Youngsters 12 years old and younger are invited to participate in a youth fishing event from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 14 at McNary Channel Ponds in Umatilla.

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife will stock the ponds with plenty of rainbow trout prior to the event to give kids a great opportunity to have a successful angling experience, according to Bill Duke, ODFW district fish biologist in Pendleton.

The fishing is free for kids 11 years of age and younger. A youth license is required for 12-year-olds, and these can be purchased for $10 on-line at ODFW’s website (www.myodfw.com), or at any ODFW field office or retail license agent. Licenses will not be sold on site the day of the event so individuals planning to attend should purchase their license ahead of time.

To get to McNary Channel Ponds from Hwy. 370 in Umatilla, turn north onto Brownell Blvd. (just west of I-82) Proceed to W. Third St. Turn right on Third St. and proceed through the I-82 underpass. The ponds are north of Third St. between I-82 and McNary Dam. There are several well-signed vehicle access points.

For more information, call Bill Duke, ODFW district fish biologist, at (541) 276-2344.