EWEB, ODFW CALL OFF FISH STOCKING AT WALTERVILLE POND

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) will not proceed with a second fish stocking effort in Eugene Water & Electric Board's (EWEB's) Walterville Pond, despite previous plans.

The pond stocking project was conducted on a trial basis with EWEB's cooperation. The intent of the stocking was to provide an accessible fishing spot located close to the Eugene-Springfield metropolitan area, according to ODFW Assistant District Biologist Mark Wade.

However, response to the stocking was far greater than anticipated and anglers quickly overwhelmed the pond's small parking lot and narrow access road. This, combined with a dangerous highway entrance to the pond, prompted the agencies to curtail the project.

"This is an unusual example of a project being too successful for its own good," said Everett Jordan, EWEB Generation Manager.

If a similar project could be conducted safely and without unreasonable impact upon neighbors, EWEB would pursue the opportunity, Jordan said.

The fish stocked earlier this month have, for the most part, been caught, according to Wade.