British Columbia is only a few days away from celebrating Family Fishing Weekend – an annual event coinciding with Father’s Day, when residents can fish in either fresh or saltwater without a licence.
The B.C. Wildlife Federation (BCWF) is collaborating with the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC to host events across the province that encourage families to get outside and try their hand at angling!
The following BCWF-affiliated clubs are holding Family Fishing Weekend events:
Chemainus Rod and Gun Club
- Family Fishing Derby at Fuller Lake
- June 18, Weigh-in 1 pm
- Contact: Larry Wasden, 250-245-5824 joycewasden@telus.net
Clinton and District Outdoor Sportsmen Association
- Family Fishing Derby at Kelly Lake, Downing Park
- June 18, 10 am to 2 pm
- Contact: Roland Higginbottom, 250-457-0439, rolly2@bcwireless.com
Courtenay & District Fish & Game Protective Association
- Family Fishing Weekend at 3780 Colake Rd, Comox Lake
- Sat. June 17. 9 am to 3 pm & Sun. June 18. 9 am to 2 pm
- We can provide rods and bait for those that do not bring any. We clean, bag and keep fish on ice till the participant leaves. BC Freshwater Fishing Society has provided rods & reels and some tackle for prizes. Our local sports store Gone Fishin also provided some tackle for prizes.
- Saturday only: Thrifty’s Foods provides a hot dog lunch, beverages and snacks.
- Contact: Farley Lock, farleylock@courtenayfishandgame.org or Willi Wagner, 250-702-7480, president@courtenayfishandgame.org
Creston Valley Rod and Gun Club
- Family Fishing Derby at Mawson Lake
- June 17, 10 am until 3 pm
- Barbeque and kids’ fishing derby for members and their families.
- Contact: Brian Huscroft, wildacresfamilyfarm@gmail.com
Gold River Fish and Game Club
- Star Lake
- June 18, 10 am to 1:30 pm
- Contact: John Bruce, 250-203-7113, Johnbeabruce@gmail.com
Kamloops and District Fish and Game Association
- Father’s Day Fish Out at Walloper Lake
- June 18, 10 am to 2 pm
- Contact: Dave Helmer, 250 372 8944 or cell 778 922 0929, helmerd872@gmail.com
Kitimat R & G Association
- Family Fishing Day at the Kitimat Rod & Gun Club (Kitimat River)
- Contact: Al Hummel, 250-632-6424, arhummel@telus.net
Ladysmith Sportsman Club
- Bush Creek Hatchery
- Contact: Jason Murray, 250-245-7277, ww2fan@shaw.ca
Lake Windermere District Rod and Gun Club
- Family Fishing Day at Lillian Lake (Day Use Area)
- June 17, 10 am to 3 pm
- Lake will be stocked with rainbow trout, featuring BBQ food and prizes
- Contact: David Hubbard, 250-688-2504, davidanddonna@shaw.ca
Nelson District Rod & Gun Club
- Fishing Forever – Saturday, June 17, 9 am to 4 pm at Cottonwood Lake
- Family Fishing Day – Sunday, June 18, 9 am to 4 pm at Cottonwood Lake
- Contact: Richard Green, 250-352-5609, richardfhgreen@gmail.com
North Thompson Fish & Game Club
Princeton Fish and Game Association
- Kids Fishing Day at Chain Lakes Campsite
- June 17, 10 am to 2 pm
- Every child registered will win a prize.
- Hamburgers and hotdogs for all attendees.
- Contact: Al Lay, 250-295-2711, amlay@outlook.com
Revelstoke Rod and Gun Club
- Family Fishing Day/ Father’s Day at Williamsons Lake
- June 18, 9 am until all the kids get a chance to fish
- 500 trout are stocked for the event
- Hamburgers and hotdogs served
- Fishing rods and gear are supplied
- Contact: George Buhler, 250-837-1449, gbuhler@telus.net
North Shore Fish & Game Club
- Seymour Salmonid Society’s Rice Lake Family Fishing Day
- June 18, 10 am to 3 pm
- Trout fishing, exhibits, face-painting, food trucks
- Contact: Rob Chipman, directorrc@bcwf.bc.ca
Valley Fish and Game Club
- Mayo Lake, Cowichan Valley
- Contact: Wally Baas, wallybaas@shaw.ca
Victoria Fish & Game Protective Association
- Victoria Fish & Game Club at 700 Holker Place
- June 18, 10 am to 3 pm
- Contact: Andrew Lemon, aqlemon862@gmail.com
The BCWF will also be attending events at Lafarge Lake in Coquitlam and the Fraser Valley Trout Hatchery in Abbotsford! Drop by, say hello, and enjoy some family fishing if you’re in the neighbourhood!
You can find a complete list of events on the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC website.