Free Fishing Weekend Family Event June 9 in Oregon
OutdoorHub 05.29.12
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife will host a Family Fishing event at the Alton Baker Canoe Canal in Eugene on Saturday, June 9 from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Pre-registration is not required for this free event that will replace the popular Free Fishing Day event held at Leaburg Hatchery in previous years.
This Family Fishing event is part of the ODFW Outdoors program and is designed to introduce young people and their families to the fun of fishing. The department will loan out rods, reels and tackle and provide bait to those who do not have their own gear. Participants are welcome to bring their own equipment if they prefer.
ODFW staff and volunteers will be on site to help participants learn how to bait the hook, cast the rod and land the fish. Volunteers will even clean the catch.
“This is a unique opportunity for new anglers to experience some great fishing right in their own back yard,” said Shannon Richardson, ODFW biologist. The canoe canal is stocked throughout the summer and into fall, providing easy access and plenty of opportunity to families who want to practice their new fishing skills on their own. In addition, in recognition of Free Fishing Weekend, ODFW will have additional activities available for young anglers and their families, including fly casting and knot tying clinics.
Free Fishing Weekend, which falls on June 9-10 this year, allows adults and children the opportunity to try fishing, crabbing and clamming all weekend long without having to purchase a fishing license. All other regulations and bag limits continue to apply. Under Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations, anglers 13 years old and younger can fish for free during any open season, making every day Free Fishing Day! Otherwise, a juvenile license is required for anglers 14-17 years of age who chose to fish before or after Free Fishing Weekend. All other anglers must have an adult fishing license outside of Free Fishing Weekend.
The Alton Baker Canoe Canal is within Alton Baker Park and can be accessed off of Club Road in Eugene. The fishing event will take place about 250 yards upstream of the bridge over the canal as you enter the park. Follow the gravel pedestrian path from the road up the canal to the event.
For information about the event at Alton Baker Canoe Canal, call the ODFW Springfield office at (541) 726-3515. To find out more about other Family Fishing Events throughout the state, go to www.dfw.state.or.us.
