Volunteers for backpack stocking

SPRINGFIELD: The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is seeking volunteers to assist with trout stocking in approximately 60 High Cascade Lakes on Saturday, July 19th.

Fingerling-sized trout are carried by backpack into a variety of lakes in the Cascades every other year where they are then released. The project is designed to provide angling opportunities for people interested in a more remote fishing experience.

“This is a great opportunity to get out into the back country and participate in a unique fish stocking project,” said Shannon Richardson, fish biologist in Springfield who is coordinating the project.

Driving and hiking distances vary for each lake, as do road and trail conditions. Some access roads to lakes require four-wheel drive and/or high clearance vehicles. Some lakes do not have trails to them and require experienced volunteers with good navigation skills. Many other lakes are easily accessible and especially well-suited for families with children.

Each participant will have the opportunity to request a specific area or lake that they would like to stock on a first-come, first-served basis. Volunteers who would like to stock lakes in the Three Sisters or Washington Wilderness areas will pick up fish from Leaburg Hatchery near Vida and those preferring the Waldo or Diamond Lake Wilderness areas will pick up fish from Willamette Hatchery near Oakridge. If there is no preference, ODFW staff will assign a lake that best fits the participants’ experience and preferences.

Volunteers will be responsible for meeting at either Leaburg or Willamette Hatchery at their appointed time on Saturday, between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m., where they will be loaded with fish and provided with maps and instructions. All volunteers will need to provide their own vehicle, backpack and appropriate clothing and supplies for weather and hiking conditions.

To participate in this opportunity or to request more information, please contact Shannon Richardson by email at [email protected] or by phone at 541-726-3515, ext. 28.  Pre-registration is required.

Image above: Photo by Shannon Richardson. Isaac Monrean loaded with a backpack full of fish and ready to go.