ODFW Articles
Need to figure out controlled hunts, find a place to clam, learn how to fish or get directions to a wildlife area? We've got information on all that and more, straight from ODFW biologists and other accomplished hunters, anglers and wildlife watchers.
Header image by Dave Budeau
Steelhead are tricky to forecast, but early indications point to another good year for anglers. Here’s a rundown from north to south.
Columbia River walleye check a lot of boxes. They are challenging to find, fun to catch and excellent to eat.
How to fish
If you’re just getting started fishing, or you want to try a new kind of fishing, you’ll need a rod...
Buying a license or permit
Buy licenses & tags online and print them immediately from any printer—or choose electronic tagging to display your documents and...
how to buy a license or permit
Some of ODFW's smaller field offices are not staffed to sell licenses to the public. However, staff at our larger...
Hunters and anglers can visit their local ODFW licensed agent to purchase licenses, tags and other documents. Once documents are...
How to fish
You can purchase an Oregon fishing license online or at an ODFW licensed vendor. Here are step-by-step directions for purchasing...
Buying a license or permit
Creating a purchase group allows you to buy licenses, tags and other documents for family and friends, both online and with agents. After
...
Buying a license or permit
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife owns or manages nearly 200,000 acres of land set aside for wildlife use...
How to fish
More people in Oregon fish for trout than for any other kind of fish. Anglers can experience a lifetime of...
How to fish
A quick guide to cleaning and storing the fish you catch.
Buying a license or permit
Or redeem your Sports Pac vouchers
Directions for purchasing a license or tag online or from a license vendor, for redeeming your Sports Pac voucher, and...
You caught it, now it's time to cook it—and what better time than during a holiday meal with your family...
The white sturgeon is one of Oregon's most iconic and distinctive fish species with a lineage dating back to the...
How to fish
Bass are an increasingly popular game fish even in a state noted for its native salmon, steelhead and trout. Bass...
by ODFW Water Program
Salmon, trout, and steelhead need abundant clean, cold water to thrive, and ODFW works year-round in streams across the state...
Everyone Belongs Outdoors
ODFW welcomes everyone to hunt, fish, trap, harvest shellfish and participate in wildlife viewing to the degree their passion exists
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How to hunt big game
Choice of e-tagging or paper tags
The ODFW electronic licensing system makes it easy to tag your harvest for salmon, steelhead and halibut, as well as...
Regulating harvest, health, and enhancement of wildlife populations
Most of the wildlife in Oregon evolved with wildfire. And even though fires are intensifying, they are nothing new to...
Everyone Belongs Outdoors
Oregon salmon anglers in the summer and fall are like kids in a candy store. Treats abound regardless of which...
where to hunt
Safety Checklist
Wildfire season in Oregon and access to the place you like to hunt, fish or recreate may be impacted. So be sure...
Where to fish
Fall salmon fishing seasons in rivers along Oregon’s coast from Necanicum River to the Winchuck River depend on the outlook...
This is your one-stop platform for learning how to hunt and fish in Oregon. Register to participate in one...
Proposals for regulation changes
At its Sept. 12, 2025 meeting in Ontario, the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission adopted the following changes for 2026-27...