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Taking Kids Fishing In Oregon

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Ideas and locations to take kids fishing in OR.

By AA-Fishing Staff Writers

Kids fishing

Fishing and the great outdoors offers kids an alternative to many influences they encounter in their busy lives today. The purpose of this page is to share the basics about taking kids fishing, urban fishing locations and tips to make it fun by keeping it simple. A single fishing trip could be the turning point in a young life. Take a kid ice fishing in winter. We encourage you to invest the time in Oregon kids. The rewards are endless and it takes so little effort.

Oregon offers fantastic opportunities for kids to get into fishing, with several fish species and urban fishing locations accessible for young anglers to enjoy.

Kids Fishing Video

One of the popular fish species that kids can target in Oregon is trout. Trout are regularly stocked in various urban fishing locations, making them an excellent choice for kids to try their hand at fishing. Rainbow trout, in particular, are commonly stocked in ponds and lakes throughout the state, including urban areas such as Portland, Eugene, and Salem. These stocked trout provide a great opportunity for kids to experience the thrill of catching their first fish.

Another species that kids can target is warm water species such as bluegill, crappie, and bass. These fish can be found in urban ponds and lakes across Oregon. Bluegill, with their small size and willingness to bite, are perfect for introducing young anglers to fishing. Crappie provide an additional angling option, and largemouth bass can offer an exciting challenge for older kids. These warm water species can be caught using small hooks, light tackle, and simple bait setups, making them ideal targets for kids.

Urban fishing locations in Oregon are designed to provide convenient access for families and kids. Many city parks and urban ponds are stocked with fish and offer amenities such as fishing piers, picnic areas, and restrooms. Popular urban fishing locations for kids include Commonwealth Lake in Beaverton, Walter Wirth Lake in Salem, and Henry Hagg Lake near Forest Grove. These locations often host family-friendly fishing events and workshops, providing additional support and resources for kids to learn and enjoy fishing.

When taking kids fishing in Oregon, it's important to follow all fishing regulations and guidelines, including size and bag limits and any specific rules for the urban fishing locations. Teaching kids about responsible fishing practices, including catch-and-release, helps instill a conservation mindset from an early age.

Fishing is a wonderful way for kids to connect with nature, learn about aquatic ecosystems, and develop important life skills such as patience and responsibility. Oregon's urban fishing locations provide accessible and family-friendly environments for kids to experience the joy of fishing and create lasting memories in the outdoors.

Fishing Boats For Rent In Oregon

Places in Oregon to take kids fishing

Consider these small lakes, ponds, creeks and urban fishing locations as places to take a kid fishing in the Beaver State.

Eugene
- Alton Baker Park
- Armitage Park
- Blue River Lake
- Delta Ponds Park
- Fern Ridge Lake
- Hills Creek Reservoir
- Mercer Lake
- Siltcoos Lake

Gardiner
- Tahkenitch Lake

Juntura
- Beulah Reservoir

Lincoln City
- Regatta Park
- Taft Waterfront Park

Portland
- Rooster Rock State Park
- Eastbank Esplanade Park
- Milo McIver State Park
- Sellwood Riverfront Park
- Willamette Park

Salem
- Cascade Gateway Park
- Mary S. Young State Park
- Minto Brown Park

Oregon offers many opportunities for kids to fish and experience the thrill of the “tap-tap-tap”. Watch the eyes of a youth light up no matter how big or small their catch may be. You have the opportunity to experience it with them and share their joy.

Top 3 tips for taking kids fishing in OR

1. Make sure that the goal is to have fun. Catching fish is a bonus.

2. Keep it simple. Simple tackle, techniques and locations.

3. Keep the focus on the kids. Be a hero by helping them enjoy the day.

Click here for additional tips to create a successful day of fishing for kids.

Youngsters with their prized catch


My son Dawson Howard and myself, Todd Howard, were fishing on the Oregon side of the Columbia River Saturday, June 17,2006 when I heard the bell ring on Dawson's pole. I ran over & set the hook, handed the pole to Dawson who is 7 hears old. Dawson started reeling & the fight was on. The Chinook salmon headed down river stripping line. I asked another fisherman to free spool my pole as the salmon was heading right toward my line. The other fisherman confirmed the two lines were tangled. Dawson reeled for about 10 minutes with my hand supporting his pole, when he said, "Daddy my arms hurt." I took over & told my son when he was ready to reel again to let me know. Two minutes later he was ready to go. Dawson fought it for about another 10 minutes then said, "Daddy, I'm done". Dawson almost had it all the way in. Within a few minutes we had it netted & on the beach. This Chinook salmon weighed in at 35 pounds, which is about 20 pounds less than my son weighs. Dawson showed his daddy how it's done and I am extremely proud of my son.


Brown Trout

Eli Rome, age 7 of Mulino, Or with his awesome brown trout. He caught the trout while fishing with his dad, grandfather and best buddy Hayden at Suttle Lake near Sisters, Oregon August 9th, 2008. They were using Rapala's!


Oregon Salmon

Brendan Foster with his 18-pound Salmon. Caught on Fathers day, 2012, using a quick fish bait at St. Helens, Columbia River.


Take a kid fishing and bring your camera! These are a few of the places to take them fishing and get some great pictures.

Kids, fishing and smiles naturally go together. Take a kid fishing and you just might change the course of their life. Then take pictures and send us one of them holding their prized catch. We will happily post it here.

See additional tips, ideas and instructions for taking kids fishing.

 

Kids fishing locations and information, by state.

AK Kids Fishing AL Kids Fishing AR Kids Fishing AZ Kids Fishing CA Kids Fishing CO Kids Fishing CT Kids Fishing DC Kids Fishing DE Kids Fishing FL Kids Fishing GA Kids Fishing HI Kids Fishing IA Kids Fishing
ID Kids Fishing IL Kids Fishing IN Kids Fishing KS Kids Fishing KY Kids Fishing LA Kids Fishing MA Kids Fishing MD Kids Fishing ME Kids Fishing MI Kids Fishing MN Kids Fishing MO Kids Fishing MS Kids Fishing
MT Kids Fishing NC Kids Fishing ND Kids Fishing NE Kids Fishing NH Kids Fishing NJ Kids Fishing NM Kids Fishing NV Kids Fishing NY Kids Fishing OH Kids Fishing OK Kids Fishing OR Kids Fishing PA Kids Fishing
RI Kids Fishing SC Kids Fishing SD Kids Fishing TN Kids Fishing TX Kids Fishing UT Kids Fishing VA Kids Fishing VT Kids Fishing WA Kids Fishing WI Kids Fishing WV Kids Fishing WY Kids Fishing