LEABURG –Leaburg Hatchery, on the McKenzie River near Leaburg, invites Oregonians to its 8th Annual Free Fishing Day celebration from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Saturday, June 9.
This event is part of the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife’s (ODFW) Free Fishing Weekend where Oregonians and visitors can enjoy fishing, crabbing and clamming in the state of Oregon without a license. All current fishing and shellfish regulations apply.
“Since we started eight years ago, the event has proven to be very popular attracting hundreds of participants each year,” says Tim C. Wright, Leaburg Hatchery Manager. “I made some changes in the last several years to help the flow of traffic that made a positive impact on how families enjoyed the event. We plan to put those changes into effect this year, too.”
Activities include a raceway pond stocked with rainbow trout weighing up to one pound for children 13 and under. Free fly-fishing lessons for kids of all ages will occur at the upper display pond. Several educational stations will provide information on aquatic insects living in the river, different fish species and water safety. In addition, each child will be fitted with a life preserver while fishing this event.
Parking for this event is available at the Leaburg ball field near the fire station on Leaburg Drive. Parking will not be provided at the hatchery or EWEB Park. LTD buses will shuttle everyone to the hatchery free of charge. Registration is required for all participants before boarding the LTD bus. Registration runs from 8:00 a.m. to noon.
All fishing gear will be provided by ODFW for use that day. Personal fishing gear is not permitted and will not be allowed on the bus. ODFW is also providing fish bags and ice for successful anglers. Volunteers will even clean their catch for them!
The Leaburg Hatchery Free Fishing Weekend event is made possible through the efforts of the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Leaburg Hatchery, Lane Transit District, The McKenzie Fly Anglers, Cascade Family Fly Fishers, The McKenzie Anglers Fly Shop, Steelheaders West, The Sportsman’s Warehouse, the McKenzie Watershed Council and many local volunteers.
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