Oregon residents and out-of-state visitors can enjoy free fishing days across the state’s waterways June 6 and 7. (Photo by Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife via Oregon Capital Chronicle)

Oregon residents and out-of-state visitors can enjoy free fishing days across the state’s waterways June 6 and 7. 

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is offering free fishing days so anyone can fish, clam or crab without a license or tag. And on June 6, Oregon State Parks is offering free parking. All other fishing regulations still apply, including area closures, gear restrictions, bag limits, size restrictions and season regulation changes for certain fish. 

Drought conditions may impact fishing conditions, particularly in smaller lakes and ponds. Anglers should consider fishing early in the day or changing it up to warm water fish like bass, bluegill and crappie.

The agency offers a weekly Recreation Report with information about the best bets for fishing for the upcoming week. Anglers can expect lots of rainbow trout to be stocked in Oregon’s ponds and lakes for free fishing days.

Agency staff, volunteers and partner organizations will host events near Ukiah, Toledo, Silverton, Florence, Gaston and Eugene, as well as a youth-only event near Estacada, to teach new anglers how to fish. Fishing gear will be provided at those locations. 

While crabbing is open statewide, there are location restrictions on clamming. As of Thursday, razor clamming is open from the Washington border to Cape Blanco, and closed from Cape Blanco to the California border because of elevated levels of domoic acid. Shellfish harvesting status is available on the Oregon Department of Agriculture website. 

Those interested in clamming or crabbing should visit the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife website to see a map of locations and tips. The state regularly tests shellfish and closes areas when naturally occurring biotoxins get to levels that make them unsafe to eat.

For more information about upcoming Free Fishing Days and events, visit the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife website.

Oregon Capital Chronicle

Oregon Capital Chronicle is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Oregon Capital Chronicle maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Julia Shumway for questions: info@oregoncapitalchronicle.com.

Mia Maldonado began working at the Oregon Capital Chronicle in 2025 to cover the Oregon Legislature and state agencies with a focus on social services. She began her journalism career with the Capital Chronicle's sister outlet in Idaho, the Idaho Capital Sun, where she received multiple awards for her coverage of the environment and Latino affairs. She has a bachelor's degree in Spanish and international political economy from the College of Idaho. Born and raised in the West, Mia enjoys hiking, skiing and rockhounding in her free time.