Oregonians Invited to Fish for Free this Weekend

Gear, bait and basic angling instruction are provided at most events.

Salem-News.com

(SALEM, Ore. ) - Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife staff encourage Oregonians and visitors to fish, crab and clam without a license during the 19th annual Free Fishing Weekend June 9th and 10th.

All current fishing and shellfish regulations apply.

More than 40 Free Fishing Events will be held at sites throughout the state.

Most are geared toward introductory angling opportunities for young people.

Gear, bait and basic angling instruction are provided at most events. Some locations are accessible to disabled anglers.

“Fishing is fun. I believe no activity brings a family together quite like fishing,” said Chris Willard, ODFW Angler and Aquatic Education coordinator. “Free Fishing Weekend is an excellent way to enjoy the outdoors and it gives anglers a perfect opportunity to pass on their knowledge by taking a friend, neighbor or colleague fishing.”

ODFW recently developed an Easy Angling Oregon and Warmwater Fishing in Oregon booklets and Web sites to help families and individuals find the right spot to take advantage of fishing opportunities in Oregon.

The Free Fishing Weekend celebration began in 1988 as a way to encourage more people to become involved in angling and the outdoors.

Many of the most popular fishing waters around the state are stocked with additional rainbow trout in preparation for Free Fishing Weekend. Interested anglers are encouraged to use the ODFW Recreation Report, available on the Web site and updated weekly, to help them select a fishing destination.

Mid-Willamette Valley, Oregon Coast Free Fishing Weekend Event Times and Locations:

Thissel Pond, Alsea Hatchery - 7:30 AM - 3:30 PM. No disabled access.

Small Fry Pond, Promontory Park Clackamas - 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM. Participants must be 14 and under.

Fort Stevens State Park Clatsop - 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM. Disabled access available

Leaburg Hatchery - 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM. Participants must be 13 and under; disabled access available.

Willamette Hatchery - 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM. Participants must be 10 and under.

Big Creek Resevoior #2 - 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM. Participants must be 13 and under.

Salmon River Hatchery - 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM. Participants must be 13 and under.

Foster Lake - 8:30 AM - noon. Participants must be 18 and under; disabled access available.

Champoeg State Heritage Area (Boat Dock) - 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM. Disabled access available.

Detroit Lake, Hover Campground - 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM. Disabled access available.

Silverton Reservoir - 8:00 AM - noon. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult; disabled access available Silverton Reservoir will be closed to vehicular and boat traffic from 7:30 AM to 1:00 PM on Free Fish Day, Saturday, June 9th

Walter Wirth Lake, Cascade Park - 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Bonneville Hatchery - 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM. Participants must be 12 and under; disabled access available

Hebo Lake - 8:00 AM - noon. Disabled access available.

Nedonna Pond Tillamook Joe Watkins 503-368-6828 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM. Participants must be 12 and under.

Trask River Hatchery - 8:00 AM - 3:30 PM. Participants must be 12 and under until noon; noon - 3:30 PM open to all.

Rainbow Lake - 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

For more statewide event locations and times, visit the ODFW Web site, www.dfw.state.or.us/free_fishing/ or call (503) 947-6002.