The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife will release thousands of rainbow trout into Mt. Hood Pond for a free family fishing event on Saturday, Oct. 21 in Gresham.

A feature of the ODFW Outdoors program, the event will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the 5-acre pond located on the campus of Mount Hood Community College, located at 26000 SE Stark St., Gresham, OR 97030.

ODFW will try to entice anglers by releasing 2,000 hatchery trout just prior to the event.

ODFW will also hand out rods, reels, tackle and bait to participants while supplies last. Pre-registration is not required, and participants are welcome to bring their own fishing equipment if they prefer. ODFW staff and volunteer instructors will be present to assist with everything from gearing up and casting to landing and cleaning fish.

“Fall is a great time to fish for trout because the fish seem to respond well to the cooler temperatures like we have been seeing in the Portland area lately,” said Jeff Fulop, ODFW fishing event coordinator. “At this event there will be plenty of fish, gear, and instruction for everyone to come out and have a good time.”

This event is free and open to persons of all ages. Children 11 years old and younger do not need a fishing license. However, those 12-17 will need a youth license, which can be purchased from any ODFW license agent or online for $10. Adult anglers will also need an Oregon fishing license. Licenses won’t be issued at the event so those who are required to have one should obtain their license ahead of time.

Mt. Hood Pond is one of 350 water bodies in Oregon that ODFW regularly stocks with trout. Persons who are unable to participate in this fishing event can explore many other fishing opportunities, stocking schedules and locations at ODFW’s recreation website, myodfw.com.

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