Hermiston, Ore. -- The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and the US Army Corps of Engineers will host a free youth fishing event at the McNary Channel Ponds near Hermiston on Saturday, May 10 from 9 a.m. to 12 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, and there will be prizes for the biggest fish caught in several age groups.

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.

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. 

To find the McNary Channel Ponds take Highway 730 from Umatilla and turn north onto Brownell Blvd (just West of I-82). 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, in part, through 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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