The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife will host a Family Fishing event the Alton Baker Canoe Canal in Eugene on Saturday, May 12 from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. This event is free and no pre-registration is required.

This event is part of the ODFW Outdoors program and is designed to introduce young people and their families to the fun of fishing. The department will loan out rods, reels, tackle and provide bait for use by anglers who are learning to fish or do not have their own gear. Participants should feel free to bring their own equipment if they prefer.

ODFW staff and volunteers will be on hand to help participants learn how to bait the hook, cast the rod and land the fish. Volunteers will even help clean the catch.

“This is a unique opportunity for new anglers to experience some great fishing right in their own back yard,” said Shannon Richardson, ODFW biologist. The Canoe Canal is stocked throughout the summer and into fall, providing ample opportunity for families to practice their new fishing skills on their own.

Under Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations, anglers 13 years old and younger can fish for free. A juvenile license is required for anglers 14-17 years of age. All other anglers must have an adult fishing license. Licenses are not available for sale at the Canoe Canal. All fishing regulations will apply.

The Alton Baker Canoe Canal is within Alton Baker Park and can be accessed off of Club Road in Eugene. The fishing event will take place about 250 yards upstream of the bridge over the canal as you enter the park. Follow the gravel pedestrian path from the road up the canal to the event.

For information about the event at Alton Baker Canoe Canal, call the ODFW Springfield office at (541) 726-3515. To find out more about other Family Fishing Events throughout the state, go to www.dfw.state.or.us.