Fishing is for Everyone
Making the Outdoors Accessible
Fishing is a skill that can be learned and enjoyed by anyone. Through the Fishing Forever program, the B.C. Wildlife Federation helps spread the message that if you have a disability you can still get out and enjoy what nature can offer, though it may require some help you didn’t need before. The Fishing Forever program provides an opportunity where people with disabilities can learn, or continue, to fish and enjoy the outdoors.
About the Program
Fishing Forever has been inspiring communities since 1989, when the idea of the project was first put forward by broadcast journalist, Walt Liimatainen. Since then, the dedicated clubs of the B.C. Wildlife Federation, volunteers and sponsors have spent many a day outdoors helping those who may need a little extra help to learn how to fish and enjoy the natural offerings around them.
Upcoming Fishing Forever Events
Every year, BCWF affiliated clubs host Fishing Forever events across B.C. Here is a list of dates, times, and locations confirmed for Fishing Forever 2024 events!
Abbotsford | June 1 - 2, 2024
Date: June 1 & 2, 2024
Hosted by: Lower Mainland Region of the BCWF
Location: Freshwater Fisheries Hatchery
Contact: Chris Albrecht or Brady Szabados (E: fishingforeverLM@gmail.com)
Campbell River | May 21 - 24 & May 27 - 31
Date: May 21 – 24, May 27 – 31, 2024
Hosted by: Campbell River Fish and Wildlife Club
Location: Echo Lake
Contact: Doug Phyall (E: dphyall@shaw.ca)
Courtenay | June 3 - 7 & June 10 - 14, 2024
Dates: June 3 to 7, 2024 and June 10 to 14, 2024
Start time: 9:00am
Hosted by: Courtenay & District Fish & Game Protective Association
Location: Courtenay Fish & Game Clubhouse
Contact: Farley Lock (E:farleylock@courtenayfishandgame.org)
Invermere | February 3, 2024
Date: February 3, 2024
Hosted by: Lake Windermere Rod & Gun Club
Location: Lake Windermere
Contact: Peter Von Niessen (E: info@lwdrodgun.com)
Nanaimo | June 2, 2024
Date: June 2, 2024
Hosted by: Nanaimo Fish & Game Club
Location: 1325 Nanaimo Lakes Road.
Contact: John T. Noble (E: jnobby@shaw.ca)
Nelson | June 15 - 16, 2024
Date: June 15 & 16, 2024
Hosted by: Nelson District Rod & Gun Club
Location: Cottonwood Lake
Contact: Brad Howard (E:bradhoward@telus.net)
North Okanagan | May 11, 2024
Date: May 11, 2024
Hosted by: Lumby & District Wildlife Association
Location: Mable Lake Provincial Park
Contact: Dennis Richardson (E: lynden5256@gmail.com)
Osoyoos | May 31 & June 1 - 2, 2024
Date: May 31, 2024 and June 1 & 2, 2024
Hosted by: Accessible Okanagan
Location: Owls Roost Cabins, 950 Nine Mile Place, Osoyoos B.C.
Contact: Michael Stiles (E: mrstiles@telus.net)
Parksville-Qualicum
Date: TBD
Hosted by: Parksville-Qualicum Fish & Game Association
Location: TBD
Contact: Jamie Sudyko (E: jamiesudyko@hotmail.com)
Prince George | June 8, 2024
Date: June 8, 2024
Hosted by: Polar Coachman Flyfishers Associated
Location: Vivian Lake Resort, Prince George
Contact: Brian Smith (E: flyfishingnut47@gmail.com)
Smithers | June 12, 2024
Date: June 12, 2024
Hosted by: Bulkley Valley Rod & Gun Club
Location: Tukii Lodge on Babine Lake
Contact: Fay VanHorn (E:telkwatofsrud1@gmail.com)
Vernon
Date: TBD
Hosted by: Vernon Fish & Game Club
Location: TBA
Contact: Randy Meier (E: antelopekid@shaw.ca)
Williams Lake | June 10, 2024
Date: June 10, 2024
Hosted by: Biff’s Ponds
Location: Biff’s Ponds, Williams Lake
Contact: Wayne Biffert (E: wbiffert@outlook.com)
We need your support
Fishing Forever relies heavily on its volunteers, clubs and sponsors to help deliver this amazing program. If you would like to join in on the fun please get in touch.
