Free Fishing

Everyone can fish, clam and crab for free in Oregon this Saturday and Sunday, February 14 and 15. No fishing/shellfish licenses or tags, endorsements or validations are required on these days. Both Oregon residents and nonresidents can fish for free.

All other fishing regulations apply including closures, single rod limitations, bag limits and size restrictions. See the Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations for regulations. Remember to check MyODFW.com for any in season regulation changes, especially for salmon and steelhead fishing.

The Oregon Dept. of Fish & Wildlife’s Recreation Report features the best bets for fishing for the upcoming week. Expect lots of rainbow trout to be stocked in Oregon’s ponds and lakes for the weekend; check out the trout stocking schedule for more information and stocking locations at myodfw.com/fishing

Climb School

The Obsidians are offering a Basic Climb School to help people learn skills needed to participate safely on climbs in alpine environments. The emphasis is to provide basic skills needed to climb safely with a group in environments ranging from sport rock climbing to alpine mountaineering, where steep rock and snow may be encountered.

This multi-session course starts on March 10, and combines classroom, climbing gym, and outdoor sessions. The class is limited to 24 people. Cost is $120 for Obsidians members, $170 for non-members (cost of an Obsidians membership is $50/yr so might as well join!). Restrictions apply for people aged 14-18 years old (see website for more detail).

Dates: Snow Skills: March 10 & 12 classroom, March 14 snow field day. Rock Skills: April 6 classroom, April 7 climbing gym, April 11 rock field day. Graduation climbs: Snow – Diamond Peak April 4, Rock – Mt. Thielsen May 16.

Website and Contacts: obsidians.org; Dalen Willhite dcwillhite@gmail.com; Steve Davis lunaripple1@gmail.com

Polar Plunge

Ready for a dip in a river? Local coldies plan to gather at the boat ramp at the Alton Baker Park this Saturday for the Valentine’s Day Cold Plunge. People will converge on the shore of the Willamette River at 10 am, dress down to swimwear, line up at the edge of the water, count down from 3, and walk into a crouching depth. Organizer then will start a 5 minute timer for people who stay in as long as they want/can stand. Then it’s time to exit the water, wrap up, and giggle (probably)

What to wear: Swim suit, water shoes/sandals, a robe, coat, or cover-up for pre- and post-plunge. Optional: bring a cup for post-plunge hot chocolate and coffee.

The Alton Baker Park – Boat Ramp is at 600 Day Island Rd in Eugene.