[ODFW-News] ODFW invites kids to celebrate Free Fishing Day June 12 at Leaburg Hatchery

[ODFW News]

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife  Leaburg Fish Hatchery 	
Contact: 	Tim C. Wright (541) 896-3294 x221	
Internet: www.dfw.state.or.us  E-mail: Leaburg at oregonvos.net  Fax: (541) 896-0447
	

For Immediate Release	Thursday, May 20, 2004

ODFW Invites Kids to Celebrate Free Fishing Day June 12 at Leaburg Hatchery


LEABURG - The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife's  Leaburg Hatchery on the McKenzie River will host its 5th Annual Free Fishing Day celebration 9 a.m. -  2 p.m., Saturday, June 12, to give kids the thrill of landing a fish.

Several notable changes will mark this year's event. Unlike years past, the Leaburg ball field in the town of Leaburg will be the registration and boarding site for families. There will be no parking at the hatchery or at the EWEB Park again this year. The bus ride and the event are free.  

Fishing at the hatchery will have a new twist this year.
·	All children 13 and under will receive a "Passport to Fishing" card. As they proceed through the interactive educational stations, the cards will be stamped. When they complete the stations, they will be allowed to fish in a pond set up especially for them. Trout stocked in this pond will be 0.5 - 1 pound each. Children will be allowed to keep three fish. 
·	Free fly-fishing lessons for kids will be available in the display pond. However, there will no catch and keep fishing in the display pond.

ODFW will have all the fishing gear needed. Personal fishing gear will not be allowed on the bus. ODFW also provides life jackets for children to wear. Successful anglers will receive a bag and ice to carry their catch home.
 
As an added bonus, Albertson's and Johnsonville have teamed up and will have grilled hot dogs and pop for sale. The proceeds will be donated to the ODFW Aquatic Angler Education Program.

"It's going to be a lot of fun for the whole family, come join us!," said Tim Wright, manager of Leaburg Hatchery.

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Information and Education Division
Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
(503) 947-6002