The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife will host a free youth fishing event Saturday, May 26 at Mt. Hood Pond in Gresham.  

A feature of the ODFW Outdoors program, the event will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the pond located on the Mount Hood Community College Campus at 2600 SE Stark St.

ODFW will stock the pond with rainbow trout just prior to the event and will hand out rods, reels, tackle and bait to youngsters who are learning to fish or do not have their own gear. Pre-registration is not required, and participants are welcome to bring their own equipment if they prefer. ODFW staff and volunteer angling instructors will be available to provide assistance on gearing up, casting, landing and other aspects of trout fishing.

Mount Hood Pond is a youth-only and disabilities permit fishing venue from April 1 through Aug. 31. So while adults are welcome to attend, they will not be allowed to fish, unless they have a current angler with disabilities permit.

Kids 11 years old and younger do not need a fishing license. Those 12-17 will need a youth license that can be purchased from any ODFW license agent for $10. Licenses won’t be issued at the event so those who are required should obtain one ahead of time.

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