CLACKAMAS, Ore. — Hundreds of feisty rainbow trout will be lurking in the waters of Canby Pond on Saturday, April 2 when the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife rolls out a free youth fishing event at the city’s favorite fishing hole. The event will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

A feature of the ODFW Outdoors Program, this youth-and-disabled-angler-only fishing event is designed to introduce families to fishing. To ensure that every youngster has a good chance of catching fish, ODFW will release a truckload of rainbow trout produced especially for this event at Roaring River hatchery near Scio. The fish will range in size from 8 to 13 inches.

Participants are welcome to bring their own fishing equipment if they prefer. For those without fishing gear, ODFW will provide rods, reels, tackle and bait free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis.

“We hope kids will take advantage of this opportunity to get out and join us for a fun day of fishing,” said Jeff Fulop, ODFW biologist. “We’ll have everything a kid needs to be successful – lots of hungry fish, plenty of equipment and bait, and experienced instructors who can show you how to put it all together for a successful outing.”

Canby Pond one of Oregon’s only youth-only fishing venues. It is open to youngsters ages 17 and under as well as persons with disabilities who possess a current Oregon Disabilities Hunting and Fishing License. Under the Oregon fishing regulations, kids do not need a fishing license until the age of 12. Those 12-17 must have a license in possession, and these can be for $10 at any ODFW field office, license agent or online at the ODFW website. Licenses will not be issued at the event and must be purchased ahead of time.

Canby Pond is a one-acre pond located at Canby Community Park in the southwest portion of Canby. Access the park by traveling south from Highway 99E on SW Berg Parkway. In addition to trout, the pond contains largemouth bass, crappie and bluegill.

Canby Pond is one of 350 water bodies in Oregon that ODFW regularly stocks with hatchery trout. Persons who are unable to participate in the Canby youth fishing event can explore many other fishing opportunities, stocking schedules and locations at ODFW’s website, www.odfw.com, under the “Fishing” tab.