hemostats to back out the hook.
• If a fish is hooked deeply, cut the line near the hook, which will dissolve.

Reviving Fish:

• Point the fish into a slow current or move it back and forth until its gills are working and it maintains its balance on its own. Be patient!
• When possible, let it swim out of your hands.

Take the Family Fishing!

2021 Free Fishing Days

February 13-14, June 5-6, and November 26-27

Introduce a friend, child, co-worker or family member to fishing during Oregon’s free fishing days. ODFW offers Oregon residents and visitors the opportunity to explore and experience fishing, crabbing or clamming without the need for a license or tags. For more information visit the ODFW website, myodfw.com.

Lead Fishing Tackle: The Health Risks May Be Heavier Than You Think

What are the risks?

Lead is toxic to both children and adults, and can affect almost every organ and system in your body. You can be exposed to lead or lead fumes while making your own fishing weights, or by inappropriately handling pre-made weights.

Tips for anglers

Children are especially vulnerable, but adults should take precautions as well.

• Use non-lead fishing weights where possible.
• Never throw old fishing gear into the water or discard along shore.
• Don’t put split shot in your mouth or bite down on split shot —use pliers.
• Wash hands thoroughly after handling lead sinkers or cleaning out your tackle box.
• Take special precautions when making lead sinkers or jigs.
• Spread the word. Encourage other anglers to switch to lead free sinkers and jigs. Talk with your favorite retailer and ask them to stock non-lead fishing tackle.
• If you’re making your own fishing weights, never melt lead inside your home, always work in a well-ventilated area and wear a respirator mask, and be sure to wash your body and clothes after working with lead.

Lead-free alternatives

Non-lead fishing tackle is not just a novelty product. There are several alternative materials available — tin, steel, bismuth, brass and tungsten. Ask for it at retailers and stores. Or search the internet for on-line sources.

Fishing lead and the environment

While the impact of lead hunting ammunition on the environment and wildlife has been documented, the impact of lead tackle on fish or fish predators is less clear. However, lead is toxic to almost all organisms and has no biological benefit in any amount. So a cautious approach is to Get the Lead Out.

To learn more about the impact of lead exposure on human health go to: https://public.health.oregon.gov/HealthyEnvironments/HealthyNeighborhoods/LeadPoisoning/Pages/index.aspx

Is Your Paddlecraft 10 Feet or Longer?

You need a Waterway
Access Permit!
(Replaces the Aquatic Invasive Species permit)

• One permit per non-motorized boat while in use. Permits are transferrable.
• Required for all non-motorized boats (inc. drift, rafts, SUPs, inflatables, etc.) 10 feet or longer.
• $5 weekly (valid for 7-days from the date of purchase), $17 annual, $30 two-year (plus $2 ODFW agent fee). Two year permit is valid from date of purchase in the current year to the end of the following year.
• Purchase where hunting/fishing licenses are sold, ODFW’s e-Licensing System or the Oregon Marine Board website’s online store at www.boatoregon.com.
• The Waterway Access Permit revenue helps fund paddling access and inspection stations.

Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Permit:

• Non-resident trailered motorboats are required to purchase an Aquatic Invasive Species Permit, regardless of boat size ($20 permit plus $2 agent fee, valid for one calendar year).

ALL BOATS, regardless of propulsion, are required to stop at invasive species inspection stations when stations are open. Failure to stop could result in a $110 fine. All boats are also required to “pull the plug” to allow water compartments to drain during transit.

The Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Program was established by the Oregon Legislature in an effort to keep Oregon’s lakes, rivers and streams free of destructive species like quagga mussels.

See https://www.dfw.state.or.us/conservationstrategy/invasive_species.asp for more information.