ODFW promotes family fun at two youth fishing events

Corvallis, Ore. —Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) is hosting two youth angling events Saturday, May 12 at Sunnyside Park Pond near Sweet Home and Junction City Pond south of Junction City. Both events are free to the public.

The youth angling event at Sunnyside Pond is sponsored by the NW Steelheaders Albany Chapter and will run from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The Steelheaders will provide fishing poles, tackle and bait for use that day.  As an extra bonus for parents, the Steelheaders will also clean and cook the fish! The pond is located next to Foster Reservoir in the Linn County Sunnyside Park and Campground, about 4 miles east of Sweet Home.

The youth angling event at Junction City Pond is sponsored by Moose Lodge and will run from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.  Moose Lodge is holding a derby and raffle at the event with fun prizes.  ODFW staff and volunteers will be on hand to answer questions and offer assistance to less experienced youth anglers. The pond is located next to Highway 99W, about 3 miles south of Junction City

“We’ve had tremendous success partnering with NW Steelheaders and Moose Lodge,” says Karen Hans, STEP Biologist.  “The volunteers play an important role in educating young anglers on fishing techniques and answering questions from parents. Packets of information including the new Easy Angling Oregon booklets will be available to participants.

This program was made possible 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.

Under Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations, anglers aged 13 and under do not require a license, while those 14-17 require a juvenile license. All fishing regulations continue to apply for this event.