Can I Keep?Squid Regulations in Oregon (2026)
Recreational squid rules in Oregon saltwater, as published by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. Last checked November 6, 2026.
Can I keep it today? Check your harbor & date
Recreational Squid rules in Oregon
- Where
- All waters
- Bag limit
- No limit
- Season
- Entire year and at all hours (exceptions are listed under “Harvest methods and restrictions” in the table below) and except when any state agency has issued a public health advisory. HEALTH ADVISORIES: Crabbing and clamming occasionally can be closed due to elevated levels of biotoxins or other health issues.
- May be taken by angling (squid and herring jigs allowed), dip net, cast net, hand or hand-powered tools.
- Shellfish regulations article dated 2024-01-05.
- Always check ODA biotoxin closures before harvesting (https://www.oregon.gov/oda/food-safety/shellfish/pages/shellfish-closures.aspx).
Commercial rules
Show 1 commercial rule
- Where
- Ocean
- Bag limit
- Prior to reaching a harvest of 4.5 million pounds of squid, with not more than 3 million pounds taken north or south of Heceta Head, ODFW will hold a public hearing to evaluate the fishery.
- Season
- Open year-round, except closed to take using purse seine, dipnet, trawl gear, and attraction by light from noon Friday through noon Sunday each week.
- Purse seines, lampara nets, dipnets, and hook -and-line gear may be used to take market squid.
- Trawl gear may only be used shoreward of the EEZ (0- 3 nautical miles offshore).
- Market squid are federally managed by the Coastal Pelagic Species Fis hery Management Plan, and federal regulations apply.
- ODFW 2026 Oregon Commercial Fishing Regulations Synopsis: condensed form of the OAR 'for the convenience of the commercial harvester and is not intended to replace the laws or administrative rules'; rules are subject to change during the year.
Quick answers
How many squid can I keep in Oregon?
No limit.
When is squid season in Oregon?
Entire year and at all hours (exceptions are listed under “Harvest methods and restrictions” in the table below) and except when any state agency has issued a public health advisory. HEALTH ADVISORIES: Crabbing and clamming occasionally can be closed due to elevated levels of biotoxins or other health issues.. Whether it is open on a specific day can change by emergency rule — check today's status in the app.
More clams, oysters & scallops in Oregon
- Abalone
- Bay clams (butter, littleneck, gaper and cockle)
- Mussels
- Octopus
- Other clams (softshell, piddock and others not listed)
- Oysters
- Purple sea urchins
- Purple varnish clams
- Razor clams
- Scallops
- Sea stars
All Oregon saltwater fishing regulations →
Source: Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. Most anglers need a Oregon saltwater license or registry: get one here.