Fishing Licenses

Everyone needs to have a fishing license purchased prior to meeting at the launch site. If you created a myODFW or myWDFW account, please make sure you’re logged in and ready to tag your catch prior to your trip. If you printed your Oregon or Washington fishing license, please bring all pages of it with you on the trip. You will need to physically write down the date, location and species for any salmon, steelhead, sturgeon or halibut you retain. E-tagging on your phone through the myODFW or myWDFW app can make things a lot simpler the while you’re out on the water.

Oregon Fishing Licenses

You may purchase licenses online at https://odfw.huntfishoregon.com/login  or visit a local retailer. The online system makes things pretty simple, and e-tagging works great. If planning on using the app to e-tag, be sure to check the e-tag box when you first set up your ODFW account.

If you’re fishing the Columbia or any of its Oregon tributaries, you must purchase a Columbia River Basin Endorsement (CRBE). Don’t forget to add it.

NEW FOR 2026 – All anglers must purchase an Ocean Endorsement if fishing for any species other than salmon or steelhead in salt water.

One-Day Fishing License (e-tag):

Create an account for each angler, which requires a SSN and email address. To purchase your license, choose, “access full ODFW account online”. Log in then click, “purchase from the catalog”. Select the One Day Angling & Shellfish License. If you’re fishing the Columbia or any of its Oregon tributaries, add the Columbia Basin Endorsement for $1 when it pops up.

Annual Fishing License (e-tag):

Create an account for each angler, which requires a SSN and email address. To purchase your license, choose, “access full ODFW account online”. Log in then click, “purchase from the catalog”. Select the Annual Angling License and the Combined Angling Tag, which may be in two different sections. If you’re fishing the Columbia or any of its Oregon tributaries, add the Columbia River Basin Endorsement.

One-Day Fishing License (printed): 

No need to create an account, you can check out as a guest. If you’re purchasing day licenses for more than just yourself, the printed method can be easier. Feel free to ask us for help. 

Scroll down below the login section to “Guest Checkout”. Select the One Day Angling & Shellfish License. If you’re fishing the Columbia or any of its Oregon tributaries, add the Columbia River Basin Endorsement for $1 when it pops up. Then check out. You must repeat this process for each angler, entering name and birthdate. Print both the license and tag and bring them with you on the day of your trip.

Ocean Endorsement (new in 2026): 

If you plan to fish for any species other than salmon or steelhead in the ocean in Oregon, you will need to add the Ocean Endorsement to your daily or annual license. This includes any fishing beyond Buoy 10 in Astoria. For Astoria launches, Washington residents are fine with a Washington fishing license and catch record card. All other anglers must have an Oregon fishing license, combined angling tags, and an ocean endorsement. 

Washington Fishing Licenses

You may purchase licenses online at https://fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov/#/login or visit a local retailer. In Oregon, you can purchase WA licenses at the Fisherman’s Marine and Outdoor on Hayden Meadows Drive. The online system makes things pretty simple, and e-tagging with a mobile license works great. 

If you want to e-tag, choose the mobile license option when you set up your WDFW account. If you’re a past WDFW license holder, please confirm you are now a mobile licence holder before purchasing your license. You can see that in your profile, under “Account Information”. If it won’t let you change from paper license to mobile license, please contact WDFW at (360) 902-2464 to have them change that for you.

NEW FOR 2026 – All anglers age 15 and older must purchase a Columbia River salmon and steelhead endorsement (CRSSE) to fish the Columbia or any of its Washington tributaries. Be sure to add it.

One-Day Fishing License (e-tag):

Create an account for each angler, which requires a SSN and email address. To purchase your license click, “purchase a license, tag, or permit”. Scroll down to the fishing section and click “view fishing”. Choose “125 – Temporary 1 Day Combination Fishing License”. In the pop-up, add the Catch Record Card (add salmon and steelhead to it) and the Columbia River salmon and steelhead endorsement (CRSSE). Then click “proceed to check out”.

Annual Fishing License (e-tag):

Follow the above directions for creating an account and navigating the system. Purchase your Annual Angling License, Catch Record Card, and the Columbia River salmon and steelhead endorsement (CRSSE).  

One-Day or Annual Fishing License (printed):

Follow the above directions for creating an account and navigating the system. Choose the paper license option when setting up your account. It takes 10 days to receive a physical license by mail. Using mobile licensing or purchasing your license at a local retailer is a much simpler way to go.

Fishing Licenses for the Columbia River 

If we are fishing the Columbia River, or the ocean outside its mouth, both Oregon and Washington licenses are valid no matter which side of the river we launch on. You should have a fishing license for the state we’re launching from unless you’re a PNW resident. Most of our trips launch from the Oregon side of the river but Washington residents can use Washington fishing licenses. If we’re launching from the Washington side, Oregonians can use Oregon fishing licenses. Both states require a Columbia River Endorsement, CRBE for Oregon or CRSSE for Washington. Don’t forget to add it.

Fishing with Kids

**Kids must have valid licenses to fish for the species we target! **

Oregon Fishing Licenses for Kids

• Kids age 11 and under must purchase the $5 Youth Combined Angling Tag and will receive their Annual Angling license for free.
• Kids ages 12-17 will need a $10 Annual Youth Angling License and the $5 Youth Combined Angling Tag. 
• Both options should include the required Columbia Basin River Endorsement. 
• Create a myODFW account for your child or visit a local retailer to purchase.

Washington Fishing Licenses for Kids

• A Catch Record Card (where you tag your fish) is free but required for all ages when salmon or steelhead fishing.
• Kids 15 and younger only need a Catch Record Card.
• 15 year olds also need a CRSSE.
• Anyone age 16 and above will need a Fishing License (annual or daily).
• Create a myWDFW account for your child or visit a local retailer to purchase.

As always, we’re here to help with every step of your trip. Please reach out with any questions or if you need help navigating the ODFW/WDFW licensing sites.