WALDPORT — The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and First Baptist Church of Waldport are hosting a family fishing event at Eckman Lake from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 18.
The event is for youth ages 17 and younger. Each participant can catch two rainbow trout from a fish enclosure and fishing gear and instruction will be provided free of charge. Around 1,400 rainbow trout will be released into the enclosure for the event, including 50 trophy trout. Kids can also make their own fishing lures, practice casting with a backyard game, and learn about fish anatomy while volunteers from the Angell Job Corps clean their catch.
The family fishing area will be set up at Nelson State Recreation Area across from the First Baptist Church parking lot. There is limited space on the dock at so participants often have to wait in line before heading out to fish, especially in the morning.
The event is open to everyone, and no pre-registration is required. Anglers 11 years old and younger do not need a fishing license, but 12-17 year olds will need a youth license, which can be purchased for $10 at any ODFW license agent or online at www.myodfw.com. Licenses will not be sold at the event. The youth license includes angling, hunting, shellfish and the Columbia River basin endorsement.
The First Baptist Church of Waldport is also hosting a carnival for children of all ages across Highway 34 from the fishing event. The carnival offers a bouncy house, obstacle course, target practice games, and lots of other activities. Free hot dogs, drinks and cotton candy are also available.