Next weekend, fishing is free across the state of Oregon — no licenses required. And that’s just the start.

All along the South Coast, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is hosting  four events at lakes and ponds in the region, primarily geared toward getting kids fishing:

Saturday

• Powers Pond, 7:30 a.m.: For the 18th-annual Powers Kids Fishing Derby, Powers Pond will be stocked with 3,200 legal-sized trout and 100 trophy-sized trout prior to Saturday. The event will feature educational booths, loaner equipment and prizes as well, and it’s open to all kids below the age of 16.

• Eel Lake, Saturday: A net pen in the middle of the lake will allow for better chances for youth anglers to hook a fish. Also, stations for kids to learn everything from fish identification to knot tying to fishing etiquette. Eel lake will be stocked prior to the event, and it’s open to kids 10 and under.

• Libby Pond, 8 a.m.: This event for 13-and-under kids will feature food, loaner fishing equipment and gear, as well as a fishing derby with prizes.

Sunday

• Lake Marie, 9a.m.: Concessions and gear for beginners to use will be available for this 14-and-under event. A casting contest is scheduled, and kids will get a prize for picking up litter.

Saturday and Sunday

• Elk River Hatchery, 8 a.m.: The first 100 anglers to show up each day will get to fish out of a special pond stocked with 800 legal-sized rainbow trout and 350 4-to-8 pound whoppers. The event is open to kids 10 and under. Everyone attending gets a free fishing starter kit, and a raffle is planned to give away boat tours and fully-stocked tackle boxes.