SALEM, Ore. — Be our guest for a day of fishing with the kids. Young anglers are invited to come fishing Saturday, March 22 from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Garden Lake Park (Creswell Pond) immediately east of I-5 in Creswell. The event is free and ODFW will even clean the kids’ catch. 

Nearly 500 one-pound rainbow trout will be stocked on March 22, in addition to over 2,600 legal-sized rainbow stocked earlier in the week.  ODFW will provide all necessary equipment, including rods, reels and bait.  Fishing instructors will be on hand to answer questions and offer assistance to less experienced youth anglers.

“This is a great opportunity for parents and kids to get introduced to fishing,” says Kelly Reis, assistant district fish biologist in Springfield. “We’re here to answer any questions families might have and provide instruction for beginners.”

The event is part of the Youth Angling Enhancement Program, which develops and promotes youth fishing opportunities throughout the state. The program is made possible through a partnership with the Oregon Wildlife Heritage Foundation.

Under Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations, anglers aged 13 and under do not require a license. Those aged 14-17 require a juvenile license ($6.75) available at license agents and many ODFW offices.

Garden Lake is located in Garden Lake Park in Creswell.  From I-5, take the Creswell exit (Exit 182). From the southbound exit off I-5, head east on Cloverdale Road across the freeway and turn north on Melton Road. From the northbound exit off I-5, cross Cloverdale Road and travel north on Melton Road. Head north on Melton Road approximately 1/3 mile to Garden Lake Park.