Let’s Go Fishing with Bend Park & Recreation
April 23, 2015
Its spring – flowers are blooming, the air is warming and the fish are jumpin’! Youth and adults alike are invited to welcome this fishing season with Bend Park & Recreation District with both fishing ponds and scheduled activities for the public.
Fishing programs are designed to get both youth and adults into the swing of baiting, casting and angling for this season’s perfect catch. The following fishing programs are offered:
Learn to Fish – FREE
Saturday, May 16: 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Location: Pine Nursery Park
Ages: 17 & under
Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife staff and volunteers help youth learn to fish with loaner rods, reels and tackle. Juvenile angling license required for ages 14 – 17. All state angling regulations apply. Free.
Annual Jason Freiboth Kids’ Fishing Clinic
Wednesday, May 20: 6:15 – 8:00 pm
Location: Shevlin Park
Ages: 5 – 11
A springtime favorite! Volunteers and donated equipment are available to help kids and families learn about fishing. A parent or adult must participate with the child. Fee: $4 in-district, $5 out-of-district / Program: 203620
Fly Fishing Camp
Monday, June 15 – Wednesday, June 17: 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Location: Shevlin Park
Ages: 10 – 14
The Central Oregon Fly Fishers Club will teach various fly casts, techniques and strategies, fly tying and safe wading. Fee: $49 in-district, $59 out-of-district / Program: 203625.
Fly Casting for Beginners
Mondays and Wednesdays, May 18 – June 3: 6:30 – 8:30 pm
Sunday, June 7: 3:00 – 7:00 pm
Location: Hollinshead Barn, Pine Nursery Park & Upper Deschutes River
Ages: All Adults
Designed for novice fly casters. Includes knots, entomology, fly selection, learning to read water and casting practice. If needed, equipment will be provided.
Fee: $72 in-district, $86 out-of-district / Program: 208939
Fly Fishing 101
Thursdays and/or Saturdays, May – September, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Location: Confluence Fly Shop
Ages: 12 & up
Covers all the basics of fly fishing including equipment, casting and flies. Equipment provided. Fee: $30 in-district, $36 out-of-district / Program: 208946
Registration for all programs is available at www.bendparksandrec.org. Space is limited. For additional information on BPRD fishing programs, contact Greg Brady, BPRD Sports Coordinator at (541) 706-6124.
In addition to scheduled activities, the District features fishing ponds at Pine Nursery and Shevlin Parks that are stocked by Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife. Shevlin Park pond features rainbow trout and is open to youth, 17 years and under. At Pine Nursery Park, the pond is open to all ages and stocked with rainbow trout, blue gills and bass. Current regulations at both ponds allow for a limit of two fish per day, eight inch minimum length. For Deschutes River fishing, access is available at several parks including Drake, Farewell Bend, First Street Rapids, Miller’s Landing, Pacific, Pioneer, Riverbend and Sawyer Parks. Both bait and fly fishing is allowed all year with a limit of two trout per day, eight inch minimum length. All state angling licenses and regulations apply at all locations. Additional information on fishing and stocking in the region is available at ODFW’s website at http://www.dfw.state.or.us/rr/central/.