Clackamas, Ore - Do you have a youngster who can’t wait to pick up a pole and go fishing? Then go to St. Louis Ponds near Woodburn, Oregon Saturday, April 7 and let ODFW bring the poles.
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is stocking approximately 300 larger rainbow trout ranging from 16-18 inches in addition to over 1,500 legal size rainbow trout as part of the Youth Angling Enhancement Program. The department is also supplying rods and reels, tackle and fish bags for use by young anglers who don’t have their own fishing equipment. ODFW staff and volunteers will be on hand from 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. to help young anglers with the equipment and angling instruction. Packets of information including the new Easy Angling Oregon booklets will be available to participants.
“This is a great experience for kids who are first-time anglers because we bring all of the equipment and we’re there to answer questions and help them feel more comfortable with fishing,” says Jeff Fulop, Salmon Trout Enhancement Program biologist for the North Willamette Watershed. “The opportunity to catch a larger fish brings out the young anglers who are more experienced.”
This program was made possible through a $50,000 appropriation from the Oregon Legislatur 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.
To find St. Louis Pond from I-5 take the Woodburn exit. Then go east from the exit to Hwy 99E. At 99E you head south to Gervais Road. Go west on Gervais Road through the town of Gervais. The road eventually changes to St Louis Rd. Continue west on St Louis Rd back over I-5 to Tesch Road, at the railroad crossing. Go left on Tesch Rd and follow the signs to the ponds. The event will be at pond # 3.
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. |
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