TILLAMOOK, Ore. — The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife invites young anglers to take part in its Youth Angling Enhancement Program Saturday, May 2 at Vernonia Pond from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event is free and ODFW staff and volunteers will be on hand to assist youngsters who want to learn how to fish.

ODFW will stock the lake with 3,500 rainbow trout from ODFW’s Salmon River and Nehalem fish hatcheries.

ODFW will provide equipment including rods, reels and bait. Angling Education Instructors will be present to answer questions and offer assistance to less experienced youth anglers.

“This is an excellent opportunity for kids to discover fishing,” said Robert Bradley, assistant district fish biologist for ODFW’s North Coast Watershed. “We’ll have plenty of experienced staff and anglers at the event to answer any questions and provide instruction.”

Under Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations, anglers ages 13 and under can fish for free while those 14-17 will need to have a juvenile angling license. All fishing regulations continue to apply during this event.

Vernonia Pond is located at the north end of Vernonia on Hwy. 47, approximately 2/10 miles past the Vernonia Fire Department. The pond is on the east side of Hwy. 47.

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