Youth Fishing Event at Oregon’s McNary Ponds on April 20
OutdoorHub 04.15.13
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and several local partners will host a free youth fishing event at the McNary Channel Ponds near Hermiston on Saturday, April 20 from 10 a.m. to noon. The event is open to all youth 2 to 12 years old. The ponds will be open for families starting at noon.
“This is a very popular event and a great opportunity for kids and families to get out and enjoy the outdoors and get started fishing,” said Bill Duke, ODFW district fish biologist. “The McNary ponds provide good access for young anglers, the pond is well-stocked throughout the season and there will be lots of volunteers to help the kids get started.”
ODFW will provide loaner fishing rods and reels, tackle and bait for youth that don’t have their own gear.
In addition to ODFW, other event sponsors include the Hermiston Parks and Recreation, Campbell Toyota and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Under Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations anglers ages 13 and under can fish for free while those 14-17 will need to have a $9 juvenile angling license, available at license outlets. Licenses will not be sold on site the day of the event.
To get to McNary Channel Ponds from Hwy 370 in Umatilla, turn north onto Brownell Blvd. (just west of I-82). Proceed to W. Third St. Turn right on Third St. and proceed through the I-82 underpass. The ponds are north of Third St. between I-82 and McNary Dam. There are several well-signed vehicle access points.
For more information about this event, call Bill Duke, ODFW district fish biologist, at (541) 276-2344.