CLATSKANIE – The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife will stock fish into Scout Lake in Clatskanie on a trial basis, announced Assistant District Fish Biologist Danette Ehlers.

ODFW would like to gauge the public’s interest and staff are asking anglers to provide feedback to Ehlers by calling (971) 673-6013.

Stocking fish into Scout Lake was discontinued in the mid 1980s because of restricted public access. Through a past donation made by Evenson Timberland Agency, the city now owns the land and has been working with local groups to again make this small lake a recreation destination.

ODFW is stocking the lake this week with 400 catchable-size rainbow trout. Scout Lake is also home to native cutthroat trout. ODFW recommends the release of the wild cutthroat and the harvesting of the hatchery rainbow trout.

Access to the lake is available most of the way by car up to a locked gate. From there, anglers and campers will need to hike more than one-half mile to Scout Lake. Alternatively, a key to the gate may be signed out from the city of Clatskanie at 95 S. Nehalem St.

For information, call the city at (503) 728-2622.