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. The federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, which manages fishing in tidal waters, also offers the opportunity to go saltwater fishing for free.
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.
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.
2024 events are coming soon.
| Location | Date & Time | Host & Contact Details |
|---|---|---|
| Rice Lake Family Fishing Day Rice Lake, North Vancouver | June 16, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM | Seymour Salmonid Society and GVWD Ph. 604-288-0511 |
| Location | Date & Time | Host & Contact Details |
|---|---|---|
| Family Fishing Weekend Courtenay & District Fish & Game Protective Assoc. 3780 Cole Rd. Comox Lake | June 15, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM June 16, 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM | Courtenay & District Fish and Game Protective Assoc. Ph. 250-334-4126 |
| Father’s Day Fishing Bush Creek Hatchery, Ladysmith 2.5 km down Trans-Canada Trail (Christie Falls) | June 15, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM | Ladysmith Sportsmen’s Club Ph. 250-245-7277 |
| Location | Date & Time | Host & Contact Details |
|---|---|---|
| Learn to Fish Kingfisher Interpretive Centre 2550 Enderby Mabel Lake Rd, Enderby | July 21, 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM | Kingfisher Interpretive Centre Society Ph. 250-838-0004 |
| Kids’ Fishing Day Chain Lake Campsite, KM 32 Princeton Summerland Road, Princeton | June 15, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM | Princeton Fish and Game Association Ph. 250-295-2711 |
| Location | Date & Time | Host & Contact Details |
|---|---|---|
| Fishing Forever Cottonwood Lake, Nelson | June 16, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Nelson Rod & Gun Club Ph. 250-444-1953 |
| Location | Date & Time | Host & Contact Details |
|---|---|---|
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.
Host Promotional Toolkit 2024
Coming Soon
Google Folder with Images for Sharing
Coming SoonThe BC Family Fishing Weekend organizers are grateful to the generous sponsors and supporters that help make BC Family Fishing Weekend a success. We couldn’t do it without you!
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