Learn to Fish

Learn to Fish - Ice Fishing Workshop - Lake of the Woods Klamath Falls

Please read this posting in its entirety for details of the plan of the 2 days and information on how to prepare yourself for this event. You may attend one day or both, and registration is required (link at bottom of page).

Have you ever wanted to try ice fishing but weren’t sure how? Or, are you already an expert and want to network with other like-minded folks? The first day of the event is designed to give you all the knowledge you need to fish on the ice, from how to start, where to go, how to read the ice, and what gear to get and how to use it. The second day will consist of a fun derby to test your ice fishing skills! All fishing will focus on targeting yellow perch.

Saturday the 18th: this day will focus on education and will consist of various brief educational stations for learning the basics of ice fishing, gear, and safety. Upon completion of all stations, you can borrow a fishing rod to fish for the day and will also be entered to win your own ice fishing rod and reel. Volunteers and staff will be available throughout the day to ensure each person learns how to catch fish!
Registration begins at 7:00 AM but registration and all educational stations will be open until 1:00 PM.

Sunday the 19th: this day is dedicated to testing your fishing skills and will consist of a fishing derby hosted by the Lake of the Woods Resort. Prizes will be awarded based on largest fish, smallest fish, and most fish. Weigh-in is at 1:00. Volunteers and staff will also be available to help everyone throughout the day, and gear will be available for loan on a first-come, first-served basis.
Registration begins at 7:00 AM and will be open until 12:00 PM. Fish weigh-in will be at 12:00 PM.

We have fishing rods/reels and tackle for loan each day, but if you have your own fishing equipment you are encouraged to bring it and we can show you how to use it! Lodging and meals are not included and are the responsibility of all workshop participants.

Note that this event occurs on a Free Fishing Weekend, so a fishing license is not required to participate!

PREPARING FOR THIS EVENT:

Wear appropriate clothing:

  • Well-insulated, waterproof boots and warm socks
  • Warm coat, preferably waterproof and/or wind-resistant with hood
  • Warm pants or bibs, preferably waterproof or wind resistant (NO WADERS)
  • Warm gloves, preferably not mittens for anyone handling fish
  • Neck gaiter or scarf
  • Warm hat, preferably that covers ears
  • Under-layers of sweaters and long pants (avoid cotton, it stays wet! Fleece is a good choice)
  • LAYERS! You can always take layers off if you get too warm

Suggested gear to bring:

  • SUNSCREEN (the ice and snow reflect sunlight!)
  • SUNGLASSES (I cannot stress this enough; the ice is bright!)
  • A cooler with ice if you would like to keep fish (a bucket is recommended to carry fish and gear on the ice but may not be the best method of transporting fish home)
  • A 5-gallon bucket
  • Chairs (you can also bring a bucket with lid and sit on that)

Miscellaneous “nice to have” equipment:

  • Waterproof pad for chair or bucket to sit/kneel on
  • A sled for transporting gear
  • Hand and feet warmers
  • Ice fishing gear if you have it
  • Pliers

All anglers aged 17 years and younger are eligible to participate while accompanied by an adult 21 years or older. OSP will be notified if any children are left unattended!

PLEASE NOTE: this workshop is dependent on ice conditions. If for any reason it is unsafe to conduct this event, each participant will be notified ASAP via email.