Salem, Ore. — The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Northwest Steelheaders and Linn County Parks Department will host a free youth fishing event at Sunnyside Park Pond near Sweet Home on Saturday, May 10, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

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. 

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. 

“While the focus may be on the kids, we encourage parents or grandparents to spend the day with them and turn this into a family activity,” said Wayne Hunt, ODFW fish biologist.

In order to increase the fun factor, the pond will be stocked with 1,650 legal-sized rainbow trout, including 150 fish weighing between one and 1 1/2 pounds.  The fish are being provided by the Blue Den Ranch near Scio and the ODFW Roaring River Hatchery.

Under Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations, anglers aged 13 and under are not required to have a license, while those 14-17 must have a juvenile license.  All fishing regulations continue to apply for this event. 

The pond is located in the Linn County Sunnyside Park at the head of Foster Reservoir.  Take Highway 20 about 3 miles east of Sweet Home, then turn north onto Quartzville Road and travel one mile to the park. 

The Youth Angling Enhancement Program was made possible, in part, through a partnership with the Oregon Wildlife Heritage Foundation.  For information about the event at Sunnyside Pond, call ODFW fish biologists Wayne Hunt at 503-365-4722, or Karen Hans at 541-757-4186.  For a list of other YAEP events throughout the state go to www.dfw.state.or.us.

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