Family Fishing Event / Carnival Near Waldport is 25-Year Oregon Coast Tradition Now

Published 5/16/24 at 3:45 a.m.
By Andre' Hagestedt, Oregon Coast Beach Connection

(Waldport, Oregon) – For 25 years now, a little lake near Waldport has been the happenin' scene for a special fishing event in spring. Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) and First Baptist Church of Waldport again come together to host Eckman Lake's family fishing event and carnival this weekend, on Saturday, May 18. (Photo ODFW)

It's a 25-year-old tradition on the central Oregon coast. From 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., it's set up for young folks 17 and younger. Each participant gets to catch up to two rainbow trout from the fish enclosure at Eckman Lake, and it's a free event. Even better: fishing gear and instruction is free of charge as well.

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 their own fishing lures, practice casting with a backyard game, and learn about fish anatomy while volunteers from the Angell Job Corps clean their catch,” ODFW said in a press release.

Then there's the carnival that's part of this Oregon coast stalwart.

The First Baptist Church of Waldport puts this part together for children of all ages, located across the street from the fishing event. For the carnival, kiddies will get to experience an obstacle course, a bouncy house, target practice games and a variety of other fun things to do. Munch on free hot dogs, drinks and cotton candy, also part of the tradition.

Located right off Highway 34, Eckman Lake is 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.

The lake is 2.5 miles east of Waldport. You'll find the family fishing area set up at Nelson State Recreation Area across from the First Baptist Church parking lot.

Eckman Lake's family fishing event and carnival is open to any and all, and there is no pre-registration required. Those under 11 years old will not need a fishing license, however 12-17 year olds will need a youth license, which can be purchased for $10 at any ODFW license agent or online at www.myodfw.com. MORE WALDPORT BELOW

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Andre' GW Hagestedt is editor, owner and primary photographer / videographer of Oregon Coast Beach Connection, an online publication that sees over 1 million pageviews per month. He is also author of several books about the coast.

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