ODFW announces free fishing days for 2017, April 21

Anglers and would-be anglers can enjoy a weekend of free fishing on April 22 and 23. On these two days, Oregonians and visitors can fish, crab and clam for free anywhere in Oregon without a license, tag or endorsement. This free fishing weekend – as well as to two other free fishing holidays Nov. 25 and 26 and Dec. 31 – Jan. 1, 2018 — is in addition to the traditional free fishing weekend on June 3-4. These additional free fishing days are thanks to a 2015 law passed by the Oregon Legislature allowing the Fish and Wildlife Commission to set up to eight days of free fishing every year. “April 22 is also Earth Day, and what better way for Oregonians to get outside and celebrate the natural world than by taking family and friends out for a day of fishing,” said Mike Gauvin, ODFW recreational fishing manager. While licenses are waived during free fishing days, all other regulations and regular closures still apply.