A number of states are offering free outdoor opportunities over the next few days.
Oregon:
Fish, clam and crab for free during Free Fishing Weekend June 1-2
Free fishing events in Clatskanie, Estacada, Eugene, Gaston, Hebo, Junction City, Lakeside, Portland, Tillamook, Toledo, Florence, and Ukiah
ALEM, Ore.— Everyone can fish, clam and crab for free in Oregon on Saturday and Sunday of the first weekend of June.
No fishing/shellfish licenses or tags (including a Combined Angling Tag or Columbia River Basin Endorsement or Two-Rod Validation) are required on those two days (June 1-2, 2024). Both Oregon residents and nonresidents can fish for free. Oregon State Parks also offers free parking and camping on Saturday, June 1.
All other fishing regulations apply including closures, bag limits and size restrictions. See the Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations for regulations. Remember to check MyODFW.com for any in season regulation changes, especially for salmon and steelhead fishing.
The Recreation Report is updated weekly and features the best bests for fishing for the upcoming week. Expect lots of rainbow trout to be stocked in Oregon’s ponds and lakes for the weekend; more trout are stocked during the next two weeks (for Memorial Day and June Free Fishing Weekend) than at any other time of year. Check out the trout stocking schedule for more information and stocking locations.
Crabbing and clamming
Free Fishing Weekend is also a great weekend to try clamming or crabbing. MyODFW.com has all the information you need to get started clamming or crabbing including maps of locations and how-to’s.
The Oregon Department of Agriculture regularly tests shellfish and closes areas when naturally occurring biotoxins get to levels that make crabs and clams unsafe to eat. As of today, razor clamming 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 coastwide.
Closures can happen quickly and may change before Free Fishing Weekend. Remember to call the ODA Shellfish safety hotline at 1-800-448-2474 or check their Shellfish page before you go.
Free Fishing Weekend events
ODFW staff, volunteers, and a number of partner organizations will host events throughout the state on Free Fishing Weekend, bringing all the gear anglers need to get started. Staff and volunteers will hand out fishing equipment and be available to teach how to rig up, bait, cast, land, and clean your catch.
Events are being held at the following locations and times; see the Family Fishing Events page for more information.
Saturday, June 1
- Clatskanie: Gnat Creek Hatchery, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
- Estacada: Small Fry Lake, Promontory Park, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. (for age 17 and younger)
- Eugene: Alton Baker Park, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
- Gaston: Henry Hagg Lake, 7 a.m.-4 p.m.
- Hebo: Hebo Lake, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
- Junction City: West Kirk Park, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
- Lakeside: Tugman State Park (Eel Lake), 9 a.m.-2:00 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. (kids under 16 only); 12 p.m.-2:30 p.m. (or until all fish have been caught) for all ages.
- Ukiah: Twin Ponds, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Sunday, June 2
- Gaston: Henry Hagg Lake, 7 a.m.-3 p.m.
Come out on June 1-2 to experience angling and shellfishing in Oregon, and be sure to show us your catch. Submit your photos at MyODFW.com.
Idaho:
Two events will be held in the Salmon Region
Get your fishing gear ready. Saturday, June 8 is Idaho’s Free Fishing Day and Idaho Fish and Game invites anglers, residents and nonresidents, to celebrate the day by fishing without a license.
Lack of fishing experience is no excuse. Fishing equipment will be available for use, and experts will be on hand to help novice anglers learn the joys of fishing at two local events:
A Kids Fishing Derby will be held at Kids Creek Pond from 10 a.m. to noon. The free event is open to all youth aged 16 years old and younger. Prizes for the biggest fish in four age groups will be awarded, and anglers who catch a tagged fish will win $25. All young anglers must be present at noon to collect prizes.
After the derby, join Fish and Game in celebrating 125 years of conserving Idaho’s wildlife. Fish and Game’s Salmon Region wants to say “Thank You” to those who have helped along the way by providing a free lunch and dessert from 11-2 p.m. at the Outdoor Classroom, just east of the Kids Creek Pond on Bean Lane.
Both ponds will be stocked with hatchery rainbow trout prior to the special day. Single-parent families are encouraged to attend, and all children must be accompanied by an adult. While a limited number of rods and reels will be available for use during the events, participants are encouraged to bring their own equipment if possible.
Though fishing license requirements are suspended for this special day, all other rules, such as limits or tackle restrictions, remain in effect.
Fishing for stocked rainbow trout, particularly in community ponds, is a great way to introduce new anglers to the sport by using simple set-ups like worm/marshmallow combinations or commercial baits like Power Bait or Crave, either near the bottom or below a bobber.
Keep it fun, short, and simple and the kids will be…hooked. For other tips, see 10 tips for taking kids fishing.
Anglers can find more detailed information on Idaho’s fishing destinations including maps, facilities, fish species present, stocking records, and fishing rules by visiting the Fishing Planner.
