Central Oregon Coast Tradition Returns: Family Fishing and Carnival at Eckman Lake

Published 05/14/26 at 7:55 a.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Waldport, Oregon) - Kids, a carnival and fishing: It's a 27-year-old tradition on the central Oregon coast.

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and the First Baptist Church of Waldport will hold the 27th annual family fishing event at Eckman Lake on Saturday, May 16. The event runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. for youth 17 and under, with free gear, instruction and a chance to catch up to two rainbow trout from a stocked enclosure.

ODFW said it's going to let loose a lot of fish into that lake just before the event, which includes about 50 trophy trout. Some 1400 fish total get released there.

Kids can also make lures, practice casting and learn about fish anatomy while Angell Job Corps volunteers clean their catch.

Across the street, the First Baptist Church will host a children’s carnival from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., featuring a bouncy house, obstacle course, target games and free hot dogs, drinks and cotton candy.

It's a free event. Even better: fishing gear and instruction is free of charge as well.

No pre-registration is required. Anglers 11 and younger do not need a license; those ages 12 to 17 must have a $10 youth license purchased in advance from an ODFW agent or online. Licenses will not be sold at the event.

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Eckman Lake is also prime for softshell clams on top of the fish number, ODFW said. They are found in the muddy areas just below the salt marsh. That stretch can be soft and tough to navigate, so keep that in mind.

You'll find Eckman Lake about 2.5 miles east of Waldport on Highway 34, with the fishing area set up at Nelson State Recreation Area across from the church parking lot.

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