Fam Fishing, Carnival Returns To Lake Near Waldport Saturday

THE FOLLOWING IS A PRESS RELEASE FROM THE OREGON DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE

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 20.

The 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. 1400 rainbow trout will be released into the enclosure for the fishing event, including 50 trophy trout.

“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 carnival offers a bouncy house, obstacle course, target practice games, cotton candy and lots of other fun activities. Kids can also make their own fishing lures, practice casting with a backyard game, and learn about fish anatomy and physiology while volunteers clean their catch.

The event is open to everyone, and no pre-registration is required. Participants can register at the church upon arrival to get a free 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 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.