Cottage Grove, Ore. -- The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife will host a youth fishing event at the Cottage Grove Pond in Cottage Grove on Saturday, April 19 from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. This event is free and no pre-registration is required.

The event is part of ODFW’s Youth Angling Enhancement Program, designed to introduce young people to the fun of fishing. The department will provide rods, reels, tackle and bait for use by young anglers who are fishing for the first time or do not have their own fishing equipment. Participants should feel free to bring their own equipment if they prefer.

ODFW staff and volunteers will be on hand to help participants learn how to bait the hook, cast the rod and land the fish. Volunteers will even clean the catch. In addition, ODFW is working with the Roaring Springs Trout Hatchery and Fishing Club to stock over 1,200 rainbow trout, including 400 bigger fish, for the event.

“This event is really focused on the kids and their families,” said Erik Moberly, ODFW biologist. “So we hope other people will be patient and give the younger anglers a chance to go after these fish.”

Under Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations, anglers 13 years old and younger can fish for free. A juvenile license is required for anglers 14-17 years of age. All other anglers must have an adult fishing license. All fishing regulations will apply.

To find Cottage Grove Pond from I-5, take the Cottage Grove exit (Exit 174) and travel east on Row River Road about 1.5 miles. Turn north into the parking area near the weigh station.

The Youth Angling Enhancement Program is made possible, in part, through a partnership with the Oregon Wildlife Heritage Foundation. For information about the event at Cottage Grove Pond call the ODFW Springfield office at (541) 726-3515. To find out more about other YAEP events throughout the state, go to www.dfw.state.or.us.

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