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 diverse abilities 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.
Abbotsford
Date: June 6 -7, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Location: Fraser Valley Trout Hatchery & Visitor Centre, 34345 Vye Rd, Abbotsford, BC V2S 7P6
Hosting Club: Lower Mainland Region BCWF
Contact: Chris Albrecht or Brady Szabados at fishingforeverLM@gmail.com
Campbell River
Date: May 19-22 & May 25-29, 2026
Location: Echo Lake, Strathcona, British Columbia
Hosting Club: Campbell River Fish and Wildlife Club
Contact: Doug Phyall at dphyall@shaw.ca
Courtenay
Date: June 1-5 & June 8-12, 2026
Location: Courtenay Fish & Game Clubhouse
Hosting Club: Courtenay & District Fish & Game Protective Association
Contact: Farley Lock at farleylock@courtenayfishandgame.org
Invermere
Date: February 7, 2026
Location: Lake Windermere, Invermere, BC
Hosting Club: Lake Windermere Rod & Gun Club
Contact: Peter Von Niessen at petervonniessen@yahoo.ca
Lumby
Date: May 9, 2026
Location: Mable Lake Provincial Park, 3638 Lumby-Mabel Lake Rd, Lumby, BC V0E 2G6
Hosting Club: Lumby & District Wildlife Association
Contact: Peter Von Niessen at petervonniessen@yahoo.ca
Nanaimo
Date: June 7, 2026
Location: Nanaimo Fish & Game Club, 1325 Nanaimo Lakes Rd, Nanaimo, BC V9X 1X8
Hosting Club: Nanaimo and District Fish & Game Protective Association
Contact: Steve Cooper at stevemikecooper@gmail.com
Nelson
Date: June 20-21, 2026
Location: Cottonwood Lake, Central Kootenay, BC V1L 6A2
Hosting Club: Nelson District Rod & Gun Club
Contact: Brad Howard at bradhoward@telus.net
Osoyoos
Date: June 5 -7, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: Owls Roost Cabins, 950 Nine Mile Pl, Osoyoos, BC V0H 1V6
Hosting Club: Accessible Okanagan
Contact: Michael Stiles at mrstiles@telus.net
Parksville-Qualicum Beach
Date: May 23, 2026
Location: Spider Lake, Nanaimo, BC V9K 2L7
Hosting Club: Parksville-Qualicum Fish & Game Association
Contact: Jamie Sudyko at jamiesudyko@hotmail.com
Prince George
Date: June 6, 2026
Location: Vivian Lake Resort, Fraser-Fort George, BC V2K 5N2
Hosting Club: Polar Coachman Flyfishers Association
Contact: Lisa O’Neill at one612@telus.net
Smithers
Date: June 10, 2026
Location: Tukii Lodge, Chapman Rd, Bulkley-Nechako G, BC V0J 2N0
Hosting Club: Bulkley Valley Rod & Gun Club
Contact: Fay VanHorn at telkwatofsrud1@gmail.com
Vanderhoof
Date: June 21, 2026
Location: Nechako White Sturgeon Conservation Centre, 3030 Burrard Ave, Vanderhoof, BC V0J 3A2
Hosting Clubs: Vanderhoof Fish & Game Club and Endako Rod & Gun Club
Contact: Jake Zimich at jake.zimich@gofishbc.com
Wardner
Date: June 27, 2026
Location: Kootenay Trout Hatchery & Visitor Centre, Fenwick Rd, Wardner, BC V0B 2J0
Hosting Club: BCWF Fishing Forever Program
Contact: David Oliver at fishingforever@bcwf.bc.ca
Williams Lake
Date: June 8 & 15, 2026
Location: Biff’s Ponds, 2710 Dog Creek Rd, Williams Lake, BC V2G 4W8
Hosting Club: Biff’s Ponds
Contact: Wayne Biffert at wbiffert@outlook.com
Accessible Fishing Docks
The B.C. Lakes Access Guide, developed by the B.C. Wildlife Federation as part of its Outdoor Access Improvement Project, is a valuable resource for individuals seeking accessible outdoor recreation opportunities. This interactive guide features detailed information on lakes across British Columbia, highlighting accessibility features such as wheelchair-accessible docks, trails, and picnic areas. Each entry includes terrain descriptions, available amenities, and 360-degree virtual tours to help users plan their visits with confidence.
By offering comprehensive insights into the accessibility of these natural sites, the guide aims to empower people of all abilities to enjoy fishing, nature exploration, and other outdoor activities—fostering inclusivity and well-being across the province.
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 or host an event in your community please contact fishingforever@bcwf.bc.ca.
