25th Annual Family Fishing Extravaganza and Carnival at Eckman Lake on May 18th!

There is limited space on the dock at Eckman Lake so participants often have to wait in line before heading out to fish.Photo byODFW

WALDPORT, Ore. — Excitement is brewing in Waldport as the 25th Annual Family Fishing Event and Carnival, hosted by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) in collaboration with the First Baptist Church of Waldport, is poised to enchant participants of all ages at Eckman Lake on Saturday, May 18.

Scheduled from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., this eagerly anticipated event promises a day filled with outdoor fun and wholesome activities tailored for youth aged 17 and under. Participants will have the opportunity to reel in two rainbow trout each from the fish enclosure, with all necessary fishing gear and instruction provided complimentary.

A staggering 1400 rainbow trout, including 50 trophy specimens, will be released into the enclosure, ensuring ample chances for budding anglers to test their skills. In addition to angling adventures, children can engage in crafting their own fishing lures, hone their casting techniques with a backyard game, and gain insights into fish anatomy through educational sessions conducted by volunteers from the Angell Job Corps.

Simultaneously, across the street from the fishing festivities, the First Baptist Church of Waldport will host a vibrant carnival, catering to children of all ages. The carnival boasts an array of attractions, including a bouncy house, obstacle course, target practice games, and various other enthralling activities. Complimentary refreshments, comprising hot dogs, beverages, and cotton candy, will be provided to fuel the revelry.

Admission to the event is open to all, with no prior registration necessary. While anglers aged 11 years and younger are exempt from the fishing license requirement, those aged 12 to 17 must possess a youth license, available for purchase at any ODFW license agent or online at www.myodfw.com for a nominal fee of $10. Notably, fishing licenses will not be vendored on-site. The youth license encompasses privileges for angling, hunting, shellfish gathering, and the Columbia River basin endorsement.

Eckman Lake, situated approximately 2.5 miles east of Waldport on Highway 34, will serve as the idyllic backdrop for the family-oriented festivities. The designated family fishing area will be established at Nelson State Recreation Area, conveniently situated across from the parking lot of the First Baptist Church.

As the event approaches, anticipation mounts among Waldport residents and fishing enthusiasts alike, eager to partake in a day brimming with outdoor recreation and cherished memories.

By Kristy Tallman, May 16, 2024

The Republic News

Source: Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife