Spring is here and the fish are jumping. Now is the perfect time time for your kids to experience their first catch! If you are looking for the perfect way to get your family out of the house and into nature, heading to a nearby fishing hole is the perfect way to spend a couple of hours or an entire day. There are spots in the city limits and spots a short drive away, depending on how much time you have to try to catch supper. If you aren’t sure where to drop your line, or just just need somewhere new to explore, read on for some of our favorite spots.
Haldeman Pond
A small 2-acre pond that makes a great spot for kids to fish. It’s got good bank access with plenty of spots for little ones to try their lines. Hidden away in the middle of Sauvie Island makes the pond feel much further away than it actually is, giving you the illusion that you’ve truly escaped the city. It’s stocked around mid-spring, and can be fished all summer long. A parking permit is required for Sauvie Island.
Featured Fish: trout, crappie, bass, catfish.
Location: 17 miles from Portland, off Oak Island Rd on Sauvie Island
Online: mapcarta.com
Henry Hagg Lake
This sprawling lake outside Gaston, Oregon has plenty of room to stretch out! Try your luck at the fishing pier or from any bank, or jump in a boat and explore the deeper waters. Experts recommend fishing the “arms” of the lake either from a boat or the bank for the best chance to catch something. When the kids tire, they’ll find picnic grounds, restrooms, and the chance to swim, too.
Featured Fish: trout, bass, crappie, perch
Location: 34 miles from Portland, past Forest Grove
Online: recreation.gov
Commonwealth Lake
Within Beaverton City limits, this stocked lake offers kids a great chance to practice close to home. A flat paved trail circles the lake, and an ADA fishing platforms makes a perfect spot to cast on. You’ll also find a playground, a picnic area, and restrooms. License required.
Featured fish: trout, bass, bluegill, and crappie
Location: 8 miles from Portland, off Highway 26 in Beaverton
Online: thprd.org
Blue Lake Park
Stocked with a variety of species, this lake offers bank fishing or an ADA accessible dock along with beautiful views. Rent a boat to get out on the water, and when the kids are done fishing they can cool off in the swim area or the splash pad.
Featured Fish: trout, largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, catfish, sunfish
Location: 14 miles from Portland, off NE Marine Dr.
Online: oregonmetro.gov
Canby Pond
Another spot reserved just for young anglers, Canby Pond is open to fishers 17 years old and younger, as well as those who have a Disabled Hunting and Fishing Permit. The pond is stocked and is popular in summer, though fishing is available year-round. Check online for a rotating schedule of events aimed at family fun.
Featured Fish: trout, largemough bass, crappie, bluegill
Location: 25 miles from Portland, Off Highway 99E in Canby
Online: bestfishinginamerica.com
Barton Park
A prime spot for fishing on the Clackamas River, this park offers good bank access and a boat ramp. Camping spots are available for an all-weekend excursion, and there are a few hiking trails to explore. The easy waters here make a great introduction to river fishing for beginners, and the gorgeous scenery doesn’t hurt, either!
Featured Fish: salmon, steelhead, fin-clipped trout
Location: 26 miles from Portland. Off Highway 224 in Clackamas
Online: clackamas.us/parks/barton
Bethany Pond
An easy to reach lake in Beaverton, this makes a great quick stop when you don’t have the whole day. The small pond is stocked with trout, bass, and more with warmwater species added year-round. While it won’t trick you into thinking you’re in the wilderness, it’s a sweet little spot that makes an easy trip for the little ones.
Featured Fish: trout, largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, and bullhead
Location: 12 miles from Portland, off Highway 26 in Beaverton
Online: thprd.org
Rainbow Trout Farm
This beautiful location east of Sandy covers 30 acres and includes 10 fishing ponds. Everything is there to make it the easiest start for any beginner: poles, tackle, and tips. Afterward, you can clean it yourself at their facilities, or have them do it for you and put it on ice. No extra charge! The best part for beginners is that it’s practically impossible to *not* catch a fish at these ponds, so everyone will leave feeling great.
Ponds are dotted between meadows, trees, picnic grounds, and are wheelchair accessible. All stocked with rainbow trout-- no license required.
Featured Fish: Rainbow Trout
Location: 52560 E. Sylvan Dr, Sandy, OR
Online: rainbowtroutfarm.com
Commonwealth Lake Park
Nestled in the Cedar Hills neighborhood, between Walker Rd. and Hwy 26, 20-acre Commonwealth Lake Park surrounds man-made Commonwealth Lake. This stocked lake in neighborhood park great for kids who want to experience their first, second or 50th catch. . Fishing platform that is ADA accessible. The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife stocks the lake with trout, so your kids are likely to have a successful experience.
Featured Fish: Trout
Location: SW Foothill and SW Huntington
Online: thprd.org
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