[ODFW-News] Trout stocked for Vernonia youth fishing event

[ODFW News]

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife 	
Contact: 	Anne Pressentin Young (503) 947-6020	
Internet: www.dfw.state.or.us  Fax: (503) 947-6009
	

For Immediate Release	Thursday, April 22, 2004

Trout Stocked for Vernonia Youth Fishing Event

VERNONIA - Young people interested in learning how to fish can find a
great fishing opportunity Saturday, May 1, at Vernonia Pond in Vernonia.


The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is stocking more than 3,000
rainbow trout for the event as part of the new Youth Angling Enhancement
Program.  The department also is supplying rods and reels for use by
young anglers who don't have their own fishing equipment.

The program was made possible through a $50,000 appropriation from the
Oregon Legislature and a partnership with the Oregon Wildlife Heritage
Foundation, which has pledged an additional $50,000 and is working with
ODFW to develop and promote youth fishing opportunities throughout the
state.

"This is a wonderful opportunity to introduce children to the fun of
fishing and encourage participation in outdoor recreation activities,"
said ODFW Director Lindsay Ball. "A lot of credit goes to the Oregon
Wildlife Heritage Foundation for all their hard work and financial
contributions to help make this event possible."

Under Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations, anglers under the age of 13 can
fish for free. A juvenile license is required for anglers 14-17 years of
age. All other anglers must have an Oregon adult fishing license. All
fishing regulations continue to apply.

"This is being done for kids, so while the standard fishing
regulations will apply, we would like to ask adults to leave the fishing
to the next generation for a few days," said Dan Van Dyke, ODFW
biologist. 

Other activities include casting contests, fly fishing and fly tying
demonstrations.  A Farmers' Market and River Run are also being
planned by the City of Vernonia and Chamber of Commerce.  


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