Meghan Collins (541) 440-3353

ROSEBURG – Free Fishing Weekend is a great time to introduce children to angling. All fishing, clamming and crabbing is free and state angling regulations still apply during the weekend, June 9 – 10.

The events are sponsored by a variety of agencies and groups and all occur on Saturday, June 9 unless noted.

Coos County:

Eel Lake, Tugman State Park: This is a fun learning event for kids 10 and under, and disabled access is available. Kids go through stations to learn fish identification, fishing courtesy, water safety, knot tying and fly tying, and finish with casting lessons. Each child is provided a starter packet with fishing gear (no poles) and can fish out of a net pen in the pond. Certificates are given to those catching their first fish. Tugman State Park is just north of Lakeside.  Information: 541-888-5515.

Powers Pond: This 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. event is a fishing derby where nearly every child walks away with a prize. Participants must be 16 and under. Information: 541-888-5515.

Curry County:

Elk River Hatchery:  Participants must be 10 and under, and disabled access is available for the hatchery’s annual Free Fishing Weekend event held 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Hatchery staff can assist kids with fishing and gear is provided. Bring a cooler and ice to take home your catch. Information: 541-332-7025.

Libby Pond: A fishing derby for kids 13 and under is set for 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. Prizes will be awarded in three age categories. Volunteers with the Curry Anadromous Fishermen can help newcomers to fishing. Information: 541-247-7605.

Douglas County:

Cooper Creek Reservoir: Located near Sutherlin, the event runs from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. and features a kid’s fishing pond for ages 4 and under, a casting contest, and hourly door prizes. Loaner rods are available and the hot dogs are free. Information: 541-440-3353.

Herbert’s Pond: This event is for kids 16 and younger and is 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Included are various prizes, free hot dogs, chips, and soda. The pond is just outside Canyonville on the Tiller-Trail Highway. Information: 541-440-3353.

Diamond Lake Resort: This fishing derby is 7 a.m. – 2 p.m. for kids 17 and younger. Trophies will be awarded in three age groups and the Diamond Lake Resort will provide free hot dogs, Pepsi, and Umpqua Dairy ice cream to all derby participants. Call 1-800-733-7593 for a registration form or register at the marina the morning of the event.