Clackamas, Ore. — The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife will host a free youth fishing event at West Salish Pond in Fairview on Saturday, May 31 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. Salish Ponds are the perfect place for both.”
The event is part of ODFW’s Youth Angling Enhancement Program, designed to introduce young people to the fun of fishing. ODFW, in coordination with Mount Hood Community College Fisheries Technology Program, will stock approximately 3,000 legal-sized rainbow trout into West Salish Pond. To increase the fun factor, ODFW will also purchase approximately 100 six-pounders from Island Springs Hatchery for the event. As always, warmwater fish are available in the East Salish Pond too.
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. 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. There is no need to sign up prior to the event. Please just register at the ODFW tent prior to fishing.
The Sandy Chapter of the Association of Northwest Steelheaders will also be on site Saturday to assist children and host a garbage clean up at the Salish Ponds Wetlands Park. Volunteers wanting to take part in the cleanup are asked to simply show up between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. and check in at the tent. Garbage bags will be available at the event.
West Salish Pond is located in the 70-acre Salish Ponds Wetlands Park on the north side of NE Glisan Street just west of NE 207th in Fairwiew. The park and ponds include restrooms and a fishing dock, in addition to trails winding through forests, wetlands and ponds. Parking is available on Glisan Street, at the Community Park (with a short hike following a trail), and behind Reynolds Elementary School.
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.
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 West Salish Pond, 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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