Free Oregon Fishing Weekend | Radio 1190 KEX News

On Saturday and Sunday of the first weekend of June in Oregon, anyone can catch clams and crabs for free.

No fishing/shellfishing licenses or tags are required on these two days (June 1-2, 2024) (including a combination fishing tag, Columbia River Basin Endorsement, or two-rod fishing certificate). Both Oregon residents and non-residents can fish for free. Oregon State Parks is also offering free parking and camping on Saturday, June 1.

All other fishing regulations apply, including closures, bag limits and size restrictions. For regulations, see the Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations. Be sure to check MyODFW.com for any changes in seasonal regulations, especially regarding salmon and steelhead fishing.

The Recreation Report is updated weekly with the best fishing information for the week ahead. Expect plenty of rainbow trout to appear in Oregon ponds and lakes through the weekend; More trout are being stocked over the next two weeks (Memorial Day and June Free Fishing Weekend) than at any other time of year. Check the trout stocking schedule for more information and stocking locations.

Crabbing and clams

The free fishing weekend is also a great weekend to try clams or crabs. MyODFW.com has all the information you need to start clamming or crabbing, including location maps and instructions.

The Oregon Department of Agriculture regularly tests shellfish and closes areas when naturally occurring biotoxins reach levels that make crabs and clams unsafe to eat. As of today, razor sharp is open from the Washington border to Cape Blanco, but closed south of Cape Blanco to the California border due to elevated levels of domoic acid. Crabbing is open along the entire coast.

Closures can happen quickly and are subject to change prior to the free fishing weekend. Before you travel, be sure to call the ODA Shellfish Safety Hotline at 1-800-448-2474 or check their Shellfish website.

Events during the free fishing weekend

ODFW staff, volunteers and a number of partner organizations will host events across the state as part of the Free Fishing Weekend, which will provide all the equipment anglers need to get started. Staff and volunteers will loan fishing equipment and will be on hand to teach you how to set up the tackle, bait, cast, land and clean your catch.

Events take place at the following locations and dates; more information can be found on the Family Fishing Events page.

Saturday, June 1

·Clatskanie: Gnat Creek Hatchery, 9 a.m.-3 p.m

·Estacada: Small Fry Lake, Promontory Park, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. (for ages 17 and younger)

·Eugene: Alton Baker Park, 9am-2pm

·Gaston: Lake Henry Hagg, 7 a.m.-4 p.m

·Hebo: Hebo Lake, 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m

·City Junction: West Kirk Park, 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m

·At the Lake: Tugman State Park (Eel Lake), 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

·Portland: Commonwealth Lake Park, 9 a.m.-2 p.m

·Toledo: Olalla Reservoir, 9 a.m.-1 p.m

·Florence: Cleawox Lake, 9 a.m.-2 p.m

·Tillamook: Trask Hatchery, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. (under 16s only); 12:00 – 14:30 (or until all fish are caught) for all age groups.

·Ukiah: Twin Ponds, 9 a.m.-12 p.m

Sunday, June 2

·Gaston: Lake Henry Hagg, 7 a.m.-3 p.m

Source: Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife