using hemostats to remove hook from fish's mouth

Angler Education Program

Sport fishing offers youth and adults alike a healthy and fun recreational activity that can be shared for a lifetime with friends and family.

Workshops are offered statewide throughout the year.

View and register for an upcoming event: Classes and W or kshops.

Program Overview

The Angler Education Program introduces the fun and rewarding activity of sport angling to people throughout the state of Oregon. Angler Education workshops and events are intended to provide youth and adults alike with the skills, knowledge, and responsibilities associated with angling along with a basic understanding of aquatic ecosystems and our individual roles in conservation.

Program Goals

Kids fishing — Fishing event at local pond.

Increase Participation: Reduce barriers to fishing and provide angling opportunities for everyone.
Promote Safety and Ethics: Provide education rooted in safe and ethical angling practices.
Develop Skills and Knowledge: Enhance expertise in fishing by building the confidence to go fish independently of our programs.
Foster Positive Perception: Build a positive public view of sport fishing as a responsible and conservation-focused activity.

While many Angler Education activities focus on youth, the program is not limited to providing education for one age bracket or solely based on any one specific type of fishing. If the fishing method and/or fishery exists in the state of Oregon, we aim to provide opportunities and education on how to ethically pursue them as our resources allow.

There are four major areas of instruction:

Basic fishing skills
Advanced fishing skills
Ethical conduct and responsibilities
Aquatic conservation and stewardship

The program is delivered statewide through certified volunteer instructors and is a free program delivered through school districts, clubs, public and private organizations, and ODFW groups and personnel.

Events and Workshops

Events and workshops are offered throughout Oregon, some are dependent on weather and water conditions:

Events for Everyone

Family Fishing Events: Mainly conducted in the spring, our Family Fishing Program offers a host of fishing opportunities at stocked ponds throughout the state. On-site volunteers and ODFW staff provide equipment, teach novice anglers how to rig up and cast, and help in all aspects of fishing. This program provides a unique opportunity for families to learn how to fish and discover just how much fun it can be! While these events are primarily focused on youth and families, everyone is welcome to join in the fun! View List of Family Fishing Events

Free Fishing Weekend Events: Free Fishing Weekends may be accompanied by special events across the state. ODFW offers Oregon residents and visitors a full 'weekend' to fish, crab, and clam without a license, endorsement, or tags. View this year's list of Free Fishing Weekend Events

*Requirements: Area closures, bag limits and all other regulations still apply. Be sure to check both the permanent sportfishing regulations and for any in-season regulation updates, especially if you are fishing for salmon or steelhead as many regulations are set in-season.

Learn to Fish Workshops

Four anglers stand on a rocky bank casting into river — Steelhead workshop on the river.

Workshops are intended to educate participants on the fundamentals necessary to target a specific fishery or utilize a specific fishing method. These events are usually small in scale (20-40 people), typically associated with a registration fee and limited seats; the instructor-to-participant ratio is high to maximize one-on-one, personalized instruction. The gear used during workshops is specialized to appropriately demonstrate the equipment essential to participate in the specific activity.

Angler Education workshops are usually hosted by ODFW staff with an industry partner, however they're sometimes hosted solely by Certified Volunteer Instructors. Learn to fish workshops include surfperch fishing, fly-fishing, ice fishing, steelhead fishing and plunking.

Youth Fishing Event Authorization (YFEA)

An ODFW Youth Fishing Event Authorization may be issued for events hosted by ODFW staff, certified Angler Education Instructors, schoolteachers, outdoor educators, other groups or organization leaders coordinating youth fishing activities that are found to meet specific educational requirements. Only programs meeting the educational requirements specified in the application may qualify for a YFEA.

The YFEA waives the need for youth to possess a license for the duration of ODFW-approved fishing events for all youth participants aged 12-17 who participate in each of the 4 required learning objectives. These 4 required learning objectives encompass the main educational goals of the ODFW Angler Education Program: basic fishing skills, stewardship and ethics, aquatic education, and water safety. Click here to apply for a Youth Fishing Event Authorization

Schedule

Events run year-round, with angling-specific workshops timed just before or during the relevant fishing seasons to maximize relevance and preparedness.

Get Involved

Whether you're a beginner looking to start your fishing journey or an experienced angler seeking to refine your skills, the Angler Education Program offers resources and training to help you succeed. Join us to connect with Oregon's outdoor traditions, enhance your skills, and contribute to a culture of safe, ethical, and conservation-minded sport fishing.