Young people looking for a fishing opportunity can join Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife officials Saturday at Sprague Pond, west of Sunriver.

ODFW is stocking 500 rainbow trout into Sprague Pond as part of the Youth Angling Enhancement Program, according to an ODFW press release. Representatives from ODFW, other agencies and volunteers will provide fishing equipment and angling instruction from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

The program is funded through a $50,000 appropriation from the Oregon Legislature and a partnership with the Oregon Wildlife Heritage Foundation, which has pledged an additional $50,000 and is working with ODFW to develop and promote youth fishing opportunities throughout the state. Fish are purchased from private facilities.

Anglers 13 years of age and under can fish for free. A juvenile license is required for anglers 14 to 17 years of age. All state fishing regulations continue to apply.

Sprague Pond is located approximately one mile north of Crane Prairie Reservoir. From Highway 97, go west at the yellow blinking light toward Sunriver and follow that road for approximately 21 miles. The road becomes Forest Road 40. Turn left at Cow Meadow sign and left again at the first dirt road intersection. This last turn leads to the parking area at Sprague Pond.

Contact Ted Wise or Jennifer Bock in the Bend ODFW office at 388-6363 for more information.