PENDLETON – The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is stocking the Cutsforth Park fishing pond, near Heppner, with 650 trout including trophy-sized fish for its youth angling event May 12.

The event is part of the Youth Angling Enhancement Program, which is funded by the Oregon Legislature and a partnership with the Oregon Wildlife Heritage Foundation. Anglers 13 and younger can fish for free, and a juvenile license is required for anglers ages 14-17.

“This event is specifically for kids and offers a great opportunity to introduce them to fishing,” ODFW district fish biologist Tim Bailey said. “We want children to experience how exciting fishing can be and to get involved in an activity that can provide individuals and families lifelong recreation.”

The pond is 22 miles southeast of Heppner on Willow Creek Road, Blue Mountain Scenic By-Way.

Volunteers from the Elks Lodge of Heppner will provide food and beverages for the kids. ODFW will supply young anglers with loaner rods and reels, bait and tackle.

Contact Betty Gray with Morrow County Public Works at 541-989-9500 or Jeff Neal at the ODFW Pendleton office at 276-2344 if you have any questions.