The Oregon legislature has approved increases in fishing license fees for 2026, facing backlash from fishermen who question the rationale given the declining salmon and steelhead populations. The fee hikes, ranging from 4% to 8%, are intended to cover rising operational costs for hatchery fish food, fuel, utilities, and staff and program funding, including biologists and law enforcement. Youth licenses for ages 13-17 will stay at $10, while children under 12 can continue to fish…
ODFW treading water after raising fishing license costs
