Reeling in fun as Bend-area kids get to fish

Central Oregon kids got a chance to reel in some big fish on Saturday at a special event just for them.

It was the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife’s annual youth fishing event, held at Pine Nursery Park in northeast Bend.

One 5-year-old boy caught a 15-ich rainbow trout after fishing only a half an hour.

The Central Oregon Flyfishers were there, teaching kids about fly tying and fishing.

Kids were able to borrow rods, fishing tack and, of course, keep the fish they caught.

About 100 kids and their families turned out for the event.

“This is our first time at the pond. We’re just out here to catch some rays — and hopefully some fish, too,” said Branegan Dixon, who was fishing with his 4-year-old son.

“”We want them to have fun and kind of get kids hooked on fishing and enjoy the outdoors, but also to teach them some skills,” said ODFW fish biologist Jennifer Luke.

ODFW will host another free kids’ fishing day coming up in June at Shevlin Park.

You can head to their website http://www.dfw.state.or.us/ for more information.