ROSEBURG, Ore. – The annual free Family Fun Day of fishing, games and activities is set for Saturday, April 4 at Upper Empire Lake. This community event takes place from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. and even includes a free lunch.

ODFW will have 3,000 rainbow trout stocked in Upper Empire Lake and the Child Advocacy Center of Coos Bay will set up a mini-carnival. Northwest Natural Gas is providing lunch.

“This event is for the whole family,” said Tom Rumreich, ODFW fish biologist. “Last year more than 450 people came out and had a great time.”

People are encouraged to bring their own fishing equipment. Some rods, reels and tackle will be available for loan, and ODFW biologists and volunteers can help teach anglers how to catch those prize trout.

All fishing regulations continue to apply. Kids 13 and younger do not need a license and ages 14-17 require a juvenile license.

The trout stocking was made possible through ODFW’s Youth Angling Education Program which was funded by the Oregon Legislature in partnership with the Oregon Wildlife Heritage Foundation.
 
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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