CLACKAMAS, Ore. — The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife invites young anglers to take part in its first Family Fishing Event of the year Saturday, April 2 at Canby Pond from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event is free and ODFW staff and volunteers will be on hand to support participating youths.

ODFW will stock the pond with 800 legal-size rainbow trout and 200 larger trout for the event. The department will also provide rods, reels, fish ID cards and bait for youngsters who don’t have their own gear. Certified angling education instructors will be available to answer questions and offer instruction in such skills as knot tying, fish identification, and casting.

“This is a great opportunity for families to get out and find out how much fun it can be to go fishing together,” said Jeff Fulop, Salmon Trout Enhancement Program biologist for ODFW’s North Willamette Watershed.

Canby Pond one of Oregon’s only youth-only fishing venues. It is open to youngsters ages 17 and under as well as persons with disabilities who possess a current Oregon Disabilities Hunting and Fishing Permit.

Under Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations, anglers ages 13 and under can fish for free while those 14-17 will need to have a juvenile angling license, which can be purchased for $9 at any ODFW office, most sporting goods stores and on-line at ODFW’s website (www.dfw.state.or.us). Licenses will not be sold at the event.

Canby Pond is located at Canby Community Park in the southwest portion of Canby. Access the park by traveling south from Highway 99E on SW Berg Parkway.

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