The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife will host a free family fishing event Saturday, Oct. 7 at St. Louis Ponds near Woodburn from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

ODFW will release more than 2,000 hatchery trout for the event, ranging in size from 8 to 13 inches.

DFW will provide rods, reels and tackle and bait, on a first-come first-served basis, while supplies last. People are also welcome to bring their own fishing gear if they prefer but are not required to do so.

The stocked trout will be released in Pond #6. In addition to these fish, other ponds on site contain trout and several species of warmwater fish, including largemouth bass, catfish, bluegill, crappie and sunfish.

“It ought to be a good day of fall fishing,” said event coordinator Jeff Fulop.

Anglers ages 11 and under can fish for free while those 12-17 will need a youth license, which can be purchased for $10 at ODFW’s website (myodfw.com), offices and license agents. Adult anglers will need a regular fishing license. Licenses will not be sold on site the day of the event so people planning to participate should get their licenses ahead of time.

St. Louis Ponds is a 54-acre complex of seven ponds jointly owned and managed by ODFW and Marion County Parks. It is located 13 miles north of Salem and west of Interstate 5. To get to there from I-5, take the Woodburn exit. Then go east to Hwy. 99E. At Hwy. 99E, head south to Gervais Road. Go west on Gervais Road through the town of Gervais. The road eventually changes to St Louis Road. Continue west on St Louis Road as it crosses over I-5 to Tesch Road, at the railroad crossing. Go left on Tesch Road and follow the signs to the ponds. Gates to the complex will open at 8 a.m. the day of the family fishing event.