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.
On these days it is not required to have a license or tag (including Combined Angling Tag or Columbia River Basin Endorsement or Two-Rod Validation).
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. 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.
Even though these are free fishing days, 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.
2021 Free Fishing Weekends in Oregon
- February 13-14 (Saturday & Sunday), President’s Day Weekend
- June 5-6 (Saturday & Sunday)
- November 26-27 (Friday & Saturday), Thanksgiving Weekend
These free fishing weekends are open to nonresidents. Yet, there are still special restrictions in place on the coast due to the pandemic. To stay up to date on closures and restrictions at this recreation report.
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.
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.
Current safety guidelines
During this time, precautions are in place to keep people safe while enjoying the outdoors. When you’re fishing, clamming or crabbing, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife asks you to keep this in mind:
- Practice social distancing. Keep six feet between you and anyone who doesn’t live in your immediate household, including while on a boat or at a fish cleaning station.
- Wear a mask. Recreation areas can get more crowded on the weekends and during Free Fishing Weekend. Wear a mask outdoors when you can’t maintain six feet of distance from someone who doesn’t live in your household.
- Wash your hands often. Keep up on personal hygiene and bring your own water, soap, and hand sanitizer with you.
Stay home if you are sick. - Be prepared. Restrooms and other facilities may be more limited. Bring your own soap, water, hand sanitizer, toilet paper, food, etc.
- Avoid crowds. Go someplace else if your destination looks crowded.
- Pack out what you pack in. Take any garbage with you.
- Check for access before you go. Many spots have reopened to public access but some may still be closed.
For more information, visit Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife’s website.
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When
November 26, 2021-November 27, 2021
What
Free Fishing Weekend
Where
Various locations
Cost
FREE
Add to Calendar: Google Outlook/iCal
Various locations
Portland, OR
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