Gold Country Radio Invites You to Oregon’s Free Fishing Weekend & State Parks Day : June 7–8, 2025
At Gold Country Radio, our staff, listeners, and partners share a deep appreciation for Oregon’s great outdoors. Whether it’s casting a line into a serene lake, setting up camp beneath the pines, or hiking through our state’s breathtaking landscapes, we’re always eager for the next adventure.
This weekend, Oregon is giving you every excuse to get outside with Free Fishing Weekend and State Parks Day — two events that make it easier than ever to enjoy the natural beauty we’re lucky to call home.
🐟 Free Fishing Weekend – June 7 & 8
This Saturday and Sunday, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) is waiving all fishing, crabbing, and clamming license requirements for everyone — residents and nonresidents alike.
What’s Included:
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No license or tags needed, including:
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Combined Angling Tag
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Two-Rod Validation
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Columbia River Basin Endorsement
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Free fishing statewide
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Free family events with gear and guidance for all ages
Please Note:
Regular rules for bag limits, size restrictions, and species remain in effect. Before heading out for shellfish, check for any health closures at:
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Shellfish Safety Hotline: 1-800-448-2474
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Shellfish Closures Online: www.oregon.gov/ODA/programs/FoodSafety/Shellfish/Pages/ShellfishClosures.aspx
🎣 Free Fishing Events Include:
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Gnat Creek Hatchery, Clatskanie – June 7, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
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Alton Baker Park, Eugene – June 7, 9 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
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Cleawox Lake, Florence – June 7, 9 a.m.–2 p.m.
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Henry Hagg Lake, Gaston – June 7, 7 a.m.–3 p.m.
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Eel Lake, Tugman State Park – June 7, 9 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
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Lake Marie, Winchester Bay – June 8, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
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Lake of the Woods, Klamath County – Local volunteer groups will be on hand with fishing gear, prizes, and education stations. Fun for the whole family!
🔗 Full list: www.dfw.state.or.us/news/2025/06_Jun/060225.asp
🌲 State Parks Day – Saturday, June 7
To thank Oregonians for supporting our state parks, the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is waiving camping fees and day-use parking fees on Saturday, June 7.
Free Access Includes:
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Tent, RV, and horse campsite fees waived for one night
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Free parking at all 25 state parks that normally charge for day-use
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Special events and celebrations around the state
🏞 Featured Park Events:
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The Cove Palisades – Festival of the Land: culture, history, and local food
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L.L. Stub Stewart State Park – Night sky star party with OMSI & Rose City Astronomers
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Carl G. Washburne Memorial State Park – Free BBQ (Noon–1 p.m.)
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Tryon Creek State Natural Area – Guided hikes and nature center activities
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Silver Falls State Park – Learn about emerald ash borer threats to local trees
🌐 More info: stateparks.oregon.gov
🏕️ Parks Offering Free Camping and Day-Use Access
All Oregon State Parks participate, but here are some of our team favorites:
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Smith Rock State Park – Towering cliffs and dramatic views
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Silver Falls State Park – Walk behind waterfalls on the Trail of Ten Falls
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Cape Lookout State Park – Ocean views and peaceful forested sites
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Bates State Park – A great stop for hikers and history lovers
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Humbug Mountain State Park – Coastal beauty at its finest
Remember: Free camping is only valid for the night of Saturday, June 7. Reserve early at oregonstateparks.reserveamerica.com.
🔥 A Word on Campfire Safety
We know nothing beats a crackling fire after a day in the wild, but fire safety is non-negotiable in Oregon’s forests.
If you build a campfire:
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Keep it small and under control
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Clear the area of flammable materials
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NEVER leave a fire unattended
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When finished: Drown it, stir it, drown it again — the ashes should be cold to the touch
🔥 Don’t just walk away. One careless campfire can cause irreversible damage.
Learn more at www.smokeybear.com/en
🎧 Stay Connected — Wherever You Roam
At Gold Country Radio, we cover Oregon’s outdoor life all year long. You can catch our original outdoor programs anytime on demand at:
👉 https://goldcountryradio.org/featuredshows/
🎙 Featured shows include:
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The Terrible at Fishing Radio Show – Angling insights and laughs
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The Make It Out Alive Broadcast – News from around the country that you can learn from as well as preparedness tips and back-country hacks.
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The Restless Nomads – RVing and camping adventures
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The Life Outdoorz: Hunting Southern Oregon – Christ-centered hunting and backcountry stories
📅 This Weekend is Yours
Whether you’re fishing with the family, setting up your first camp, or exploring a favorite trail, this weekend is Oregon’s gift to everyone who loves the outdoors. Free fishing. Free camping. No excuses. Just get out there.
And when you do — tag us! We’d love to share your photos and stories: