British Columbia Fishing Blog

The Richmond Golden Rods and Reels Society once again ran a well organized bullhead derby for kids and seniors at Garry Point Park today. This year’s attendance is the highest in many years, just over 100 kids took part. Largest bullhead was measured at 9 inches long, while the largest non-bullhead species was a 14.5 inches long northern pikeminnow. All fish were carried to the measuring station by the kids, measured and returned to the river. Beside bullhead and a few other coarse fish species, some starry flounders were also caught.

More photos can be seen on this page. The next kids fishing event is Fish for the Future on July 12th, I look forward to see everyone there.

In conjunction with the BC’s Family Fishing Weekend, the Seymour Salmonid Society hosts “Go Fish Rice Lake” every year on Fathers Day. This is one event that I usually do not miss as it always draws a huge crowd. Due to the nice weather that we experienced, this year’s event was especially well attended.

Just minutes after the event started, all fishing rods, around 80, were loaned out to new angling enthusiasts. Each angler was allowed to try fishing on the pier for 20 minutes before returning the fishing rod. Other activities included flytying lessons, bug discovery, bear awareness activities, etc. Thanks to those who came by to say hi. I hope questions regarding different fisheries were fully answered, otherwise emails are always welcome. Despite of high angling pressure, only a few fish were caught, probably due to the warm sunny condition.

More photos can be seen on this page.

Staff at the Fraser Valley Trout Hatchery were not busy raising trout today, instead they introduced fishing to over 1,000 visitors who attended the annual family fishing day.

An inflatable pool filled with several hundred rainbow trout was set up for kids under the age of 7. Although catches were almost guaranteed, some had to work harder than others to keep the fish on the barbless hook.

Hundreds of new eager anglers converged at both learn-to-fish ponds, which were stocked with over 1,000 rainbow trout. Most are now hooked on fishing.

The Fraser Valley Trout Hatchery and Visitor Centre is opened to the public. The visitor centre houses most BC fish species in its aquariums. Pre-arranged hatchery tours are available, just phone ahead to book a time. Learn-to-fish sessions will also be happening for all age groups. For more information, please visit their website.

These two photos are my favorites from today. They capture two memorable moments when we fish – Anticipation and excitement.

Hatchery manager Dale nets a trout for two young anglers. It is hard to tell who is most excited in this photo.

Barry does not seem so pleased after bonking and cleaning fish number 426.

There was not a shortage of anglers at the trout ponds.

Other photos can be found on this page.

 

Over twenty five years ago, my father regularly brought me along to his fishing trips. Although I was not heavily involved in the actual fishing at these trips, new adventures could always be had. Gobies and shrimps could be netted and observed in creeks, mussels and weeds were collected on rocks by the ocean. This constant connection with nature eventually grew to a strong fascination with fish. I was often looking for new species to catch, cutting out fish photos for my own record. This fascination has also become a life-long career, a treasured hobby and a strong willingness to protect the precious resource that we often take for granted.

A child’s life can be significantly altered when fishing is introduced into it. It isn’t so much about just catching fish, but lessons that cannot be taught elsewhere are found through this hobby. Fish can only be cared if they are seen or touched. This connection is difficult to bridge by a textbook.

The BC Family Fishing Weekend, which takes place annually on the Fathers Day Weekend, was initially designed to introduce more participants into this community. Some may disagree with the approach by reasoning that less anglers is in fact better for the resource, but the reality is that this resource, community and industry cannot survive unless there is a steady recruitment of participants. More users in a fishery does not only translate into more money, but it also creates more stewards who would guard what is enjoyable to them.

On June 14th and 15th, take a child fishing. The freshwater fishing licenses are free on those two days, for those who wish to give fishing a go. Community events will take place across the province, where newcomers can receive guidance on how to get started in this hobby.

On June 14th, I will be at the Fraser Valley Trout Hatchery for its family fishing day. Ongoing hatchery tours and trout fishing will be available from 8am to noon. On June 15th, I will be at Rice Lake in North Vancouver, where trout fishing will also be available as well as various educational activities. I look forward to see everyone!

Rodney Hsu
Webmaster, Fishing with Rod Production