Waterway Access Permits Waived For Non-motorized Boats During ODFW Free Fishing Days, June 6 , 7 (Photo) - 05/28/26

The Oregon State Marine Board, in partnership with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW), will not require non-motorized boat operators to have a waterway access permit in conjunction with free fishing, clamming and crabbing days.

In 2019, when the Waterway Access Permit program was approved by the Oregon Legislature, with an exemption for permit requirements on ODFW-designated Free Fishing Days. In 2025, the program was expanded, requiring all lengths of non-motorized boats to purchase a waterway access permit when operating a boat on the water. One hundred percent (100%) of the revenue supports two important programs: aquatic invasive species watercraft inspection stations, managed by ODFW, and non-motorized access development and facility improvements via OSMB boating facility grants to public facility owners wanting to improve access specifically serving paddlers.

Per ODFW, no fishing/shellfish licenses or tags/validations are required on these days (meaning you do not need a Combined Angling Tag, Columbia River Basin Endorsement, Ocean Endorsement or two-rod validation where two rods are allowed). Both Oregon residents and nonresidents can fish for free. Oregon State Parks also offers free parking on Saturday, June 6.

Existing exemptions include youth 13 and younger, surfboards, sailboards and kiteboards, and non-motorized boats under 10 feet engaged in whitewater recreation activities on a Marine Board Whitewater Exempt Waterways void of any developed access sites. See a list of exemptions on the Marine Board’s Waterway Access Permit FAQ page.

Read ODFW’s Free Fishing Days news release and what rules apply.

For people new to non-motorized boating, visit the Marine Board’s map of waterways designated as restricted motor or electric motor only to help you plan your weekend adventure.

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Boaters: Get Ready To Launch, Prepare For Play This Memorial Day (Photo) - 05/20/26

Oregon’s waterways are therapeutic, no matter the activity. For mental health, physical fitness, angling, and spending time with friends and family. That is why recreational boating is one of the best ways to create memories. The Oregon State Marine Board advocates that all boaters be aware of their surroundings while on the water, have all the required safety gear, and ensure others know their recreation plans in case of an incident.
 

“Part of the boating experience is planning ahead, preparation of all the necessary gear, and ensuring your boat is ready for the water,” says Brian Paulsen, Boating Safety Manager for the Oregon State Marine Board. “And most importantly, wearing a properly fitted life jacket while boating should be at the top of everyone’s minds.”

The Marine Board has many resources to help boaters have a safe and enjoyable experience on all of Oregon’s waterways. The agency advises boaters to take the time to plan, including learning how to use the Marine Board’s interactive Boat Oregon Online Map. The map displays public boat ramps, local rules for boat operations and other information about a facility, like the facility owner and amenities. Make sure to check the weather forecast, water levels, and tides. Additionally, see if there are any reported waterway obstructions using the agency’s obstructions dashboard map. Boaters can also check the Marine Board’s website to find out what equipment is required based on the size and type of boat.

The Marine Board would like to remind ALL boaters and their passengers to:

• Boat Sober. Abstain from consuming marijuana, drugs, or alcohol, which impair judgment, reaction time, and coordination and contribute to dehydration. Boating demands sharp situational awareness. Pay attention to your surroundings and enlist the help of passengers to keep a lookout as well.
   
• All children 12 and under are required to wear a life jacket when underway on all boats (motorized and non-motorized). All boaters operating in Class III and higher-rated whitewater rivers are required to wear a life jacket.
   
• Be courteous to other boaters and share the waterway. Stage your gear in the parking lot or staging area regardless of your boat type. This makes launching faster and everyone around you happier.
   
• In Oregon, all motorboat operators with propulsion greater than 10 horsepower must take a boating safety course and carry a boating safety education card when operating the boat. Paddlers of non-motorized boats (kayaks, canoes, rafts, stand up paddleboards and their inflatable versions) are required to purchase a Waterway Access Permit. The Marine Board also offers a free, online Paddling Course (also available in Spanish) for boaters new to paddling activities.
   
• Fill out a float plan and leave it with friends and family. This way, they can call for help if you are overdue.

This information and more can be found at Boat.Oregon.gov. Use the search bar for the fastest content results.

May is traditionally the month recreational boating starts to pick up. Governor Kotek acknowledges how vital boating safety outreach is for educating visitors and Oregonians about safe boating and water recreation practices, aiming to decrease preventable deaths. May 16-22, 2026, has officially been proclaimed National Safe Boating Week.

The agency also invites boating and water enthusiasts to check out its “Welcome to the Water” flagship video, showing Oregon’s abundance and diversity of boating opportunities around the state.

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Marine Board Hearing Scheduled For May 21 On Proposed Rule For Siletz River - 05/14/26

The Oregon State Marine Board will hold a public hearing on May 21 on proposed rule language for motorboat operations on the Siletz River in Lincoln County. The meeting will be a hybrid format, where members of the public can attend in person at the Marine Board office, located at 435 Commercial St. NE., Suite 400, in Salem, or virtually.  

At its April 23, 2026, meeting, the Marine Board approved opening the rulemaking process and directed agency staff to hold a public hearing, public comment session, and work session, in addition to a written comment period, before July’s quarterly meeting. The Board will then have its next opportunity to approve, modify, or deny final rules.

The hearing is an open format, from 11 am to 2 pm, where the public can provide comments online or visit the Marine Board office, with minimal impact on their day.

The written comment deadline is June 30, 2026, at 11:55 pm. Written comments can be submitted by email to jennifer.cooper@boat.oregon.gov or by U.S. mail to: Jennifer Cooper, Administrative Rules Coordinator, Oregon State Marine Board, 435 Commercial Street NE, Salem, OR 97301.

To view the proposed rule and the hearing details, visit the Marine Board’s Public Meetings page.

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