A large variety of rainbow trout is in store for anglers who attend the free family fishing event set for Saturday, May 6 at Sheridan Pond from 9: 30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife will release thousands of fish into the pond especially for this event. The fish will come in several sizes, ranging from 8-inch “legals” to two pound “trophies.”

“We’ve got a nice selection of trout going into Sheridan Pond for this event,” said Jeff Fulop, ODFW family fishing event coordinator.

In addition to hatchery-raised trout, ODFW will provide rods, reels and tackle and bait, on a first-come first-served basis to those who want to participate. People are welcome to bring their own fishing gear if they prefer but are not required to do so. Staff and volunteer fishing instructors will be on site to answer questions and demonstrate effective fishing techniques.

“We always look forward to our Sheridan fishing event because it is an excellent venue with lots of shoreline accessible to families with kids,” said Fulop.

The event is open to the public, and no pre-registration is required, although some people will need fishing licenses to participate. Anglers 11 years old and younger do not need a fishing license. However, anglers 12-17 years of age 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. Everybody else must have an adult fishing license. Licenses will not be sold at the event so individuals planning to participate should obtain their licenses ahead of time.

Sheridan Pond is one of more than 350 water bodies in Oregon that ODFW regularly stocks with trout. Persons interested in fishing can explore many other opportunities by perusing ODFW’s stocking schedules, maps, guides and other resources at ODFW’s website, located at www.odfw.com under the “Fishing” tab.

Sheridan Pond is a 2 ½-acre pond located on the edge of town. An old mill pond, it has plenty of bank access, parking, and a restroom. To get there take Hwy. 18 to Exit 33 onto Balston Rd. Go south on Balston Rd. approximately half a mile and turn left onto a gravel road leading about a quarter mile to the pond.