Oregonian’s can fish, crab and clam for free during Free Fishing Weekend, June 7-8 when fishing and shellfishing licenses and tags are not required. Events held around Southern Oregon give families an opportunity to try their hand at landing a trout. The following events held are Saturday, June 7 unless noted: Coos County: • Eel Lake at Tugman State Park, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. At a series of stations, kids will learn how to id fish, tie knots, and cast along with fishing courtesy and water safety. There is a free lunch, fishing tackle gift bag and the chance to catch trout out of a net pen. Curry County: • Elk River Hatchery, June 7 and 8 from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. for kids 10 and under. Children may fish either Saturday or Sunday but not both days to ensure as many kids as possible can try fishing. Information: David Chambers, 541-332-7025. • Libby Pond, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. This event for kids 13 and younger features food, loaner fishing equipment and gear, and a fishing derby with prizes. Douglas County: • Cooper Creek, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. This popular event has a kiddie pond for two to eight-year-olds, loaner rods and reels, fly tying and casting lessons, and a fish cleaning station. Once kids go through an education station, they get a ticket for raffle drawings. Free hot dogs and Pepsi. • Diamond Lake, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. This fishing derby is for kids 17 and younger. Check-in begins at 6 a.m. at the resort’s Marina. There will be prizes for biggest fish by different age classes so kids should check in their trout to be measured at the Marina by 2 p.m. There will be door prizes and hot dogs in front of the resort after check-out concludes. • Galesville Reservoir, Sunday, June 8 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. ODFW is stocking 500 legal-sized trout just prior to Free Fishing Weekend. There will be prizes, bait supplies and help for first-time anglers at this event for kids 16 and under. Free hot dogs. • Lake Marie, Sunday, June 8 from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. for kids 14 and under. Registration begins at 9 a.m. Rods and reels will be available, along with help for first-time anglers. Kids can enter a casting contest and get a bounty for picking up litter. Hot dogs and soda are free to kids with a nominal charge for adults to help pay for next year’s event. Jackson County: Fish Lake, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. This event, sponsored by the U.S. Forest Service is held at the CCC shelter in the day use area. • Hyatt Lake BLM Campground, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. This popular event features free camping Friday and Saturday nights, a raffle and other activities. The United Hunters and Sportsmen will offer free breakfast at the group shelter area both Saturday and Sunday from 7 a.m. – 11 a.m. Information: 541-618-2281. • Lost Creek Lake Marina, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Sponsored by Oregon State Parks, this event offers prizes, free bait, and limited loaner rods and reels; anglers are encouraged to bring their own gear. Information: 541-560-3334. Josephine County: • Lake Selmac, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Josephine County’s only Free Fishing Weekend event is at Lake Selmac and sponsored by the Middle Rogue Steelheaders. Rods and reels are available for loan and bait is provided. Information: 541-295-1682. All other regulations apply including bag limit and size restrictions. People who already have a combined tag for salmon, steelhead, sturgeon and halibut are encouraged to use it as it provides data for fish managers. The mission of the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is to protect and enhance Oregon’s fish and wildlife and their habitats for use and enjoyment by present and future generations. The agency consists of the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission, a commission-appointed director and a statewide staff of approximately 950 permanent employees. Headquartered in Salem, ODFW has regional offices in Clackamas and Roseburg with ten district offices located throughout the state. For additional information, please visit www.dfw.state.or.us.
