Floating Craft in Oregon

GAT

GAT

Dumbfounded
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I don't know if anyone has brought this up before but there is a new fee you'll pay each year if you float and fish in Oregon. It's called a Waterway Access Permit. You can find the regs that require a permit here: https://odfw.huntfishoregon.com/customer/catalog

Waterway Access Permit - Annual​

$22.00
Paddlecraft (SUPs, rafts, drift boats, kayaks, canoes, etc.) of any length need to carry one permit per boat when in use. Youth under 14 are not required to carry a permit. More information available at https://myodfw.com/articles/waterway-access-and-aquatic-invasive-species-permits

Great. Another fee.
 
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Because raising the cost on each of the other "tags" you have to get weren't enough. Pretty soon us OR residents will be $200 deep to fish in our own state.

Still cheaper than golf....less frustrating too.
 
Snopro said:
First thread on this topic link

I think the paddlecraft wording is problematic. My PA14 Hobie doesn't need one because it's not a paddle craft? How about the wing board or windsurfer?
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oregon.public.law

OAR Division 10 – Statewide Rules

Oregon Administrative Rules Chapter 250, Oregon State Marine Board; Division 10, Statewide Rules. Refreshed: 2025-05-10
oregon.public.law oregon.public.law
(2) The following vessels or classifications are exempt from the requirement to carry a Waterway Access Permit:
(a) Eleemosynary-owned boats which a supervising adult can confirm through documentation are engaged in an organization-related activity.
(b) A ship’s lifeboat used solely for lifesaving purposes.
(c) Surfboards, sailboards and kite boards.
(d) Boats owned and operated by liveries and those used for group-guided activities by Outfitters and Guides which have purchased discounted permits and have received a certificate of compliance from the Board.
(e) Boats that launch directly into waters that form a common interstate boundary, or launch in Oregon tributaries within one mile of these waters, that have a current boat registration, Coast Guard documentation, or an aquatic invasive species prevention permit issued by the States of Idaho or Washington.
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Of course they never actually define boat or specify the definition that i see so I'm sure theres some edge case out there.
 
SurfnFish said:
paddle only, does not apply to power
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My understanding is that any floating craft with any manner of motor must be registered with the numbers on the craft. I know I had to pay a yearly registration fee for my canoe because I used an electric motor. I figured they added in the waterway pass amount to the registration fee for motorized boats ... but really, I couldn't understand what the devil requires the fee and what doesn't.😱

That's why I contacted the ODF&W directly and asked them if I needed the permit for my pontoon boat. I gave them the length and the fact that I don't use a motor and they said "yup" , I had to get a yearly permit.

It's still all confusing to me but I wanted to error on the safe side so I went along with what they told me at the ODF&W.

Right or wrong, I do have a permit if checked.🙄

(at this point, I'm not really sure if you need a permit when using an inner tube)
 
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Here in Hood River we have lots of folks out on the big river in all types of personal watercraft... kiters, windsurfers, wingfoilers, SUPs... you get the picture. SUPs, defined as 'boats', are required to carry emergency whistles.

This is a good idea for anyone who floats. It's a lot easier to carry a whistle than it is to knit one on demand!
 
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A few years ago at Munsel Lake in Oregon, law enforcement was giving citations to anglers using pontoon boats or float tubes if they didn't have a whistle or air horn while on the water. Evidently a lot of folks weren't aware of the requirement to carry a noise maker when fishing on the lake. I know I always carry a coast guard approved whistle in my fishing/floatation vest. ... thank Neptune that I've never had to use it.
 
Ill add that it appears that a Waterway Access Permit is transferable. This from a discussion at Bimart upon purchase and then reading and rereading and yet again, rereading the regulations. So one permit can be used on your Driftboat and then on your Pontoon Boat and then on your SUP. So 1 WAP, will cover all your non motorized watercraft.

Be safe.

Bob
 
Draketake said:
Ill add that it appears that a Waterway Access Permit is transferable. This from a discussion at Bimart upon purchase and then reading and rereading and yet again, rereading the regulations. So one permit can be used on your Driftboat and then on your Pontoon Boat and then on your SUP. So 1 WAP, will cover all your non motorized watercraft.

Be safe.

Bob
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Yeah thats my take from reading it as well. You as a person buy the permit, for yourself, not for each boat.
 
I expect OSP officers are cringing at the thought of enforcing this regulation and anticipate them having lots of 'educational' conversations rather than writing citations until their hands cramp. The public will likely have a year or two to come into 'compliance' during which time there may be legislative efforts or citizen initiatives to undo this regulation.
 
SculpinSwinger said:
Nothing new, formerly called an invasive species permit and was required for all vessels 10’ and over.
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Not true:
"Non-motorized boats regardless of length (kayaks, canoes, drift boats, stand-up paddleboards and rafts) need a Waterway Access Permit. "
 
offensivename said:
Yeah thats my take from reading it as well. You as a person buy the permit, for yourself, not for each boat.
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Sort of? I don't think it is assigned to either a boat or a person. Simply that a person on a boat must have a permit.
When I brought my two kayaks to OR last summer, I purchased 2 permits, which could be used by both myself and my adult daughter. The same permits would work if my husband and daughter were using the yaks.
No name on it.
Screenshot_20250501_171550_Chrome(1).jpg
 
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