The first free fishing weekend of 2026 is February 14-15, just in time for Valentine's Day.
What's more romantic than a fishing expedition in the middle of winter that costs nothing?
On those days, anglers can fish, crab, and clam without purchasing a license. The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife waives the requirements for a fishing license, combined angling tag, Columbia Basin endorsement, ocean endorsement, and two-rod validation during free fishing weekends.
All other regulations still apply, including area closures and bag limits. Anglers should check current regulations at myodfw.com before heading out, particularly for salmon and steelhead, as rules change seasonally.
While some family-friendly events are scheduled to coincide with Free Fishing Weekends, none had been published by press time.
Hagg Lake is expected to be stocked the week of Feb. 9 - 13 with 1,000 trophy trout—trout that are at least 15 inches—in advance of the event. The Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife does not publish exact stocking dates.
Two more free fishing weekends are scheduled for 2026: June 6-7 and November 27-28 (Thanksgiving weekend).
