Clackamas, Ore. — The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife will host a free youth fishing event at Commonwealth Lake in Beaverton on Saturday, May 3 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m..

 “This is a great experience for kids who are first-time anglers.  We bring all of the equipment and are there to answer questions and teach kids how to fish,” says Danette Ehlers, ODFW assistant district fish biologist.  “We want kids to experience the joy of fishing and spending the day outdoors in hopes they will discover a lifelong interest.”

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, bait and fish bags for use by young anglers who do not have their own fishing equipment.  Packets of fishing information will be available, and there will be prizes donated by ODFW and “Fishing with Bear,” a private education and guide service.

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

In order to increase the fun factor, ODFW will stock 2,000 legal-sized rainbow trout and purchase approximately 100 six-pounders from Island Springs Hatchery for the event.

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. 

Commonwealth Lake a three-acre lake located in Cedar Hills (Beaverton).  The park lies just south of Highway 26, between the Southwest Cedar Hills and Murray Boulevard exits.  Drive south from the freeway on Cedar Hills Boulevard and take the first right-hand turn to the west.  Follow Southwest Butner Road for a half-mile to a tiny parking lot at the north end of the lake.  Other parking is available on neighborhood streets (Foothills Drive).

The Youth Angling Enhancement Program was made possible through the Oregon Legislature and a partnership with the Oregon Wildlife Heritage Foundation.  For information about the event at Commonwealth Lake, call Danette Ehlers, assistant district fish biologist, at (971) 673-6013.  For a list of other YAEP events throughout the state go to www.dfw.state.or.us.

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