05-04-2011, 11:10 AM
CLACKAMAS, Ore. - Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is hosting a free family fishing event Saturday, May 7 at Commonwealth Pond in Cedar Hills near Beaverton.
ODFW will stock the pond with 3,000 legal size rainbow trout 300 larger trout and 300 trophies. The department is also supplying rods and reels for the day in addition to bait, tackle and fish bags for use by young anglers who do not have their own fishing equipment. ODFW staff and volunteers will be on site from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. to answer questions.<br />
"We've got a lot of nice fish going into Commonwealth for this event," said Jeff Fulop, Salmon-Trout Enhancement Program biologist for ODFW's North Willamette Watershed District. "This is going to be a good opportunity for families that want to come out and give it a try." In addition to stocked trout, Commonwealth Pond contains warmwater species including bass, bluegill and crappie.<br />
Recruiting young anglers through events like the upcoming free fishing event at Commonwealth Pond has been identified as a top priority in ODFW's 25-Year Angling Enhancement Plan. The plan lays out strategies, actions and pilot projects that ODFW will take to enhance recreational fishing opportunities in Oregon over the next 25 years.<br />
Under the 2011 Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations, anglers aged 13 and under do not need a fishing license, while those 14-17 must possess a Juvenile Angling License, which can be purchased from any ODFW office or license agent for $9.<br />
Commonwealth Pond is in a neighborhood park great for kids, according to Fulop. The facilities include an ADA-accessible fishing platform and picnic areas. To get to Commonwealth Pond from Sunset Highway (Highway 26) take Cedar Hills Blvd. Exit south 1/2 mile and turn right on Foothills Drive. Follow Foothills Drive to Commonwealth Park.
ODFW will stock the pond with 3,000 legal size rainbow trout 300 larger trout and 300 trophies. The department is also supplying rods and reels for the day in addition to bait, tackle and fish bags for use by young anglers who do not have their own fishing equipment. ODFW staff and volunteers will be on site from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. to answer questions.<br />
"We've got a lot of nice fish going into Commonwealth for this event," said Jeff Fulop, Salmon-Trout Enhancement Program biologist for ODFW's North Willamette Watershed District. "This is going to be a good opportunity for families that want to come out and give it a try." In addition to stocked trout, Commonwealth Pond contains warmwater species including bass, bluegill and crappie.<br />
Recruiting young anglers through events like the upcoming free fishing event at Commonwealth Pond has been identified as a top priority in ODFW's 25-Year Angling Enhancement Plan. The plan lays out strategies, actions and pilot projects that ODFW will take to enhance recreational fishing opportunities in Oregon over the next 25 years.<br />
Under the 2011 Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations, anglers aged 13 and under do not need a fishing license, while those 14-17 must possess a Juvenile Angling License, which can be purchased from any ODFW office or license agent for $9.<br />
Commonwealth Pond is in a neighborhood park great for kids, according to Fulop. The facilities include an ADA-accessible fishing platform and picnic areas. To get to Commonwealth Pond from Sunset Highway (Highway 26) take Cedar Hills Blvd. Exit south 1/2 mile and turn right on Foothills Drive. Follow Foothills Drive to Commonwealth Park.