Free Fishing Weekend will return to Oregon on June 4 and 5, this Saturday and Sunday, the second of three such “Free Fishing Weekends” to be held in 2022.
On those days, fishing, crabbing, and clamming is free to all residents and non-residents, meaning no fishing licenses or tags, including a Combined Angling Tag or Columbia River Basin Endorsement are required.
“The SMALL PRINT: Area closures, bag limits and all other regulations still apply,” ODFW said.
ODFW has compiled a number of angling resources, including a list of 50 fishing locations within one hour of Portland, a list which includes Gales Creek’s 8-acre Dorman Pond on Highway 6, a list of family-friendly fishing areas throughout the state, a weekly recreation report, and a trout stocking schedule.
According to ODFW, Hagg Lake is scheduled to be stocked next by June 3 with 2,666 legal-size trout. In Gales Creek, Dorman Pond on Highway 6 last received 1,332 legal-size trout in the first half of May, while Vernonia Pond received 5,500 trout at the beginning of May. ODF&W does not publish exact dates for fish stocking.
ODFW has created a map that shows — complete with little fish icons — stocking locations and popular fishing locations throughout the state.
Check with the local jurisdiction that maintains or owns the body of water you plan on fishing for any closures due to the coronavirus pandemic or other reasons.
ODFW sport fishing regulations can be found online.
Chas Hundley is the editor of the Gales Creek Journal and sister news publications the Banks Post and the Salmonberry Magazine. He grew up in Gales Creek and has a cat.