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 our upcoming events!
Abbotsford — June 2 & 3
Hosted by: Lower Mainland Region of the BCWF
Location: Freshwater Fisheries Hatchery
Contact: Rob Moynahan or Chris Albrecht (E: fishingforeverLM@gmail.com)
Campbell River — June 3 & 4
Hosted by: Campbell River Fish and Wildlife Club
Location: Echo Lake
Contact: Doug Phyall (E: dphyall@shaw.ca)
Courtenay — June 5-9 & June 12-16
Hosted by: Courtenay & District Fish & Game Protective Association
Start Time: 9:00 a.m.
Location: Courtenay Fish & Game Clubhouse
Contact: Farley Lock (E:farleylock@courtenayfishandgame.org)
Nanaimo — May 2023, TBA
Hosted by: Nanaimo Fish & Game Club
Location: 1325 Nanaimo Lakes Road.
Contact: John T. Noble (E: jnobby@shaw.ca)
Nelson — June 17 & 18
Hosted by: Nelson District Rod & Gun Club
Location: Cottonwood Lake
Contact: Richard Green (E:richardfhgreen@gmail.com)
North Okanagan — May 13
Hosted by: Lumby & District Wildlife Association
Location: Mable Lake Provincial Park
Contact: Dwayne Hackett (E: drrkh4@gmail.com)
Osoyoos — June 9, 10, & 11
Hosted by: Accessible Okanagan
Location: Owls Roost Cabins, 950 Nine Mile Place, Osoyoos B.C.
Contact: Michael Stiles (E: mrstiles@telus.net)
Parksville-Qualicum — June 2023, TBA
Hosted by: Parksville-Qualicum Fish & Game Association
Location: TBA
Contact: Jamie Sudyko (E: jamiesudyko@hotmail.com)
Prince George — Tentatively May 13 & June 10
Hosted by: Polar Coachman Flyfishers Associated
Location: Eena Lake, Prince George
Contact: Brian Smith (E: flyfishingnut47@gmail.com)
Smithers — June 2023, TBA
Hosted by: Bulkley Valley Rod & Gun Club
Location: Tukii Lodge on Babine Lake
Contact: Fay VanHorn (E:telkwatofsrud1@gmail.com)
Vernon — June 2023, TBA
Williams Lake — June 2023, TBA
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.
Sponsorship
Thank You to Our Funders