Families interested in spending an enjoyable day outdoors with a fishing rod in their hands may want to head out to Olalla Reservoir near Newport on Saturday, April 25. The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and Georgia Pacific, in cooperation with the Association of Western Pulp and Paper Workers, are sponsoring a day of fishing at Olalla Reservoir. The Olalla Reservoir Fishing Event will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will include a stocked fish enclosure for youth fishing, both youth and adult reservoir-wide fishing derbies, kayak tours, nature hikes and other fun family activities. Prizes will be awarded for the adult and youth fishing derbies, and there will also be a few prizes that every youth participant will be entered to receive. All activities are free. ODFW will provide rods, reels, tackle, and bait free of charge. People who prefer to use their own equipment are welcome to bring it along. Volunteer angling instructors will be available at the reservoir to help participants set up their gear, cast, reel, and even clean fish. According to Christine Clapp, ODFW fish biologist in Newport, the event will offer something for just about every member of the family. The event is open to the public, and no pre-registration is required. Anglers 13 years old and younger do not need a fishing license. Anglers 14-17 years of age will need a juvenile fishing license, which can be purchased for $9 at any ODFW license agent, ODFW office or on-line at ODFW’s website. Everyone else must have an adult fishing license. Licenses will not be sold at the event so individuals planning to participate should obtain their licenses ahead of time. Olalla Reservoir is a 120-acre reservoir on Olalla Creek about nine miles northeast of Newport. From Newport, take Hwy. 20 east for approximately six miles, then head north on Olalla Road for about three miles. Parking at Olalla Reservoir is reserved for people launching boats. All other participants will need to park at the Toledo High School and ride the shuttle to Olalla Reservoir. The shuttle will be running between Toledo High School and the reservoir every 15 minutes from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Toledo High School is located at 1800 NE Sturdevant Road. There will be signs posted to guide people to the high school from east or westbound Highway 20. Olalla Reservoir is one of more than 350 water bodies in Oregon that ODFW regularly stocks with trout. Persons interested in fishing can explore many other opportunities by perusing ODFW’s stocking schedules, maps, guides and other resources at ODFW’s website, located at www.odfw.com under the “Fishing” tab.
