Fishing is Free This Father's Day Weekend
Posted on June 15th 2015, by Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC
Father's Day on June 21st is about spending time with Dad. And what better way to have fun in the outdoors than freshwater fishing as a family? During the 16th Annual Family Fishing Weekend June 19th to 21st, Canadian families may borrow equipment, learn more about freshwater fishing, take part in a variety of activities, or simply enjoy spending time together fishing B.C.'s lakes, rivers, streams, and tidal waters – without needing to purchase a licence. Family Fishing Weekend is supported by the Province of B.C., Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC, Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation, and federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans.
On Saturday, June 20th from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC is celebrating a free Family Fishing Day at its Fraser Valley Trout Hatchery pond in Abbotsford. Arrive early to register for a fishing time, since spots fill up quickly for the popular youth fishing derby. Other activities include a fish release at 12:50 p.m., Learn to Fish sessions for beginners, indoor activities in the hatchery's visitor centre, and arts and crafts. Prizes will be awarded throughout the day, and there is a concession stand on-site.
The free Family Fishing Day on Hallamore Lake, at Alpine Meadows Resort near Clearwater, is also on June 20th. The day starts with a one-hour Learn to Fish lesson at 9:00 a.m., followed by fishing until noon with boats available to borrow. There will be a free barbecue lunch from 11:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.
The Society will also participate at six other weekend events in the following communities:
- June 20: Trail – Champion Lake Provincial Park, 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- June 20: Victoria – Malahat Outdoor Sports Centre, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- June 21: Coquitlam – Lafarge Lake (Town Centre Park), 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
- June 21: North Vancouver – Rice Lake (Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve), 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- June 21: Kamloops – Walloper Lake, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- June 21: Nanaimo – Westwood Lake, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
The Society will be loaning out Rapala rods and tackle for free at all eight events for those who don't have their own gear.
The Family Fishing Society of BC, established in 2001 to encourage new anglers, helps coordinate 50 Family Fishing events around the province. Hosted by volunteer and non-profit organizations, local fishing clubs and businesses, the weekend events feature hands-on help for beginners, and celebrate the tradition of recreational fishing in B.C.
A complete list of participating communities, locations, and event descriptions, along with step-by- step fishing instructions, can be found at www.bcfamilyfishing.com. Freshwater and tidal fishing regulations, including daily catch quotas, always apply; details are posted at www.pac.dfo- mpo.gc.ca or www.fishing.gov.bc.ca.
Contact:
Tanya Laird
Outreach Coordinator
Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC
604-504-4716
visit.fraservalley@gofishbc.com
Owen Bird
Executive Director
Family Fishing Society
604-805-6554
info@bcfamilyfishing.com
