Every year, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife invites reeling newbies and advanced anglers to participate in free fishing weekends. During these events, no fishing licenses or tags are required to fish, crab or clam in Oregon.
This is a great opportunity for you to try out fishing, crabbing or clamming in Oregon without having to pay for an annual license. While shellfish licenses are only $10, fishing licenses start at $44 per person. If you combine this as a couple or family, it can start to get a little pricey for an activity you may love or think better left to fishing lovers.
Here’s your chance to skip the licensing fees and enjoy the outdoors. There are three free fishing weekends open to residents and nonresidents. View dates and find a nearby fishing spot.
2023 Free Fishing Weekends in Oregon
- February 18-19 (Saturday and Sunday), President’s Day Weekend
- June 3-4 (Saturday and Sunday)
- November 24-25 (Friday and Saturday), Thanksgiving Weekend
During these events, fishing rules still apply. These include location closures, bag limits and size restrictions. Before planning your trip, be sure to brush up on Oregon fishing regulations.
Fishing spots near Portland
If you’re looking for an easy angling location not too far from the city, here are a few options.
Blue Lake Regional Park
This a natural lake fed by underground springs is a great place to cast your line from the shore. Keep in mind there is a $5 parking fee. The park offers free parking on select days during the year, including November 24.
Blue Lake Regional Park is located at 21224 NE Blue Lake Road in Fairview.
Benson Lake
Take a short drive out to the Columbia Gorge for this fishing hole. The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife stocks the lake with thousands of trout from March to October. There is a $5 day-use fee to enter the park.
The Benson State Recreation Area sits a mile north of Multnomah Falls along I-84. Take exit 30.
Henry Hagg Lake
Henry Hagg Lake is a manmade recreation site created by the Scoggins Dam. It is open from late through late October for fishing. Species in the lake include rainbow trout, large and smallmouth bass, brown bullhead, and yellow perch. There is a $7 parking pass to access the lake.
Henry Hagg Lake is located off of Highway 47 outside of Forest Grove.
North Fork Reservoir
Located east of Estacada, the North Fork Reservoir is behind the North Fork Dam. An easy way to access the water is through Promontory Park, which has full campground facilities. The day use areas are free to visit.
While you’re there, check out Small Fry Lake. This one-acre lake within the park was developed specially for young anglers. Kids up to 17 years old can fish for two fish per day from the lake.
Promontory Park is located at 40600 E. Highway 224 in Estacada.
View all of the fishing locations in the Willamette Valley area.
For more information about free fishing weekend, visit Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife’s website.
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