California vs Oregon fishing license
For a visitor fishing fresh water for 3 days, California is $14.51 cheaper than Oregon. For a visitor's annual fresh-water license, Oregon is $36.14 cheaper than California. You need a license from age 16 in California and from 12 in Oregon.
- Free
- Official sources first
- Checked monthly
- Independent, not a state website
What visitors pay
Cheapest way for an adult non-resident to cover the trip, including required stamps, worked out from each state's price list. The cheaper state is marked.
| Trip | California | Oregon |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh water | ||
| 1 day | $21.09 | $29 |
| 3 days | $53.49 | $68 |
| 7 days | $64.54 | $117 |
| 1 year | $174.14 | $138 |
| Salt water | ||
| 1 day | $21.09 | $29 |
| 3 days | $53.49 | $68 |
| 7 days | $64.54 | $126 |
| 1 year | $174.14 | $147 |
| Residents, annual | ||
| Fresh water | $64.54 | $50 |
| Salt water | $64.54 | $59 |
| Prices for | 2026 | 2026 |
Rules side by side
| California | Oregon | |
|---|---|---|
| License needed from age | 16 | 12 |
| Senior residents | Lifetime sport fishing license (ages 62+): $709 (ages 62+) | No senior discount |
| Senior visitors | Normal visitor prices | Normal visitor prices |
| Required stamps | None | Ocean Endorsement (annual): $9 |
| Next free fishing day | Sat, Jul 3, 2027 Sat, Sep 4, 2027 Not yet announced | Nov 27–28, 2026 Not yet announced |
| On a charter | Yes: everyone who fishes needs their own license | Yes: everyone who fishes needs their own license |
| License on your phone | Accepted | Accepted |
| Annual licenses last | 12 months from purchase | To December 31 |
| Last checked | Nov 4, 2026 | Nov 4, 2026 |
Full details and sources: California fishing license · Oregon fishing license
Shared waters
Neither state lists a special agreement for waters shared with the other. Where you fish decides which license you need.
Limits for fish found in both states
Guide only. Statewide rules; many waters have their own. Check each state's official rules before you keep a fish.
| Fish | California | Oregon |
|---|---|---|
| Largemouth bass |
Black bass |
Largemouth and smallmouth bass |
| Smallmouth bass |
Black bass |
Largemouth and smallmouth bass |
| Trout |
bag 5 (10 in possession) (Lakes, reservoirs and ponds; 1 more) |
Trout Salmon and steelhead: set each year |
| Striped bass |
18" minimum; bag 2 (Statewide; 1 more) |
Striped and hybrid bass |
| Salmon |
Ocean salmon: set each year |
Kokanee Salmon and steelhead: set each year |
Questions
Is a California fishing license valid in Oregon?
No. Each state needs its own license. There's no general agreement between the two states.
Which is cheaper for visitors, California or Oregon?
1 day (fresh water): California $21.09, Oregon $29. 1 year (fresh water): California $174.14, Oregon $138.
At what age do you need a fishing license in California and Oregon?
You need a license from age 16 in California and from 12 in Oregon.