The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife will host several youth fishing events the first three Saturdays in May around the Columbia River Gorge.
ODFW staff and volunteers provide loaner fishing gear and help kids learn how to fish at these events. Youth must be accompanied by an adult.
The fishing events are scheduled for:
- Saturday, May 4: Bikini Pond at Mayer State Park in Rowena, 8 a.m.-1 p.m.
- Saturday, May 11: Camp Baldwin Boy Scout Camp west of Dufur, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
- Saturday, May 18: Middle Fork Settling Pond near Parkdale, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Kids 11 and under fish for free. Kids age 12-17 will need a $10 youth license, which can be purchased online at www.MyODFW.com or any ODFW field office or license outlet. Licenses will not be sold at the event.
For a list of other fishing events visit https://myodfw.com/articles/take-family-fishing
Driving Directions:
Bikini Pond: Take Exit 76 from Interstate 84 and head to Mayer State Park. There will be signs directing to the event near the boat launch.
Camp Baldwin:Camp Baldwin is off Forest Road 44 on the Mt. Hood National Forest. The west side of Forest Road 44 that intersects with Highway 35 from Hood River will likely be impassable due to snow.It is recommended that you route through Highway 197 to Dufur even if online driving directions recommend coming from Highway 35.
Middle Fork Settling Pond: The settling pond is about 5 miles south of Parkdale, Oregon. From Parkdale, turn on Clear Creek Road and take a right on Laurance Lake Drive. The Settling Pond is 2 miles up Laurance Lake Drive.
