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.
2022 Fishing Forever Events
Every year, BCWF affiliated clubs host Fishing Forever events across B.C. Here is a list of the 2022 events!
May 25, 2022 - Parksville-Qualicum, B.C.
Hosted by: Parksville-Qualicum Fish and game Association
Location: Coombs Country Campground
Time: 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.
Contact: Jamie Sudyko (E: jamiesudyko@hotmail.com P: 250.240.2530)
Please email the above to volunteer the day before for set-up or the day of the event to help with the fishing fun.
June 4 & 5, 2022 - Abbotsford, B.C.
Hosted by: Lower Mainland Region, BCWF
Location: Freshwater Fisheries Hatchery, Abbotsford B.C.
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Contact: Rob Moynahan or Chris Albrecht (E: fishingforeverLM@gmail.com)
June 6-10; June 13-17, 2022 - Courtenay, B.C.
Hosted by: Courtenay & District Fish & Game Protective Association
Location: Courtenay Fish & Game Clubhouse
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Contact: Farley Lock (E: farleylock@gmail.com)
June 11, 2022 - Osoyoos, B.C.
Location: Strohmans Pond, Osoyoos
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Contact: Michael Stiles (E: mrstiles@telus.net P: 250.488.5512)
June 15, 2022 - Smithers, B.C.
Hosted by: Bulkley Valley Rod & Gun Club
Location: Tukii Lodge on Babine Lake
Contact: Fay VanHorn (E: telkwatofsrud1@gmail.com P:250.847.9539)
June 18, 2022 - Nelson, B.C.
Hosted by: Nelson District Rod & Gun Club
Location: Cottonwood Lake
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Contact: Richard Green (E: scaler4@telus.net)
June 19, 2022 - Williams Lake, B.C.
Hosted by: Biff’s Pond and Williams Lake Sportsmen’s Association
Location: Biff’s Pond
Contact: Wayne Biffert (E: wbiffert@outlook.com P: 250.392.7460)
July 9, 2022 - Prince George, B.C.
Hosted by: Polar Coachmen Flyfishers Association
Location: Ferguson Lake, Prince George
Contact: Brian Smith (E: flyfishingnut47@gmail.com)
July 17, 2022 - Nanaimo, B.C.
Hosted by: Nanaimo Fish & Game Club
Location: 1325 Nanaimo Lakes Rd.
Contact: John T. Noble (E: jnobby@shaw.ca)
TBD - Vanderhoof, B.C.
Hosted by: Vanderhoof Fish & Game Club
Location: Nulki Lake, south of Vanderhoof
Contact: Ray Klingspohn (E: raydon.rk@gmail.com) and Randy Springer (P: 250.567.9693)
TBD- Vernon, B.C.
Hosted by: Vernon Fish & Game Club
Location: Okanagan Lake
Contact: Brian Stacy (E: mbrians@telus.net) and Alison Stacey (E: silverado11@gmail.com)
TBD in 2023 - Lumby, B.C.
Hosted by: Lumby & District Wildlife Association
Location: Mable Lake Provincial Park
Contact: Dwayne Hackett (E: drrkh4@gmail.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.