ODFW to Host Youth Angling Event at McNary Ponds

Hermiston, Ore. -- The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, along with several local partners, will host a free youth fishing event at the McNary Channel Ponds near Hermiston on Saturday, April 12 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“The McNary Channel Ponds area is an ideal place to hold a youth fishing event,” said Bill Duke ODFW district fish biologist. “The natural setting and easy access make it a great location to introduce young people to fishing and the outdoors.”

To make the fishing even more fun, the ponds will be stocked with legal- and trophy-sized fish for the event.

While ODFW encourages people to bring their own fishing equipment, there will be some rods, reels and tackle available for youth who are fishing for the first time or who don’t have their own gear.

In addition, ODFW staff and volunteers will be on hand to help participants learn how to bait a hook, cast a rod and land a fish.

The event is part of ODFW’s Youth Angling Enhancement Program, designed to introduce young people to the fun of fishing. This event is also being sponsored by local partners including the City of Hermiston, Campbell Toyota and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

All fishing regulations apply. Anglers aged 13 years and younger will not need a fishing license; anglers 14-17 years old will need a juvenile license.

To find the McNary Channel Ponds from Hwy 730 at Umatilla, turn North onto Brownell Blvd (just west of I-82). Proceed to W. Third St.  Turn right onto Third Street and proceed through I-82 underpass. The ponds are north of Third St. between I-82 and McNary Dam. There are several vehicle access points which are well signed.

The Youth Angling Enhancement Program is made possible through the Oregon Legislature and a partnership with the Oregon Wildlife Heritage Foundation. For more information about the event at McNary Ponds, call Bill Duke, district fish biologist at (541)-276-2344. For a list of other YAEP events throughout the state go to www.dfw.state.or.us.

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