Oregon Sturgeon Tag What to Buy, Record and Check
Quick answer: Oregon’s “sturgeon tag” is usually the Combined Angling Tag. It is required to angle for sturgeon, even if every fish will be released.
For Columbia River Basin sturgeon, add the Columbia River Basin Endorsement. If a retention fishery is open and you keep a legal-size white sturgeon, record the fish immediately on your paper tag or in the MyODFW app.
Fast answer: Oregon does not normally sell a one-species product called only “sturgeon tag.” The product most anglers need is the Combined Angling Tag, because Oregon requires it for anyone angling for sturgeon, salmon, steelhead or halibut.
Cost answer: the 2026 Adult Combined Angling Tag is listed at $69 for residents and $89 for nonresidents. The Youth Angling Combined Angling Tag is listed at $5. Daily and multi-day Oregon angling licenses include Combined Angling Tag coverage.
Columbia answer: Oregon-licensed anglers fishing for sturgeon in the Columbia River Basin need the Columbia River Basin Endorsement in addition to the license and tag. It costs $9.75 when purchased with an annual license, $11.75 when purchased separately, or $1 per day with daily licenses.
Live-rule answer: sturgeon retention is dynamic. On the current ODFW regulation-update page, the Columbia River Mainstem and Reservoirs from Buoy 10 to McNary Dam are listed with sturgeon retention closed and catch-and-release allowed except in sanctuary closures during May 1–August 31. Re-check that page before every trip because this can change.
Oregon Sturgeon Setup Picker Before You Pay
Tap the situation closest to your trip. This tool gives the practical starting stack so you do not open checkout and guess from product names.
Choose your sturgeon situation
What “Oregon Sturgeon Tag” Really Means Full Search Intent Answer
Most search results answer only one part: price, license, or Columbia rules. A useful page has to answer all five user jobs below.
What is the tag?
It is the Combined Angling Tag, not a separate sturgeon-only product for most anglers.
Does release still need it?
Yes. The requirement applies to angling for sturgeon, including catch-and-release.
What about Columbia?
Add CRBE for Columbia Basin sturgeon under Oregon license rules.
When do I record?
Record immediately when a legal-size sturgeon is retained, not for released fish.
How do I measure?
Use fork length, measured straight from nose tip to the fork in the tail.
Can I keep one today?
Only after checking the exact current retention update, quota, slot and closure area.
Oregon Sturgeon Tag Cost Table 2026 Practical Fees
These are the fee pieces sturgeon anglers actually need. The official checkout controls the final payment total.
| License, tag or endorsement | 2026 fee | When sturgeon anglers need it | Practical warning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident Annual Angling License | $50 | Resident adult base license for annual fishing. | Not enough for sturgeon by itself. |
| Nonresident Annual Angling License | $138 | Visitor fishing Oregon repeatedly in the year. | Add nonresident Combined Angling Tag if targeting sturgeon. |
| Adult Combined Angling Tag | $69 resident / $89 nonresident | Required to angle for sturgeon, salmon, steelhead or halibut. | This is the main “sturgeon tag.” |
| Youth License age 12–17 | $10 | Youth base license. | Includes angling and CRBE, but not the youth sturgeon tag. |
| Youth Angling Combined Angling Tag | $5 | Youth angling for sturgeon, salmon, steelhead or halibut. | Still needed for youth sturgeon trips. |
| One Day Angling and Shellfish Combo | $29 | One-day angling trip. | Daily / multi-day licenses include Combined Angling Tags. |
| Two Day Angling | $48 | Two-day sturgeon trip. | Add CRBE daily if Columbia Basin applies. |
| Three Day Angling | $68 | Weekend sturgeon trip. | Good short-trip option because tag coverage is included. |
| Nonresident Seven Day Angling | $117 | Visitor fishing a full week. | Compare with $138 annual if returning later. |
| CRBE with annual license | $9.75 | Columbia Basin sturgeon fishing. | Best annual CRBE path when bought with license. |
| CRBE purchased separately | $11.75 | If you forgot CRBE during annual license purchase. | Costs more separately because the agent-fee logic is included. |
| CRBE daily | $1 per day | Daily or multi-day Columbia Basin sturgeon trips. | Daily license may include tag coverage, but CRBE can still be required. |
| Duplicate Tag Reprint | $2 | Lost or damaged tag replacement. | Do not use photocopied or resized tags as a workaround. |
How to Buy the Oregon Sturgeon Stack Step by Step
This is the checkout-safe path. Use official ODFW only when you are ready to pay, print, app-tag or verify an account.
Confirm the actual angler
Adult resident, adult nonresident, youth 12–17, youth under 12, senior, pioneer, disabled veteran and short-trip visitors can have different purchase paths.
Choose annual or short-term
Annual anglers usually add the Combined Angling Tag separately. Daily and multi-day Oregon angling licenses include Combined Angling Tag coverage.
Confirm Combined Angling Tag coverage
If the trip targets sturgeon, salmon, steelhead or halibut, tag coverage is required even when the plan is catch-and-release.
Add CRBE if Columbia Basin applies
If fishing for sturgeon in the Columbia River Basin, add Columbia River Basin Endorsement. It applies to catch-and-release and retention fishing.
Choose paper or electronic tag
Paper tags must be printed at original size and kept accessible. Electronic users should log in to the MyODFW app before leaving cell service.
Check retention before launch
Before keeping any sturgeon, verify current ODFW updates for exact area, date, quota, legal slot, daily limit, annual limit and sanctuary closures.
Record a legal keeper immediately
When a legal-size sturgeon is retained, record species, location code, month, day and length in inches immediately on the correct tag method.
Combined Angling Tag The Real Oregon Sturgeon Tag
The strongest answer to this keyword is to correct the product name clearly, then explain exactly when it applies.
Required for sturgeon
All anglers need valid Combined Angling Tag coverage to angle for sturgeon.
Release still counts
The requirement is not limited to harvest. It also applies to catch-and-release sturgeon fishing.
Not sturgeon-only
The same tag applies to sturgeon, salmon, steelhead and halibut.
One annual combined tag
Anglers may purchase only one Combined Angling Tag per year.
Wrong-tag trap
The Hatchery Salmon / Steelhead Harvest Tag is not a sturgeon tag and cannot record sturgeon.
Calendar-year habit
Annual Oregon fishing documents run January 1 through December 31. Do not use last year’s screenshot.
Oregon Sturgeon Harvest Card Recording Paper Tag or MyODFW App
Recording is not a later-at-home task. It is part of legally retaining a fish.
| Recording item | What it means | Practical field tip |
|---|---|---|
| Species | Use the correct species entry for legal-size sturgeon. | If species ID is uncertain, release. Green sturgeon retention is closed. |
| Location code | The stream, ocean port or Columbia section where the fish was taken. | Write likely Columbia location codes before launching. |
| Month and day | Exact date of the retained fish. | Record immediately before moving on. |
| Length in inches | Sturgeon length must be recorded in inches. | Use fork length, measured straight, not around the curve. |
| Correct angler | The angler who takes the fish records it on their tag. | Do not put a fish on another person’s tag because they have open lines. |
Electronic tag checklist
- Install and log in to MyODFW before the trip.
- Confirm the correct license year and tag display in the app.
- Carry a battery bank for boat, bank and gorge trips.
- Record the legal sturgeon before continuing to fish.
- Save the record before closing the app.
Paper tag checklist
- Use ballpoint pen.
- No erasures.
- Use one line per harvested fish.
- Record harvested fish in consecutive order.
- Do not photocopy, reproduce or resize tags.
Columbia River Basin Sturgeon Rules Where Most Mistakes Happen
The Columbia River Basin Endorsement is not optional for Oregon-licensed sturgeon anglers in covered Columbia Basin waters.
CRBE required
Oregon-licensed anglers fishing for sturgeon in the Columbia River Basin need CRBE.
Release does not remove it
The endorsement applies to catch-and-release and retention fishing for Columbia Basin sturgeon.
Basin is broad
It includes the Columbia and Snake rivers, plus covered Willamette, Central, Northeast and northern Northwest Zone tributaries.
Boundary waters are tricky
On the Columbia boundary, follow the rules of the state where you are fishing and know where you land fish.
One Columbia annual catch limit
Anglers are restricted to one annual catch limit of white sturgeon from the Columbia River even if licensed in Oregon and Washington.
Updates override memory
Columbia sturgeon seasons are dynamic. Use current ODFW updates before fishing, especially before harvest.
| Columbia situation | What to do | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Oregon-licensed angler targeting sturgeon | Carry angling license, Combined Angling Tag and CRBE. | All three can matter even on catch-and-release trips. |
| Daily / multi-day license holder | Use included tag coverage, then add CRBE at $1 per day when required. | Included tag does not automatically remove endorsement needs. |
| Washington license in boundary waters | Check Washington licensing and rule requirements separately. | Oregon CRBE is for Oregon-licensed anglers; boundary water rules still matter. |
| Near dams, markers or sanctuaries | Check exact markers, lines, dates and boat-restricted areas. | Small boundary mistakes can create major violations. |
| Retention opens | Verify current open days, quota, slot length, daily limit and annual limit. | Retention can close quickly when quotas are met. |
Current Sturgeon Retention Check Do Not Skip This
This page explains the rule structure, but Oregon sturgeon retention can change by temporary rule, quota, dam pool, sanctuary and date.
Live-update warning: the ODFW regulation-update page currently lists the Columbia River Mainstem and Reservoirs from Buoy 10 to McNary Dam with sturgeon retention closed, while catch-and-release fishing is allowed except in sanctuary closure areas during May 1–August 31. Always click the current update page before planning to keep fish.
Check the morning of trip
Do not rely on an old PDF, old screenshot, social post or ramp conversation for retention status.
Match exact water
Buoy 10, Bonneville, The Dalles, John Day, McNary, Willamette and tributaries can have different rules.
Sanctuary closures
Some sturgeon sanctuary areas close during May 1–August 31 to protect spawning fish.
How to Measure Oregon Sturgeon Fork Length, Slot and 54-Inch Water Rule
Bad measuring is one of the easiest ways to turn a good trip into a violation. Oregon sturgeon are measured by fork length.
Use fork length
Measure in a straight line from the tip of the nose to the fork in the tail, with the fish on its side on a flat surface.
Bonneville to The Dalles
When retention is permitted, the keeper slot can be 38-inch minimum and 54-inch maximum fork length.
The Dalles to McNary
When retention is permitted, the keeper slot can be 43-inch minimum and 54-inch maximum fork length.
Keep big fish in water
A sturgeon over 54 inches fork length cannot be removed totally or partly from the water.
Annual white sturgeon limit
Oregon’s annual bag limit for white sturgeon is two, but Columbia River annual-catch-limit rules can further control Columbia harvest.
Release unwanted fish
Oversize, undersize and unwanted legal-size sturgeon must be released immediately unharmed into the water.
Official Regulation Book Details Converted Into Action Steps
The official Oregon regulation book and eRegulations pages contain details users often miss. These points are turned into simple actions below.
| Official detail | What it means in real life | User action |
|---|---|---|
| All persons 12+ need an angling license to angle for or help another angle for fish. | “Helping” can become fishing if you actively control the rod or take fish. | Adults teaching kids should carry their own correct stack if they cast, hook-set or fight fish. |
| All anglers, regardless of age, need a Combined Angling Tag for sturgeon. | Age does not erase tag logic for sturgeon. | Check youth and under-12 tag products before the trip. |
| Angler who takes the fish records it regardless of who hooked it. | You cannot use another person’s tag because they still have space. | Decide who is retaining the fish before it goes into possession. |
| Paper tags cannot be unsigned, copied, reproduced or resized. | A bad printout is not a safe backup. | Print at original size on letter paper, then trim only to the border if needed. |
| Barbless hooks are required for Columbia mainstem salmon, steelhead, sturgeon and trout. | Your hook setup must match the water, not just the species. | Pinch barbs fully and carry spare legal hooks. |
| Sturgeon seasons are determined annually in key Columbia areas. | Permanent rules alone do not prove retention is open today. | Read current updates before keeping fish. |
Sturgeon Gear, Hook and Handling Rules Practical Compliance
The right license stack does not protect you if your hook, handling or photo behavior is wrong.
Single-point barbless hook
Only one single-point barbless hook may be used for sturgeon in the Columbia River Zone.
Bottom-fishing setup
Use enough weight to keep bait on the bottom. Common sturgeon baits include sand shrimp, nightcrawlers, smelt, herring, squid and anchovy.
Oversize fish stay wet
Sturgeon over 54 inches fork length must remain in the water at all times.
Release quickly
When catch-and-release fishing, return sturgeon to the water immediately and unharmed.
No gill-plate lifting
ODFW best-practice guidance says never lift or hold sturgeon by the gill plates.
Temperature care
ODFW recommends limiting sturgeon fishing to times when water temperature is less than 70°F.
Youth, Under-12 and Parent Rules Family Sturgeon Trips
Youth rules are generous in Oregon, but sturgeon is one of the species where tag logic still matters.
| Angler | Likely sturgeon setup | Important detail |
|---|---|---|
| Youth age 12–17 | $10 Youth License + $5 Youth Angling Combined Angling Tag | Youth License includes angling and CRBE, but the youth tag is separate. |
| Youth 11 and younger | Free Youth Angling License + Youth Angling Combined Angling Tag before targeting sturgeon | Do not assume “no ordinary license” means “no sturgeon tag document.” |
| Parent only helping | Depends on whether the adult is actively fishing | Casting, setting the hook, fighting fish or taking fish can be treated as angling. |
| Family using app proof | Each angler should be able to show their own documents | Do not rely on one phone if separate anglers need separate proof and tag entries. |
| Youth retains fish | Youth tag must be recorded immediately | Use correct species, location, date and length entry. |
Oregon Sturgeon Zone Logic Where Rules Change
Do not use one sturgeon rule for the whole state. Zone, river section, dam pool, bridge line, sanctuary and temporary update can all matter.
| Area / zone | Typical sturgeon rule pattern | What to check before fishing |
|---|---|---|
| Lower Columbia below Bonneville | Generally catch-and-release unless otherwise announced. | Current regulation updates, sanctuary dates, boundary rules and consumption advisories. |
| Bonneville Dam to The Dalles Dam | When retention is permitted, 38–54 inch fork-length slot applies. | Open days, quota, dam closures and May 1–Aug. 31 sanctuary lines. |
| The Dalles Dam to McNary Dam | When retention is permitted, 43–54 inch fork-length slot applies. | Exact pool, quota, sanctuary and hazard-zone restrictions. |
| Willamette Zone | Willamette system has Columbia Basin endorsement logic and zone exceptions. | Exact section, lower vs upper Willamette rule, and current updates. |
| Northwest and Southwest zones | Often catch-and-release opportunities; retention closures can apply. | Exact river, tidewater, zone exception and gear rules. |
| Snake River / Northeast areas | Rules depend on Snake River Zone and Columbia Basin endorsement logic. | Boundary, access, catch-and-release rules and current updates. |
Real Oregon Sturgeon Trip Examples What to Buy and What to Check
These examples help users make the purchase decision without overloading them with regulation language.
| Trip example | Likely setup | Last check before fishing |
|---|---|---|
| Resident adult catch-and-release below Bonneville | Resident Angling + Adult Combined Angling Tag + CRBE | Sanctuary dates, current update and legal handling. |
| Nonresident 3-day Columbia sturgeon trip | Three Day Angling + CRBE $1/day | Daily license includes tag coverage, but CRBE still matters. |
| Youth age 14 fishing with parent | Youth License + Youth Angling Combined Angling Tag | Parent needs own legal setup if actively fishing. |
| Trying to keep one in Bonneville Pool | Full stack + official retention opener + 38–54 inch legal fish | Quota, open day and immediate recording duty. |
| Trying to keep one from The Dalles to McNary | Full stack + official retention opener + 43–54 inch legal fish | Dam-pool boundaries and May–August sanctuary closures. |
| Sturgeon bycatch while fishing other species | If not legally set up to target sturgeon, release immediately and do not keep targeting | Intent, method and species rules. |
Common Oregon Sturgeon Tag Mistakes Fix These Before Launch
These are the practical errors that thin official-link pages usually do not explain.
Buying mistakes
- Buying only a base angling license and skipping the Combined Angling Tag.
- Thinking catch-and-release sturgeon does not need tag coverage.
- Forgetting CRBE on Columbia Basin sturgeon waters.
- Assuming Youth License replaces Youth Angling Combined Angling Tag.
- Buying Hatchery Harvest Tag and thinking it covers sturgeon.
- Using last year’s screenshot after annual documents expire.
Harvest mistakes
- Keeping sturgeon before confirming retention is officially open.
- Measuring total length instead of fork length.
- Removing a sturgeon over 54 inches fork length from the water.
- Recording the fish after driving home instead of immediately.
- Using the wrong location code.
- Ignoring Columbia annual catch-limit rules.
Handling mistakes
- Using the wrong hook setup on sturgeon waters.
- Dragging fish onto rocks, docks, ramps or boat decks for photos.
- Tethering fish for later photos or delayed measuring.
- Not releasing oversized fish while still in the water.
- Fishing inside dam closures, sanctuaries or hazard zones.
Real insider tips
- Save ODFW regulation updates on your phone before leaving service.
- Carry a battery bank if using electronic tagging.
- Pre-mark 38, 43 and 54 inches on your measuring board.
- Write likely Columbia location codes before launch.
- Check weather, gorge wind, river flow and anchor safety before targeting large fish.
- Ask a license agent to confirm “license + tag + CRBE” aloud before paying.
Helpful Oregon Fishing License Guides Verified Related Intent
These internal links are limited to close next-step needs: full license overview, cost math, visitors, youth, and renewal/proof.
Oregon Fishing License Guide
Use this for the full license, fee, shellfish, endorsement and buying overview.
Open main guideOregon Fishing License Cost
Best for comparing license + tag + endorsement totals before checkout.
Open cost guideOregon Nonresident License
Best for visitors comparing short-term sturgeon trips against an annual setup.
Visitor guideOregon Youth License
Best for parents checking youth license, youth tag and CRBE details.
Youth guideOregon License Renewal
Use this if an old license, tag, app proof or screenshot may be expired before a new sturgeon trip.
Renewal guideODFW Map, Phone Numbers and Sturgeon Help Best Contact Path
Use official checkout for buying. Use ODFW updates for live retention status. Use ODFW licensing staff when the cart, account, paper tag or app setup is confusing.
ODFW headquarters
4034 Fairview Industrial Drive SE, Salem, OR 97302
Main phone: 503-947-6000
Toll-free: 800-720-6339
License staff
License help: 503-947-6101
Use for purchase, tag, endorsement, app, paper document and account questions.
Columbia / Willamette help
Clackamas office: 971-673-6000
Useful for Columbia and Willamette-area fisheries questions.
Regulation updates
Check official updates before keeping sturgeon. Retention can be opened, closed or modified by in-season action.
Report violations
Oregon State Police TIP line: 800-452-7888
Email: TIP@osp.oregon.gov
Exact water help
Before retaining sturgeon, confirm dam pool, marker line, sanctuary, bridge boundary and current update.
Official Oregon Sturgeon Resources Use for Final Action
The article above gives the working explanation. Use these official sources for payment, live updates, exact regulation text and official agency contact.
Buy license and tag
Official ODFW licensing system for licenses, Combined Angling Tag, CRBE and other products.
Open checkoutODFW sturgeon guide
Official ODFW explanation of sturgeon opportunities, gear, retention and catch-and-release.
Sturgeon rulesCombined tag instructions
Official paper and electronic recording instructions plus location codes.
Tag instructionsColumbia River Basin Endorsement
Official explanation of who needs CRBE for Columbia Basin salmon, steelhead and sturgeon.
CRBE detailsColumbia River Zone
Official zone page for Columbia boundaries, sanctuaries, size slots and sturgeon exceptions.
Zone rulesCurrent regulation updates
Use before retention trips because sturgeon openings can change by temporary rule or quota action.
Live updatesOregon Sturgeon Tag FAQ
What is the Oregon sturgeon tag called?
Most anglers mean the Combined Angling Tag. Oregon requires Combined Angling Tag coverage to angle for sturgeon, salmon, steelhead or halibut.
Do I need a sturgeon tag for catch-and-release in Oregon?
Yes. Combined Angling Tag coverage is required to angle for sturgeon, including catch-and-release fishing.
How much is the Oregon sturgeon tag in 2026?
The Adult Combined Angling Tag is listed at $69 for Oregon residents and $89 for nonresidents. The Youth Angling Combined Angling Tag is listed at $5.
Do Oregon daily fishing licenses include the sturgeon tag?
Daily and multi-day angling licenses include Combined Angling Tag coverage. Columbia River Basin Endorsement can still be required for Columbia Basin sturgeon fishing.
Do I need Columbia River Basin Endorsement for sturgeon?
Yes, if you are an Oregon-licensed angler fishing for sturgeon in the Columbia River Basin. This applies to catch-and-release and retention fishing.
How much is the Columbia River Basin Endorsement?
In 2026, CRBE is listed at $9.75 when purchased with an annual license, $11.75 when purchased separately, or $1 per day with daily licenses.
Can I keep sturgeon in Oregon right now?
Do not rely on memory. Check ODFW’s current regulation updates for the exact water, date, quota, slot and closure. The current update page lists Columbia River Mainstem and Reservoirs from Buoy 10 to McNary Dam with sturgeon retention closed and catch-and-release allowed except in sanctuary closure areas during May 1–August 31.
How do I record a kept sturgeon?
Immediately record the species, location code, month, day and length in inches on your paper tag or in the MyODFW app.
How do I measure Oregon sturgeon?
Measure fork length in a straight line from the tip of the nose to the fork in the tail, with the fish on its side on a flat surface.
Can I remove an oversized sturgeon from the water?
No. Sturgeon over 54 inches fork length cannot be removed totally or partly from the water.
Can youth fish for sturgeon in Oregon?
Yes, but youth tag rules matter. Youth 12–17 need the Youth License and Youth Angling Combined Angling Tag. Youth 11 and younger should confirm free Youth Angling License plus Youth Angling Combined Angling Tag before targeting sturgeon.
Who do I call for Oregon sturgeon license help?
For ODFW licensing assistance, call 503-947-6101. For general ODFW contact, call 503-947-6000 or 800-720-6339.
Final Practical Advice
For Oregon sturgeon, the correct answer is a stack, not one product. Start with the angling license, confirm Combined Angling Tag coverage, add Columbia River Basin Endorsement when the water requires it, check current retention status, measure fork length correctly and record a legal keeper immediately.
Best workflow: pick annual or short-term license → confirm sturgeon tag coverage → add CRBE if Columbia Basin applies → check ODFW regulation updates → carry paper/app proof → release oversized fish in the water → record immediately only if a legal-size sturgeon is retained.