Eckman Lake Family Fishing. There is limited space on the dock so participants often have to wait in a short line before heading out to fish, especially in the morning.

Family fishing is coming to Waldport on Saturday, May 21 when the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and First Baptist Church of Waldport will host a free fishing event at Eckman Lake. The fishing event will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. for youth ages 17 and younger.  Each participant will be able to catch two rainbow trout from the fish enclosure and fishing gear and instruction will be provided free of charge. This is the most fun-packed family fishing event on the Mid Coast,” said Christine Clapp, ODFW Biologist. “The First Baptist Church of Waldport hosts a carnival for children of all ages, and the fishing event is just across the street at Eckman Lake.  Families are guaranteed to make memories that will last a lifetime!”

The event carnival is complete with bouncy house, obstacle course, target practice games, cotton candy and lots of other fun activities.  Kids can also make their own fishing lures and flies, get some extra cast practice with a backyard game, and learn about fish anatomy and physiology while volunteers clean their catch. 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.

The event is open to everyone, and no pre-registration is required. Participants should register at the church upon arrival to get their loaner fishing pole and goodie bag. 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, ODFW office or on-line at ODFW’s website (www.odfw.com). Licenses will not be sold at the event.  The youth license includes angling, hunting, shellfish and the Columbia River basin endorsement

Information and photo provided by ODFW