Take the family fishing
Attend an ODFW family fishing event or DIY
We make it easy to take your family fishing – with free fishing events, recommended family-friendly fishing locations, and how-tos on everything from buying your gear to cooking your catch.
2026 free family fishing events
Kids, families and friends learn the fun of fishing. At each event ODFW staff and volunteers will provide equipment, and teach new anglers how to rig their line, cast a rod, land a fish and identify their catch. This is a great opportunity for families to learn how to fish together and spend time in the outdoors.
ODFW offers free fishing events from April to early June. Kids 12 and younger don't need a license to participate but older kids and adults will.
In addition, Tualatin Bass Pro/Cabela's offers free casting lessons with instruction in their private pond. They will not stock fish during the free fishing weekend, but there are other education opportunities and fun activities for kids.
Upcoming dates will be posted soon. Contact Ken Lund at klund@cabelas.com, or call 503-822-2000 for more information.
2026 Free Fishing Weekend events - COMING SOON
| Contact Name | Phone | Location | Nearest Town | Date | Time | |
| Stephan Charette | stephan.r.charette@odfw.oregon.gov | (541) 575-1167 | Twin Ponds | Ukiah | ||
| Ron Bell | skyhut@gmail.com | (503) 931-1346 | Silverton Marine Park, Silverton Res. | Silverton | ||
| Christine Clapp | christine.m.clapp@odfw.oregon.gov | (541) 961-6386 | Cleawox Lake | Florence | ||
| Wilbert Warren | wil@imhookedinc.org | (503) 453-0521 | I'm Hooked Great Outdoor Experience, Henry Hagg Lake | Gaston | ||
| Mt. Hood National Forest | (503) 668-1700 | Small Fry Lake, Promontory Park (open to anglers 17 years and younger only) | Estacada | |||
| Ken Lund | klund@cabelas.com | 503-822-2000 | Tualatin Bass Pro/Cabela's | Tualatin | ||
| Mike Hazen | michael.w.hazen@odfw.oregon.gov | (503) 455-2234 | Gnat Creek Fish Hatchery | Clatskanie | ||
| Martyne Reesman | martyne.j.reesman@odfw.oregon.gov | (458) 201-0227 | Alton Baker Park | Eugene | ||
| Levi Simmons | Levi.M.Simmons@odfw.oregon.gov | 541-530-8622 | Cooper Creek Reservoir | Sutherlin | ||
| Levi Simmons | Levi.M.Simmons@odfw.oregon.gov | 541-530-8622 | Lake Marie | Winchester Bay | ||
| Gary Vonderohe | Gary.R.Vonderohe@odfw.oregon.gov | 541-888-5515 | Eel Lake, Tugman Lake State Park | Lakeside | ||
| Ethan Brandt | Ethan.J.BRANDT@odfw.oregon.gov | 541-805-0856 | Brownlee Reservoir, Holcomb Park | Richland | ||
| US Forest Service, Hebo Ranger District | Hebo Lake | Hebo | ||||
These events will introduce kids, and their families and friends, to the fun of fishing.
At each event ODFW staff and volunteers will provide equipment, and teach new anglers how to rig their line, cast a rod, land a fish and identify their catch. This is a great opportunity for families to learn how to fish together and spend time in the outdoors.
Neither parents nor kids need a fishing license to participate in events during the two-day Free Fishing Weekend in June.
Find your next fishing adventure: Oregon fishing zones
The Oregon Sport Fishing regulations are organized by zone and that's also how our where-to-fish information is organized. So find your zone to discover nearby fishing opportunities.
Check out the Latest Recreation Report
Current conditions and opportunities to fish, hunt and see wildlife. Updated weekly by fish and wildlife biologists throughout the state.