Tim Bailey (541) 276-2344
Fax: (541) 276-4414

PENDLETON, Ore. —Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and Morrow County Parks are sponsoring a youth angling event May 12 at Cutsforth Park fishing pond near Heppner from 8:30 to 11 a.m.

As part of the Youth Angling Enhancement Program YAEP, now in its fourth year, ODFW will stock the pond with 650 trout, including some trophy-sized fish. The YAEP is funded through a $50,000 appropriation from the Oregon Legislature and a partnership with the Oregon Wildlife Heritage Foundation, which has pledged an additional $50,000 and is working with ODFW to develop and promote youth fishing opportunities throughout the state.

“This event is specifically for kids and offers a great opportunity to introduce them to fishing," said ODFW District Fish Biologist Tim Bailey. "We want children to experience how exciting fishing can be and to get involved in an activity that can provide individuals and families lifelong recreation."  

Volunteers from the Elks Lodge of Heppner will be serving food and beverages for the kids and ODFW will provide young anglers with loaner rods and reels, bait and tackle.

In Oregon, anglers 13 years of age and under can fish for free.  A juvenile license is required for anglers 14-17 years of age.  All state fishing regulations continue to apply.

The pond is located at Cutsforth County Park, 22 miles southeast of Heppner on Willow Creek Road, Blue Mountain Scenic By-Way.

For more information contact Betty Gray with Morrow County Public Works at 541-989-9500 or Jeff Neal at ODFW’s Pendleton office at 541-276-2344. 

The mission of the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is to protect and enhance Oregon's fish and wildlife and their habitats for use and enjoyment by present and future generations. The agency consists of the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission, a commission-appointed director and a statewide staff of approximately 950 permanent employees. Headquartered in Salem, ODFW has regional offices in Clackamas, Roseburg, Bend, and La Grande with ten district offices located throughout the state. For additional information, please visit www.dfw.state.or.us.