ODFW invites you to fish for free June 7-8

Date:

May 30, 2008

Contact:

Richard Hargrave (503) 947-6020 or Jessica Sall (503) 947-6023
Fax: (503) 947-6009

- Photo by Lance Johnson -

Salem, Ore.—If you’ve always wanted to try fishing, crabbing or clamming, there’s no better time than Free Fishing Weekend, June 7-8. For those two days, you don’t need a fishing license to fish, clam or crab anywhere in Oregon. You also don’t need to buy a sturgeon, steelhead or salmon tag.

(But all other current fishing and shellfish regulations will still apply.)

“Free Fishing Weekend is a great time for families to get out and discover or rediscover the fun of fishing, clamming or crabbing,” said Rick Hargrave Oregon Department Fish and Wildlife information/education manager.

“Oregon offers an incredible variety of locations where families can go—urban and rural--we hope people will take advantage of the free fishing weekend and go have some fun outdoors,” he added.

While anglers are welcome to explore any of the state’s hundreds of lakes, rivers and streams on their own, the ODFW and its partners are sponsoring almost 40 free fishing events throughout the state.

At most events there will be free fishing equipment first-time anglers can use, and special events planned for children.  Volunteers will be available to help.

“Even if you’ve never baited a hook, we can show you how to fish,” Hargrave said.

For a complete list of events with times and locations, go to www.dfw.state.or.us/free_fishing/events.asp.

If you’d like to explore on your own, ODFW offers an Easy Angling Oregon guide, Warmwater Fishing in Oregon booklets, and an extensive website to help you decide where to go. Visit www.dfw.state.or.us to find out more.

Free Fishing Weekend is always the first weekend after the first Monday in June. The event began in 1988 as a way to encourage more people to try fishing and enjoy the outdoors.

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