Fishing with kids
Searching for an outdoor outing for youngsters? There are ample fishing opportunities in the area. Shevlin Park has one of the most popular kids-only ponds open to 17 and under, and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife says it's beginning to stock the pond with bigger fish. Kids are almost guaranteed to catch a fish at Shevlin and adults can assist.
Another accessible fishing hole is the Pine Nursery Pond operated by the Bend Park & Recreation Department. It's stocked regularly by ODFW. Unless frozen over, both ponds are accessible year round. ODFW reminds parents that kids 12 to 17 years of age need to be licensed to fish in Oregon. The cost is $10, and licenses are available at most outdoor stores.
Fly fishing lessons
Fly fishing is one of the most popular pursuits in Central Oregon and Central Oregon Community College (COCC) offers a beginner's course on two upcoming Saturdays, April 30 and May 7 from 9:30 am to noon. The course will provide a general overview of equipment, terminology, and basic knots. Much time will be spent practice-casting on grass. Some materials are needed for this class and locations will be emailed to those who sign up. Register at: cocc.edu/continuinged or call 541-383-7270. Cost for the course is $79.
Crooked River excursion
If a refresher course is needed, COCC offers a fly fishing excursion to the Crooked River on June 11 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. This course will begin on grass practicing techniques, then move to the river for the afternoon. A current fishing license is required and participants are asked to bring $20 for flies and leader. Cost of this course is $179. Both the beginning and the river class will be conducted rain or shine.
More courses for the summer can be found online at cocc.edu/continuinged/seasonalsports.
