Free Fishing Weekend in Oregon is June 4-5, and many events are planned around the state to help families make the most of this opportunity. During Free Fishing Weekend, fishing licenses, tags and endorsements are not required anywhere in Oregon.
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife will make sure there are plenty of fish to catch. During the week leading up to Free Fishing Weekend ODFW will release more than 185,000 trout at 80 locations around the state. Many additional locations were stocked in the preceding weeks, and some of those fish should be available as well.
Free Fishing Weekend is a great opportunity for families to get out and enjoy a day or two of fishing,” said Rick Hargrave, administrator of ODFW’s Information & Education Division. “Lakes and ponds are fully stocked, a number of rivers are open, and don’t forget about the coast for crabbing and clamming.”
As in years past, ODFW is teaming up with the Oregon State Parks Department to inspire people to explore Oregon’s parks and outdoors by waiving fees and offering such activities as fishing events, nature walks, and specialized outdoor-related workshops. Several state parks will be hosting ODFW Free Fishing Weekend fishing events and waiving park admission and camping fees on “State Parks Day” Saturday, June 4.
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife will host a Family Fishing event June 4 at Olalla Reservoir on the Oregon Coast. The event will take place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will include a stocked fish enclosure for youth and family fishing, with loaner gear and volunteer instructors provided. Pre-registration is not required for this event. Free Fishing Weekend allows adults and children the opportunity to try fishing, crabbing and clamming all weekend long without having to purchase a fishing license. All other regulations and bag limits continue to apply.
Under Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations, anglers 11 years old and younger can fish for free during any open season, making every day Free Fishing Day! Otherwise, a youth license is required for anglers 12-17 years of age who choose to fish before or after Free Fishing Weekend. All other anglers must have an adult fishing license outside of Free Fishing Weekend.
Olalla Reservoir is located about five miles northeast of Toledo, Oregon. From Hwy. 20, follow Olalla Road north to Olalla Reservoir City Park. Participants will be able to park at the reservoir but parking is limited and will be available on a first come, first serve basis.
Campsite reservations may be made by calling 800-452-5687 before 5 p.m. June 3. Or, reserve online at www.oregonstateparks.org. While the campsite rental is free, an $8 nonrefundable reservation fee still applies. Of the 52 state park campgrounds, 42 take reservations.
“State Parks Day is our way of thanking Oregonians for their commitment to our state parks,” said Oregon Parks and Recreation Department Director Lisa Sumption. “We invite Oregonians to come out and explore a new park or visit an old favorite.”
The Oregon State Legislature established Oregon State Parks Day in 1997 to focus public attention on Oregon’s state park system. The event is always the first Saturday in June. Parks throughout the state will host activities including guided hikes–Saturday, June 4 is also National Trails Day–plus open houses, tours, special barbecues and guest appearances by J.R. Beaver, Oregon State Parks mascot.
