’10 NW OR Trout Scheds Out!

One-point-two million fish dinners are on their way to lakes, reservoirs and ponds around Northwest Oregon.

The state Department of Fish & Wildlife today released their trout stocking schedule for the North Coast Watershed, and the North and South Willamette watershed districts.

Fresh fish have already arrived this week at one water, 350 1-pounders at Junction City Pond.

“These are beautiful fish and will make a lot of people happy if they’re lucky enough to reel one in,” said Hal Boldt, fish liberation coordinator for ODFW’s Northwest Region.

And next week, 1,850 8- to 12-inchers will hit Walter Wirth Lake near Salem (Exit 253 off I-5, west to Turner Road SE, south on it then left to park), 350 8- to 10-inchers will be released into Huddleston Pond in Willamina.

All totalled, 96 waters will be planted around the region this year. The fish range from 8-inchers on up to 10-pounders

“The trout stocking program enriches the lives of tens of thousands of Oregonians,” adds Boldt.

The fish are produced at ODFW’s Alsea, Nehalem, Scio, Eugene, Oakridge and Maupin trout hatcheries. The cost of the program is covered primarily through the sale of Oregon fishing licenses.