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. Here is a list of dates, times, and locations confirmed for Fishing Forever 2025 events!
Abbotsford | May 31 - June 1
Date: May 31 – June 1, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM (PT)
Hosted by: Lower Mainland Region of the BCWF
Location: Fraser Valley Trout Hatchery & Visitor Centre, 34345 Vye Rd, Abbotsford, BC V2S 7P6
Contact: Chris Albrecht and Brady Szabados (E: fishingforeverLM@gmail.com)
Campbell River | May 20 - 23 & 26 - 30
Date: May 20 – 23, 2025 and May 26 – 30, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 2:30 PM (PT)
Hosted by: Campbell River Fish and Wildlife Club
Location: Echo Lake, Strathcona, BC V0P 1N0
Contact: Doug Phyall (E: dphyall@shaw.ca)
Courtenay | June 2 - 6 & 9 - 13
Dates: June 2 – 6, 2025 and June 9 – 13, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM (PT)
Hosted by: Courtenay & District Fish & Game Protective Association
Location: Courtenay Fish & Game Clubhouse, 3780 Colake Rd, Comox, BC V9N 5N4
Contact: Farley Lock (E: farleylock@courtenayfishandgame.org)
Invermere | February 1
Date: February 1, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM (MT)
Hosted by: Lake Windermere Rod & Gun Club
Location: Lake Windermere, BC V0A 1K4
Contact: Peter Von Niessen (E: info@lwdrodgun.com)
Lumby | May 10
Date: May 10, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM (PT)
Hosted by: Lumby & District Wildlife Association
Location: Mable Lake Provincial Park, 3638 Lumby-Mabel Lake Rd, Lumby, BC V0E 2G6
Contact: Dennis Richardson (E: lynden5256@gmail.com)
Nanaimo | June 8
Date: June 8, 2025
Time: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM (PT)
Hosted by: Nanaimo Fish & Game Club
Location: 1325 Nanaimo Lakes Rd, Nanaimo, BC V9X 1X8
Contact: Steve Cooper (E: stevemikecooper@gmail.com)
Nelson | June 14
Date: June 14, 2025
Hosted by: Nelson District Rod & Gun Club
Location: Cottonwood Lake, Central Kootenay, BC
Contact: Brad Howard (E: bradhoward@telus.net)
Osoyoos | June 6 - 8
Date: June 6 – 8, 2025
Time: June 6 (4:00 PM – 9:00 PM), June 7 (10:00 AM – 9:00 PM), June 8 (8:00 AM – 11:00 AM) (PT)
Hosted by: Accessible Okanagan
Location: Owls Roost Cabins, 950 Nine Mile Pl, Osoyoos, BC V0H 1V6
Contact: Michael Stiles (E: mrstiles@telus.net)
Prince George | June 7
Date: June 7, 2025 – This is a closed event.
Time: 10:00 AM – 3:30 PM (PT)
Hosted by: Polar Coachman Flyfishers Associated
Location: Vivian Lake Resort, Prince George
Contact: Lisa O’Neill and Randy Waloszek (E: One612@telus.net)
Smithers | June 10
Date: June 10, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (PT)
Hosted by: Bulkley Valley Rod & Gun Club
Location: Tukii Lodge on Babine Lake, Chapman Rd, Bulkley-Nechako G, BC V0J 2N0
Contact: Fay VanHorn (E: telkwatofsrud1@gmail.com)
Vanderhoof | June 22
Date: June 22, 2025
Time: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM (PT)
Hosted by: Vanderhoof Fish & Game Club, Endako Rod & Gun Club, and Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC (Vanderhoof)
Location: Nechako White Sturgeon Conservation Centre, 3030 Burrard Ave, Vanderhoof, BC V0J 3A2
Contact: Jake Zimich (E: Jake.Zimich@gofishbc.com)
Wardner | June 21
Date: June 21, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM (MT)
Hosted by: BCWF Fishing Forever Program
Location: Kootenay Trout Hatchery & Visitor Centre, 4522 Fenwick Road, Wardner, BC V0B 2J0
Contact: David Oliver (E: fishingforever@bcwf.bc.ca)
Williams Lake | June 9
Date: June 9, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (PT)
Hosted by: Biff’s Ponds
Location: Biff’s Ponds, 2710 Dog Creek Rd, Williams Lake, BC V2G 4W8
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 or host an event in your community please contact fishingforever@bcwf.bc.ca.
