The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife invites new anglers to take part in its family fishing Event Saturday, May 5at Vernonia Lake from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event is free to the public and open to all. ODFW staff, and volunteers will be on hand to assist those who want to learn how to fish.

ODFW will provide equipment for the event including rods, reels and bait for those who need it. Angling education instructors and volunteers will be present to answer questions and offer assistance to less experienced anglers. Approximately 6,000 trout will be stocked just prior to the event to help make it a successful experience.

“This is an excellent opportunity for all to discover fishing, or for those haven’t fished for a while to reacquaint themselves,” said Ron Rehn, STEP biologist for ODFW’s North Coast Watershed. “We’ll have plenty of experienced anglers at the event to answer any questions and help with instruction.”

Under Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations, anglers ages 11 and under can fish for free while those 12-17 will need to have a juvenile angling license. All fishing regulations continue to apply during this event.

Vernonia Lake is a 42-acre former mill pond located in the city of Vernonia. From Hwy. 26 west of Portland, take Hwy. 47 north to Vernonia. Follow the highway through town to the pond, which is in a city park just east of the road.