B.C.’s Family Fishing Weekend is an annual celebration of fishing that coincides with the Father’s Day weekend. In 2024, the three-day event falls on June 14th to 16th. This is a great chance to get together with family and friends and try fishing!
Right through the third weekend in June (including the immediately preceding Friday), our provincial government waives the requirement for residents of Canada – individuals who have lived in Canada for the preceding 12 months – to buy or carry a non-tidal (freshwater) basic fishing licence.
There are some exceptions. If you plan to fish :
then you are still required to purchase the appropriate licence(s) and stamp(s).
Anglers must always adhere to catch quotas and regulations. To know where you can go fishing, and which fish species you can catch, make sure you have read and understood the Freshwater Fishing Regulations Synopsis.
The federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, which manages fishing in tidal waters, also offers the opportunity to go saltwater fishing for free. From June 14 to 16 only, if you’re fishing in Canadian Pacific tidal waters for any species other than salmon, halibut or lingcod, you don’t need a licence to fish. If you are fishing for salmon, halibut or lingcod, get a free 3 day BC Tidal Waters Sport Fishing licence, valid from June 14 to 16 only.
During B.C.’s Family Fishing Weekend, free fishing events for anglers and families are held throughout the province. Knowledgeable volunteers will be on hand at most events to teach tricks of the trade.
| North Vancouver |
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| Event: BC Family Fishing Day Location: Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve, North Vancouver. Meet at Rice Lake Gate, 4900 Lillooet Rd. Date/ Time: June 16, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM Hosts: Seymour Salmonid Society and Greater Vancouver Water District Details: Try your luck at catching rainbow trout at Rice Lake. Enjoy the exhibits, other festivities and the Reel Mac and Cheese food truck. Come check out the LSCR and Metro Vancouver Watershed booth at the entrance to learn about the watershed. Contact: Ph. 604-288-0511 | More information |
| Coquitlam |
| Event: Family Fishing Day Location: Lafarge Lake, Coquitlam Date/ Time: June 16, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM Host: Coquitlam Festival Society Details: Join us for the 25th annual BC free fishing day at Lafarge Lake. Come to Lafarge Lake for a free family-friendly day of fishy fun and prizes during BC’s free fishing weekend – when anglers can fish BC’s waters without a licence. Experts will be on site to teach participants new techniques on catching rainbow trout. Other activities include fly tying, casting lessons and salmon raffle. Some fantastic prizes will be given away at the end of the event. Contact: Website |
| Abbotsford |
| Event: Family Fishing Day Location: Fraser Valley Trout Hatchery, Abbotsford Date/ Time: June 15, 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM Host: Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC Details: Bring the entire family along and learn about B.C. freshwater fisheries, and enjoy helping your children fish for rainbow trout at the stocked ponds. There will be fishing for youth ages 18 and younger (all equipment provided), interactive family activities, concession stand, door prizes. All are welcome to this free event! No registration required. Contact: Email | More information |
| Chilliwack |
| Event: Lion’s Cultus Lake Family Fishing Day Location: Cultus Lake Main Beach Date/ Time: June 15, 5:00 AM – 2:00 PM Host: Eastern Fraser Valley Lions Club Details: We encourage fishers to be on Cultus Lake or fishing from the shore to catch smallmouth bass and Pike minnow. They are both predators of salmon fry; our goal is to protect the salmon of Cultus Lake. Fishers should bring their own gear including a fishing rod tackle a bucket for the fish and anything else that they need to be safe and comfortable. Contact: Website |
| Maple Ridge |
| Event: Cast & Crew Welcome! Location: Whonnock Lake, Maple Ridge Date/ Time: June 15, 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM Host: City of Maple Ridge Details: EVENT IS FULL. This event is free for families or first-timers. We will provide the fishing gear and volunteers for you to have a memorable experience. Contact: Ph. (604) 467-7308 |
| Ladysmith |
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| Event: Father’s Day Fishing Location: Bush Creek Hatchery, Ladysmith. 2.5 km down Trans-Canada Trail (Christie Falls) Date/ Time: June 15, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM Host: Ladysmith Sportsmen’s Club Details: There are 100 fish to be caught in the hatchery pond. Participants are welcome to bring their own rods if they want but rods and bait will also be available and free to use. There will be a BBQ and prizes for the kids. Contact: Ph. 250-245-7277 |
| Event: Chemainus Rod and Gun Club Family Fishing Day Location: Fuller Lake, Ladysmith Date/ Time: June 16, 5:00 AM – 2:00 PM Host: Chemainus Rod and Gun Club Details: Fish anywhere in the Chemainus River Drainage. Fuller’s Lake, Chemainus Lake, Holy Oak Lake, Rhinehart Lake. All fish must be weighed in at Fuller’s Lake park no later than 1pm. Hot Dogs and Hamburgers water and pop provided free for everyone attending the event. Contact: Ph. 250-245-5824 |
| Cowichan |
| Event: Family Fishing Day Location: Mayo Lake, Cowichan Date/ Time: June 15, 9:00 AM –2:00 PM Host: Valley Fish and Game Club Details: Family fishing at Mayo Lake. Contact: Ph. 250-749-4025 | Email |
| Malahat |
| Event: Family Fishing Day Location: Victoria Fish and Game Protective Assoc. 700 Holker Place, Malahat Time/ Date: June 15, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Host: Victoria Fish and Game Protective Society Details: Members and the public are invited to bring their families and fish at our campground’s fishing pond, which is stocked with over 200 rainbow trout for the event. All ages and skill levels are welcome, and kids can bring home one of the fish they catch! Contact: More information |
| Shawnigan Lake |
| Event: Annual Walter Hall Memorial fishing Event Location: Shawnigan Lake Time/ Date: June 15, 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM Host: Royal Canadian Legion Malahat Branch 134 Details: A fun-filled event for the whole family. Join us on Fathers Day for a day of fishing, food, and prizes! All ages are welcome to join this public event. In order to enter your family, you will have to register on our legion’s website www.malahatlegion.ca. Contact: Ph. 250-743-4621 | Email | Website |
| Gold River |
| Event: Father’s Day Fishing Event Location: Star Lake, Gold River Time/ Date: June 16, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM Host: Gold River Rod and Gun Club Details: Annual Father’s Day Family Fishing Derby up at Star Lake on the Ucona M/L. Fishing starts at 9:00 am and goes until 12:00 pm, lunch (supplied) and prizes etc. until 1:00 pm. Bring your own fishing gear and bug juice, there is no advanced sign-up required but please enter children’s names upon arrival. Contact John Bruce at 250-203-7113 for info. Contact: Ph. (250) 203-7113 | Email |
| Comox Lake |
| Event: Family Fishing Weekend Location: Courtenay & District F&GPA Property. 3780 Cole Lake Rd. Comox Lake. Time/ Date: June 15, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM, June 16, 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM Host: Courtenay & District Fish & Game Protective Association Details: Our fishing pond is located on our property. Meet at the main parking lot, located at the office and Clubhouse. Participants can bring their own rods & bait. We can supply rods & bait for those that do not have any. We can clean, bag & keep their catch on ice. We have a two fish limit / person. Contact: Email |
| Enderby |
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| Event: Learn to Fish Location: Kingfisher Interpretive Centre, 2550 Enderby Mabel Lake Rd, Enderby Date/ Time: Sunday, July 21, 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM Host: Kingfisher Interpretive Centre Details: This is a free family event which will be taking place at the Kingfisher Interpretive Centre (located 25 kms east of Enderby). The event will include fishing opportunities, fly tying, learning about water bugs and more. This event is an opportunity to teach our young anglers the ins and outs of successful fishing! Contact: Ph. 250-838-0004 | Email |
| Salmon Arm |
| Event: 25th Annual Salmon Arm Kids’ Fishing Day Location: Salmon Arm Wharf at Marine Park, Salmon Arm Date/ Time: June 16, 6:00 AM – 11:00 AM (registration 6AM) Host: Salmon Arm Kids’ Fishing Day Details: The fishing day is a free event open to all kids 12 years of age and under. Participants must wear a life jacket or PDF and be accompanied by an adult. Contact: Ph. 250-517-8087 | Facebook page |
| Williams Lake |
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| Event: Fishing Forever – Fishing Day for Persons with Disabilities Location: Biff’s Ponds. 2710 Dog Creek Rd. Williams Lake Date/ Time: June 10, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Host: Biff’s Ponds Details: The Fishing Forever program provides an opportunity where people with disabilities can learn, or continue, to fish and enjoy the outdoors. Low-mobility or disabled persons are invited to fish Biff’s Ponds. There will be hot dogs, hamburgers, chips, water & pop. All equipment will be supplied. To sign up please email: [email protected] Contact: Ph. 250-392-7460 |
| Telkwa |
| Event: Father’s Day Family Fishing Event Location: Tyhee Lake Provincial Park, Telkwa Date/ Time: June 16, 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM Host: Michelle’s Tackle Box Details: Fishing, food and fun! Learn to fish for ages 5 – 15, boat rides, fly-fishing demo and instruction, fishing pond ages 5 and under, free BBQ, prize draws. Contact: Ph. 780-933-4676 | More information |
| Kitimat |
| Event: Family Fishing Day Location: 386 Haisla Blvd, Kitimat Date/ Time: June 16, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM Host: Kitimat Rod and Gun Assoc. Details: We will have a casting contest, archery, hatchery display and information, and food, including hotdogs, juice, and chips. Contact: Ph. 250-632-1598 |
| Clearwater |
| Event: Family Fishing Weekend Location: Clearwater Trout Hatchery & Fishing Ponds, 40 Old North Thompson Highway East, Clearwater Date/ Time: June 15, 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM June 16, 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM Host: Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC Details: Join us for a mini Learn to Fish lessons at our stocked trout fishing pond. All fishing equipment available. Plus, prize draws every hour! Contact: Ph. 250-674-2580 |
| Vanderhoof |
| Event: Family Fishing Weekend Location: Nechako White Sturgeon Conservation Centre, 3030 Burrard Avenue, Vanderhoof Date/ Time: June 15, 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM June 16, 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM Host: Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC Details: Join us for a mini Learn to Fish lessons at our NEW trout fishing pond. All fishing equipment available. Plus, prize draws every hour! Contact: Ph. 250-567-6673 |
| Nelson |
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| Event: Fishing Forever Location: Cottonwood Lake, Nelson Date/ Time: June 16, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Host: Nelson Rod & Gun Club Details: On Saturday, June 15, we take all seniors and disabled individuals (and caregivers) around the lake trolling for rainbow trout. On Sunday, June 16, we do the same for families with small children. We supply Boats, lifejackets, rods, reels, lures and bait. For those who catch a fish we give then a rod and reel set and or a fishing forever medal. Off the water, we provide a hot dog or burger, juice and chips to all attendees. Contact: Ph. 250-444-1953 | More information |
| Invermere |
| Event: LWDR&G Club Family Fishing Day Location: Lake Lilian, Invermere Date/ Time: June 15, 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM Host: Lake Windermere District Rod and Gun Club Details: Lake Windermere District Rod and Gun Club is happy to announce our annual Family Fishing Day event in collaboration with The Freshwaters Fish Society and BC Family Fishing Weekend. Usually we have the support of the local Conservation Officers and 4-6 boats to take the public out. Draw prizes& BBQ provided free. Contact: Ph. 250-688-2504 | Email |
| Nakusp |
| Event: Nakusp Family Fishing Day Location: Nakusp Marina Date/ Time: June 16, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Details: Coldwell Banker Rosling Real Estate Details: Fishing and info booth 10-4 with a free BBQ and draws to follow at the Nakusp Marina. Contact: Ph. 250-265-1940 | Email |
| Cranbrook |
| Event: Cranbrook Fire Fighters Fishing Clinic Location: Idlewild Lake, Cranbrook Date/ Time: June 16, 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM Host: Cranbrook Firefighters Association Details: Our event is about bring families and community together. It is a fishing competition for youth and children under 16. There are multiple prizes awarded as well as a BBQ by donation. Contact: Email | More information |
| Revelstoke |
| Event: Family Fishing Day Location: Williamsons Lake, Revelstoke Date/ Time: June 16, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM Host: Revelstoke Rod & Gun Club Details: This is a free family event. We’ve got you! Don’t know how to fish? We’ll show you. Don’t have a rod? We’ll lend you one. No fishing License? No problem…You don’t require one ( for this event only). Children under 16 years are required to have a guardian present. Lunch: Juicy chargrilled burgers will be served up 11- 1 or until we run out (by donation). Bring your Dad, Mom, Sister, Brother, Auntie, Uncle, Cousin, Bestie or just come on your own to meet new people. Contact: Ph. 250-683-9153 | Email | Facebook page |
| Creston |
| Event: Family Fishing Day Location: Mawson Lake (aka Rykerts Lake) Date/ Time: June 15, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM Host: Creston Valley Rod and Gun Club Details: All members and their families are invited to attend a fun-filled day at the lake. Fishing from shore or boats is permitted. No gas motors allowed. We are also going to have some archery demonstrations and members will be able to try their hand at some target practice. Hamburgers and hotdogs and cold beverages will be provided for lunch. Contact: Ph. 250-428-4355 | Email |
| Fruitvale |
| Event: Family Fishing Weekend: Champion Lakes Park Location: Champion Lake Provincial Park, day-use area beach Date/ Time: June 15, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM Host: BC Parks, RAP Park Contracting, local Conservation Officer Service. Details: Come out and celebrate Father’s Day with a fishing trip with BC Parks! There will be information displays, snacks, loaner fishing gear, and draw prizes. Park Rangers will be on hand to answer questions and help tying up fishing gear. Contact: Ph. 250-354-3650 | Email |
| Aspen Grove |
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| Event: Father’s Day Family Fishing Event Location: West Pond, Kentucky-Alleyne Park Date/ Time: June 16, 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM Host: Nicola Valley Fish and Game Club Details: We will be holding our Family Fishing Event. It will be held at the Kentucky Alleyne Park and is for anglers 16 years old and younger. There is a stocked pond for youth anglers. We will have fishing gear to give away to youth who do not already have their own. There will be snacks, coffee, & water provided for attendees. We will also have volunteers on hand to assist and teach a variety of fishing activities. This is always a great family event and it warms the heart to see the smiles on kids faces as they get the opportunity to catch some fish. Contact: Ph. 250-280-0304 | Facebook page |
| Princeton |
| Event: Kids’ Fishing Day Location: Chain Lake Campsite – Princeton-Summerland Road, Princeton Date/ Time: June 15, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM Host: Princeton Fish and Game Association Details: All kids registered, try fishing mostly from shore. Lunch will be provided to all in attendance. Members will provide hamburgers, hotdogs, and drinks to participants and parents. All participants to receive a prize at the end of the event. Contact: Ph. 250-295-2711 | Email | Facebook page |
We are always looking for more locations and willing communities that want to get involved in B.C.’s Family Fishing Weekend. If your agency, club, or group is interested in hosting a community event that is free and open to the public, please fill out the Event Submission Form. Activities at past events have included family barbeques, fly-tying clinics, free rod and tackle loan, children’s fishing clinics, and stream clean-up projects. The Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC offers event support, supply of fishing equipment and giveaways, and promotion and marketing. If you have any questions about BC Family Fishing day, volunteering, or how to host an event, please contact us.
Thank you to all of the community volunteers, organizations, and local businesses that make each event possible.
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