General Statewide Regulations
General Restrictions
The Following Activities are Unlawful
- Using more than one rod or line when angling except:
- A person with a Two-Rod Validation may use two rods or lines (or five rods or lines only when ice fishing) in areas where use of the Two-Rod Validation is allowed.
- Youth anglers (under 12 years of age) can use two rods where legal without the two-rod validation.
- When angling outside of three miles from shore for offshore pelagic species, any number of rods or lines are allowed only if no species other than offshore pelagic species have been retained.
- Not closely attending rods or lines.
- Using gurdies, winches or reels affixed to a boat to land fish (rod or line must be held in hand) except when used to retrieve crab rings or pots.
- Using drones/ radio controlled boats/ or other unmanned vehicles when angling or to aid in angling.
- Snagging or attempting to snag gamefish.
- Angling through a human-made ice hole larger than 12 inches in diameter or length.
- Taking or attempting to take any fish by chumming, or knowingly angle with the aid of chum. Except when angling for offshore pelagic species outside of three miles from shore if no species other than offshore pelagic species have been retained.
- Continuing to angle for the same type of fish after catching and retaining a bag or possession limit. Exceptions:
- In bass tournaments when provided for in tournament regulations.
- When assisting a disabled angler who has an Oregon Disabilities Hunting and Fishing permit.
- When sturgeon angling, provided all subsequent fish are released.
- Boat limit regulation in the ocean and portions of the Columbia River (see Marine Zone page, #10).
- Continuing to angle for jack salmon after taking a daily bag limit of adult salmon.
- Catching all or part of another person’s bag limit, except as provided for by an Oregon Disabilities Hunting and Fishing Permit.
- Buying or selling fish or shellfish, or parts thereof, that were caught or taken for personal use. Except the skeletal remains of ocean food fish may be sold; and eggs from ocean-caught salmon may be sold to a licensed fish or bait dealer.
- All undersized, oversized, or unwanted fish or shellfish should not be removed from the water and must be immediately released unharmed.
- Wasting fish, shellfish or marine intertidal invertebrates.
- Disposing of a fish carcass into waters other than where the fish was caught. Anglers must retain enough of the carcass to identify the size, species and any fin clip.
- Taking a fish with a radio tag (identified by an antenna trailing from its mouth or body) except in the mainstem Columbia River and its tributaries, when consistent with all other applicable laws and regulations.
- Remove from streams, carcasses or parts of salmon and steelhead not taken legally.
- Angling on private land without permission.
- Trespassing on a fishway, weir or fish trap, or angling within 200 feet above and 200 feet below a weir or the entrance/exit of a private or public fishway or fish trap.
- Taking or attempting to take fish from state or federal hatchery facilities.
- Removal, alteration or possession of ODFW signs.
- Failing to give the Department any part of a salmon or other fish containing coded-wire tags, such as the snouts of salmon that have been marked with adipose fin clips.
- Attaching a tag or physical mark to any fish in Oregon waters without a scientific taking permit. However, adipose or otherwise fin-clipped fish may be tagged as part of fishing tournament activities authorized under Department tournament permits. Contact ODFW in Salem for an application.
- Refusing to allow ODFW employees, peace officers or landowners (if angling from the landowner's private land) to inspect license, catch and gear. It is also unlawful, for any person licensed by ODFW to fail to comply with the directions of authorized Department personnel related to the collection of sampling data or material from salmon or other fish. By purchasing a license or tag a person consents to these inspections.
- Knowingly provide false information to the Department or Commission on any report required by law.
- Bringing live fish or live eggs into the state, transporting them overland, or from one waterbody to another without a permit from ODFW.
Gear and Bait Restrictions
Anti-Snagging Gear Restriction Rules
- See regulation exceptions where anti-snagging gear restrictions are in place.
- Fishing gear restricted to artificial fly, lure, or bait with one single-point hook.
- Unless otherwise specified, hook must measure 3/4 inch or less at the gap.
- Hook must be attached to or below any lure or bait.
- Weight cannot be less than 18 inches above the lure or bait.
- Consult exceptions to zone regulations for which leader length applies:
- Leader length: 18-36 inches
- Leader length: less than or equal to 6 feet
Bobber Fishing Rule
- See regulation exceptions where bobber rules are in place.
- Fishing gear restricted to artificial fly, lure, or bait with one single-point hook.
- Bobber angling gear must include a bobber and leader no longer than 36 inches.
- Any weight is to be no more than 36 inches from the hook when suspended vertically (see diagram below).
- The bobber must suspend the weight, leader, and terminal gear, not allowing it to rest on the river bottom.
Use of Fish for Bait
Dead fish, preserved fish, parts of fish and shellfish, and fish eggs may be used as bait.
The following may NOT be used as bait:
- Live fish. Except live nongame fish may be used in the ocean, bays and tidewaters when taken from the same waters in which they will be used as bait.
- Goldfish. Nor can they be in an angler’s possession while angling.
- Lamprey.
- Live crayfish.
- Live leeches. Nor can they be in an angler’s possession while angling.
- Aquaria species (live or dead).
It is unlawful to: transport live fish into, within, or out of this state; hold any live fish in the waters of this state; or release or attempt to release any live fish into the waters of this state, except as provided by OAR 635-007-0600(3)(a) for aquaria fish intended for aquaria use and those holding a valid Fish Transport Permit.
Hook and Weight Regulations
No more than three hooks may be used when angling, except herring jigs may be used for marine food fish species.
- A double or treble point hook is classified as one hook.
- When angling with two rods (where allowed and with a Two-Rod Validation), the general hook rule applies to each rod.
Barbless hooks and or single point hooks may be required when angling for salmon, steelhead, sturgeon or trout in certain waterbodies, please check zone regulations and exceptions prior to fishing. Barbless hooks are advised for fisheries where the catch-and-release of fish is anticipated.
For Salmon, Steelhead, Halibut and Sturgeon
- Pacific halibut — no more than two hooks may be used.
- Sturgeon — no more than one single point barbless hook may be used.
- Ocean salmon — no more than two single point barbless hooks when angling for salmon in the ocean, or when angling for other ocean species with salmon or steelhead onboard.
- Salmon/Steelhead (except ocean)
- Single-point hooks larger than 1-inch gap and multiple point hooks larger than 9/16 inch gap are prohibited.
- All weight, if not part of conventional lure, must be attached on the fishing line between the lure and the end of the rod.
- With hooks larger than 5/8 inch gap or multiple point hook, weight must be attached 18 inches or more above the uppermost hook.
Diagram showing the correct location to measure the gap on a fishing hook. 
Diagram showing the proper measurement point for determining the gap on a treble fishing hook.
Angling and Harvest Methods, Hours and Other Restrictions
Fish, shellfish or marine invertebrates may be taken only by the method or gear and during hours listed on the following pages.
Game Fish
Salmon, shad, steelhead, sturgeon, trout, whitefish, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, hybrid bass, striped bass, bluegill, catfish, crappie, sunfish, yellow perch, and walleye.
- Harvest Method: Angling.
- Spearfishing allowed for bass and walleye in water bodies where there are no size limits or bag limits for these species.
- Restrictions: It is unlawful to:
- Angle for or take salmon, shad, steelhead, sturgeon, trout or whitefish except during daylight hours (one hour before sunrise until one hour after sunset). See exceptions for specific waterbodies.
- Snag, spear (except for bass and walleye where allowed), gaff, net, trap, club, shoot or ensnare any freshwater game fish. A hand-held landing net may be used to land a legally hooked fish. A gaff may not be used to land salmon, steelhead or other freshwater game fish in inland or ocean fisheries.
- Take game fish other than those hooked inside the mouth.
- Remove eggs from any salmon, steelhead or sturgeon without retaining the carcass while in the field.
- Possess game fish in the field that have been dressed or mutilated so that size, species or fin clip cannot be determined. Fish may be dressed when the angler has reached their automobile (or principle means of land transportation) and has finished angling for the day.
- Use lures to angle for sturgeon in waters closed to salmon and steelhead angling.
- Gaff or penetrate sturgeon in any way while landing or releasing it.
- Remove sturgeon greater than 54 inches fork length totally or in part from the water.
- Not immediately release, unharmed, all fish not legal for retention, this includes tethering or tying a sturgeon to any object, including the shore, for take at a later time.
Nongame Fish and Shellfish — Freshwater
Bullfrogs
- Harvest Method: Angling, hand, bow and arrow, spear, gig, spear gun, dip net.
- No angling license is required.
- Open all year
- No bag limit
Crayfish
- Harvest Method: Hand, baited lines (no hooks allowed), net, rings and traps.
- No angling or shellfish license is required.
- Open all year in all streams and lakes including streams listed as closed.
- See exception for The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs Reservation.
- Bag limit is 100 crayfish per day, 3 daily limits in possession.
Freshwater Mussels and Clams
- Restrictions: Harvest Prohibited. It is illegal to harvest or possess any freshwater mussels or clams.
Lamprey
- Harvest Method: Hand or hand-powered tools.
- Restrictions: Harvest Prohibited. It is illegal to harvest or possess any species of lamprey except:
- Pacific lamprey may be taken at Willamette Falls only.
- Must have in possession both a Personal Use Permit and a Possession Permit issued from the ODFW office in Clackamas.
- Season, harvest hours and possession limits are printed on Personal Use Permit.
Smelt
- An angling license is required.
- Unless specifically authorized under emergency rules, it is unlawful to take or attempt to take Eulachon smelt in inland waters, including bays, rivers, estuaries, and streams.
- For smelt species other than Eulachon smelt, see Marine Zone regulations page 81 for allowed Harvest Methods and other Restrictions.
Suckers, Pikeminnow, Carp, Chub, Sculpin, and other Nongame Freshwater Fish
- Harvest Method: Angling, hand, bow and arrow, crossbow, spear, spear gun, gaff and snag hook.
- In-line method feeders allowed only when angling for carp.
- Restrictions: See Zone Regulations for specific species restrictions.
Food Fish and Shellfish — Marine
Regulations for marine shellfish, marine invertebrates and other marine species listed. See licensing requirements.
Food Fish
Herring, anchovy, sardines (See special regulations above for taking smelt species.)
- Harvest Method: Angling, dip net, cast net and herring jig with any number of hooks.
Lingcod, Rockfish, Cabezon, Greenling, Flounder, Sole, Perch, other Nongame Marine Fish and Off-Shore Pelagic Species
- Harvest Method: Angling, hand, bow and arrow, spear, spear gun, gaff and snag, hook and herring jig.
- Hours: Open 24 hours per day when angling permitted.
- Restrictions: Unlawful to dress or mutilate fish prior to landing so that size or species cannot be determined and to transport mutilated fish across state waters. Except albacore tuna may be partially cleaned at sea (see Marine Zone, #12).
Pacific Halibut
- Harvest Method: Single rod and line, with no more than 2 hooks; spear.
- Hours: Open 24 hours per day when angling permitted.
- Restrictions: Unlawful to dress or mutilate fish prior to landing so that size or species cannot be determined and to transport mutilated fish across state waters.
Marine Shellfish and Marine Invertebrates
See Marine Zone.
Attention Anglers!
Bull trout, one of Oregon’s native species, is listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act.
Harvest of bull trout is severely restricted in Oregon as part of conservation efforts to recover this species and rebuild the fishery. Please refer to regulations for the Willamette, Central, Northeast, and Southeast Zone regarding bull trout.
Research has shown that most anglers, experienced as well as inexperienced, have difficulty distinguishing between bull trout and brook trout, an introduced species in Oregon. This fish identification information will help you distinguish between native bull trout and introduced brook trout.
Your help is essential to help recover bull trout.
Brook trout and bull trout both have light spots on a dark grey or olive-green background. In general, bull trout have a clear dorsal fin, although in some fish light marks may be seen on the dorsal fin. Bull trout lack the worm-like markings on their backs and the red on their paired fins that characterize brook trout.
Brook trout may be identified by light colored worm-like markings on their back, dark wavy lines on the dorsal fin, and red on the paired fins.
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. For more information, visit the ODFW website.
- 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: (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.
Do You Own A Paddlecraft (Non-Motorized Boat)?
You need a Waterway Access 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.).
- $6 weekly (valid for 7-days from the date of purchase), $20 annual, $35 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 and fishing licenses are sold, through ODFW’s e-Licensing System, or from the Oregon Marine Board’s online store on the Aquatic Invasive Species FAQ page
- The Waterway Access Permit revenue helps fund paddling access and inspection stations.
An angler fishes from a kayak on calm water near shoreline vegetation.
Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Permit:
- Non-resident trailered motorboats are required to purchase an Aquatic Invasive Species Permit, regardless of boat size ($30 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 invasive mussels. The program was renamed “Waterway Access Permit” and expanded in 2025 to include all boats, including all paddlecraft.
See the Waterway Access and Aquatic Invasive Species Permits page for more information.
Removing Sodium Sulfite from Cured Eggs
Cured fish eggs have been a popular salmon and steelhead bait for decades. However, a recent study by ODFW and OSU has shown that a common ingredient in some cures — sodium sulfite — can be toxic at some levels when consumed by juvenile salmon and steelhead.
Thanks to the work of the Northwest Sportfishing Industry Association and the egg cure manufacturers, guidelines have been developed for cured egg recipes that reduce sodium sulfites to levels that are much safer for juvenile fish. Many manufacturers are now selling these new formulations.
If you’re making your own cure, we urge you to avoid using sodium sulfite. Borax is a good alternative that does not appear to cause mortality in juvenile salmon.
If you’re buying commercially cured eggs:
- choose products that are labeled Meets Oregon Guidelines and carefully follow label instructions
- don’t add additional sodium sulfite to already cured eggs
- don’t dump unused eggs in the river where they can be eaten by juvenile fish
- consider the use of net bags to reduce the likelihood of juvenile salmon consuming the eggs.
The effect of sodium sulfite on salmon and steelhead populations has not been determined. However, reducing sodium sulfite from cured eggs is a small step that individual anglers can take to help reduce salmon and steelhead smolt mortality.
For more information and a complete list of certified products that meet Oregon guidelines, visit the Fishing With Cured Eggs page.
Regulations May Change
Visit the ODFW website for up-to-date information about fishing and regulation changes. You will also find a weekly recreation report, tips on how and where to fish and much more.
