ODFW release – WALDPORT, Ore. — The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and First Baptist Church of Waldport will host a family fishing event at Eckman Lake on Saturday, May 18. The event will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. for youth ages 17 and younger. Each participant can catch two rainbow trout from the fish enclosure and fishing gear and instruction will be provided free of charge. Around 1400 rainbow trout will be released into the enclosure for the fishing 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 First Baptist Church of Waldport also hosts a carnival for children of all ages across the street from the fishing event. The carnival offers a bouncy house, obstacle course, target practice games, and lots of other fun activities. Free hot dogs, drinks and cotton candy are also available. 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. Eckman Lake is located about 2.5 miles east of Waldport on Highway 34. The family fishing area will be set up at Nelson State Recreation Area across from the First Baptist Church parking lot.
