Oregon vs Washington fishing license
For a visitor fishing fresh water for 3 days, Washington is $19.70 cheaper than Oregon. For a visitor's annual fresh-water license, Washington is $22.15 cheaper than Oregon. You need a license from age 12 in Oregon and from 16 in Washington.
- 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 | Oregon | Washington |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh water | ||
| 1 day | $29 | $27.05 |
| 3 days | $68 | $48.30 |
| 7 days | $117 | $115.85 |
| 1 year | $138 | $115.85 |
| Salt water | ||
| 1 day | $29 | $27.05 |
| 3 days | $68 | $48.30 |
| 7 days | $126 | $81.70 |
| 1 year | $147 | $81.70 |
| Residents, annual | ||
| Fresh water | $50 | $39.95 |
| Salt water | $59 | $40.71 |
| Prices for | 2026 | 2026-27 |
Rules side by side
| Oregon | Washington | |
|---|---|---|
| License needed from age | 12 | 16 |
| Senior residents | No senior discount | Combination fishing license (resident senior, 70 and over): $28.83 (ages 70+) Freshwater fishing license (resident senior, 70 and over): $9.59 (ages 70+) Saltwater fishing license (resident senior, 70 and over): $10.35 (ages 70+) Fish Washington license (resident senior, 70 and over): $49.85 (ages 70+) |
| Senior visitors | Normal visitor prices | Normal visitor prices |
| Required stamps | Ocean Endorsement (annual): $9 | None |
| Next free fishing day | Nov 27–28, 2026 Not yet announced | Jun 12–13, 2027 Jun 12–13, 2027 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 | To December 31 | To 03-31 |
| Last checked | Nov 4, 2026 | Nov 4, 2026 |
Full details and sources: Oregon fishing license · Washington fishing license
Shared waters
Columbia River and nearby ocean (Washington) (Oregon rules)
On the Columbia River where it forms the Oregon-Washington border, and in the ocean within three miles of shore between Cape Falcon (Oregon) and Leadbetter Point (Washington), either a valid Oregon or Washington license is accepted. If you are not a Washington resident, you still need an Oregon license to land fish or take shellfish by boat in Oregon. Official source2
Columbia River (Oregon) (Washington rules)
On concurrent Columbia River waters, an Oregon angling license comparable to Washington's is valid, except when fishing from the Washington shore. Official source
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 | Oregon | Washington |
|---|---|---|
| Largemouth bass |
Largemouth and smallmouth bass |
Only fish under 12" may be kept, plus 1 over 17"; bag 5 (Lakes, ponds and reservoirs; 1 more) |
| Smallmouth bass |
Largemouth and smallmouth bass |
Only 1 over 14"; bag 10 (Lakes, ponds and reservoirs; 1 more) |
| Trout |
Trout Salmon and steelhead: set each year |
Trout Steelhead: set each year |
| Salmon |
Kokanee Salmon and steelhead: set each year |
Kokanee Salmon (fresh and salt water): set each year |
Questions
Is a Oregon fishing license valid in Washington?
No. Each state needs its own license, except on shared waters covered by a border agreement: Columbia River and nearby ocean (Washington); Columbia River (Oregon).
Which is cheaper for visitors, Oregon or Washington?
1 day (fresh water): Oregon $29, Washington $27.05. 1 year (fresh water): Oregon $138, Washington $115.85.
At what age do you need a fishing license in Oregon and Washington?
You need a license from age 12 in Oregon and from 16 in Washington.