June 4, 2020 10:10 a.m.
This Saturday and Sunday it’s a free fishing weekend in Oregon.
Information from the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife said no fishing licenses or tags are required to fish, crab, or clam in Oregon for those two days.
An ODFW release said all other fishing regulations apply including closures, bag limits and size restrictions. It said that normally the free fishing weekend is usually a special one for ODFW staff and fishing groups, which host events all over the state, bringing all the gear that newcomers need to try fishing. However due to the concerns and restrictions related to COVID-19, ODFW is not hosting or sponsoring any events this year.
A number of waterbodies are being stocked in advance for the weekend. Due to concerns about crowding where fish are stocked, ODFW is not publicizing its trout stocking schedule or announcing which waterbodies are stocked.
Non-residents can also fish for free this weekend, but there are special restrictions on the coast. Currently, clamming is closed to nonresidents coastwide. Crabbing is closed to nonresidents in the Columbia River and in ocean areas north of Cape Falcon.
Check with the ODFW for more information on the free fishing weekend.