I've been waiting for smelt run to open and it's opening in Oregon Sandy River on March 30th. Now, they require each dipper to have a valid Oregon 2023 fishing license.
I believed In the past, a license was not required to dip for smelt in Oregon and Washington. Until recently, last year, on the Cowlitx River smelt run, you could bring your family and friends to dip. Each person can get a 10 lb limit without a fishing license. A big family gathering where everyone can take home 10 lbs of fish.
Now, nothing is free anymore. 44.00 fishing license and one-day 23.00. Is it worth it for 10 lbs of fish?