News Release
| Release Number: | 06-076 |
| Dated: | 6/6/2006 |
| Contact: | Heidi Y. Helwig, 503-808-4510 |
PORTLAND, Ore. – The annual Foster Lake Fishing Derby for kids will be held Saturday, June 10, at the Foster Dam in Sweet Home, Ore.
The free fishing event will be from 8 a.m. to noon for youths age 18 and younger. If they are big enough to hold a pole they are old enough to fish, said event organizers. Prizes of fishing poles and tackle will be awarded in several categories and to multiple age groups, and the first 300 participants will receive a goodie bag at registration.
Participants are encouraged to bring their own fishing gear, but park rangers will have a few fully equipped fishing poles and worms to lend to kids who don’t have their own.
There will be many activities to participate in during the day, including learning how to cook and clean fish. Children six years old and younger will have the opportunity to visit the trout pond at the South Santiam Hatchery, where they are guaranteed to catch some fish.
The free fishing derby is supported by a variety of agencies and groups including the U.S. Forest Service, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Albany Chapter of the Northwest Steelheaders, the Sweet Home Boys and Girls Club and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.
This free fishing derby has been an annual event for more than 15 years and is a great chance to get outdoors. It coincides with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Free Fishing Weekend, so once the derby is over, parents can fish with their children without the need for a fishing license. Come on out and spend the day with us!
To get to Foster Dam, head east out of Sweet Home, Ore. on highway 20. Turn left onto Foster Dam Road and follow the signs to the parking area about a half-mile from the turn.