B.C.’s Family Fishing Weekend is an annual celebration of fishing that occurs the third weekend of June every year. This is a great chance to get together with family and friends and try fishing!

Image: Justine Russo
Image: Katie Mather

Fish for free during the Father’s Day weekend 

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 :

  • for species that require a conservation surcharge stamp (steelhead, Shuswap Lake rainbow trout and char, Kootenay Lake rainbow trout, white sturgeon, and salmon in both tidal and non-tidal waters)
  •  in Classified Waters (highly productive trout streams, listed as Class I or Class II waters in the water-specific tables of the fishing regulations)

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 13 to 15 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 13 to 15 only.

Family-friendly community events 
 

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.

2025 B.C. Family Fishing Weekend Events

North Vancouver
Event: Rice Lake Family Fishing Day
Location: Rice Lake, Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve, 4900 Lillooet Road, North Vancouver
Time/ Date: June 14, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Host: Seymour Salmonid Society
Details: Our annual Family Fishing day event is operated annually on Fathers Day at Rice Lake. We are most grateful for the ongoing support for this event by Metro-Vancouver (https://metrovancouver.org/), along with the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC (https://www.gofishbc.com/bc-family-fishing-weekend/) as part of events across British Columbia. Our Rice Lake event is attended by local community groups, a food truck, a local band, and provide hundreds of kids the opportunity to learn how to fish. We also have community events tent and Gently Down the Seymour (GDS) education tent available for visitors, along with other community organizations such as Go Fish BC, the British Columbia Wildlife Federation (BCWF), the Black Bear Society among other attendees.
Try your luck at catching rainbow trout at Rice Lake using fishing gear we provide to you on the day. Enjoy the exhibits, other festivities and a food truck! Come check out the Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve (LSCR) Open House booth to learn about the projects, programs and upgrades happening in the watershed.
This is a FREE event, no registration required, fishing gear provided!
Contact: [email protected]
Coquitlam
Coming Soon
Abbotsford
Coming Soon
Chilliwack
Event: Lion’s Cultus Lake Fishing Day
Location: Main Beach, Cultus Lake
Time/ Date: June 14, 5:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Host: Eastern Fraser Valley Lions Club
Details: Registration is available at Fred’s Custom Tackle in Chilliwack
and Abbotsford or at Cultus Lake Main Beach on the day of
the event starting at 5:00 AM. This is a free event for everyone.
All equipment is provided. Sign up will be through the Maple Ridge website!
Contact: Ph. (604) 791-3320
Maple Ridge
Event: Family Fishing Fun!
Location: 27871 113th Avenue, Maple Ridge BC
Time/ Date: June 14, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Host: City of Maple Ridge
Details: Join us for a day of Family Fun learning some basics of fishing!
Practice casting, learn about lures and baiting a hook and get a chance to get out on the dock and fish for yourself!
All equipment is provided. Sign up will be through the Maple Ridge website!
Contact: [email protected]

Ladysmith
Event: Father’s Day Learn to Fish
Location: Bush Creek Hatchery, Ladysmith
Enter from the Ladysmith side to the Ladysmith main logging road and take the 1st right (red gat marked hatchery) about 2.5 km down a dirt road. Please watch your speed as this is also a walking trail.
Time/ Date: June 14, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Host: Ladysmith Sportsmen’s Club
Details: This is a free learn to fish event. There is a stocked pond
to fish which will be open to fish from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
on Saturday June 14th 2025. We have a free BBQ and prizes.
Contact: [email protected]
Chemainus
Event: Chemainus Rod & Gun Club Annual Fishing Derby
Location: Fuller Lake, Chemainus BC
Time/ Date: June 15, 5:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Host: Ladysmith Sportsmen’s Club
Details: This is an annual event hosted by the Chemainus Rod & Gun Club.
You can fish anywhere in the Chemainus River drainage. There will be hotdogs and beverages provided. Weigh in for fish will be at Fuller Lake at 1:00 pm.
Contact: [email protected]
Cowichan
Event: Family Fishing Weekend
Location: Mayo Lake, Mayo Lake Road
Time/ Date: June 14, 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Host: Valley Fish and Game Club
Details: Join us for Family Fishing at Mayo Lake! There will be free hot dogs, pop, chips, and prizes!
Contact: Ph. (250) 749 4025
Malahat
Coming Soon
Shawnigan Lake
Coming Soon
Gold River
Event: Gold River Rod & Gun Club Father’s Day Fishing Day
Location: Star Lake, Ucona M/L Gold River
Time/ Date: June 15, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Host: Gold River Rod and Gun Club
Details: Come join us for at Star Lake for the annual Fishing Day for the lil ones! Fishing starts at 9:00 AM and goes until weigh-in at 12:00 PM. There will be a sign-up sheet on site. This is a free event with lunch provided. Bring your lil ones and let them enjoy the thrill of fishing for a whopper.
Contact: (250) 203-7113
Comox Lake
Event: Family Fishing Day 2025
Location: Courtenay & District F&GPA Property. 3780 Colake Rd. Comox Lake. Parking in lower lot of the clubhouse.
Time/ Date: June 14, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM, June 15, 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Host: Courtenay & District Fish & Game Protective Association
Details: Courtenay & District F&G PA offers a stocked pond of rainbow trout.
People can bring their own rods, bait and tackle and our association can also provide loaner rods. We also provide bait, help with netting and cleaning fish, and keep them bagged on ice. There will be a two fish limit per person. Thirty’s will provide a free hot dog lunch on the Sunday June 16th, Father’s Day.
Contact: 250-334-4126
Sunshine Coast
Event: Fish Release Festival
Location: Chapman Creek Hatchery – 4381 Parkway Drive, Sechelt BC
Time/ Date: May 17, 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Host: Sunshine Coast Salmon Enhancement Society – Chapman Creek Hatchery
Details: Come join us for the release of Coho salmon into Chapman Creek!
Our outdoor festival for kids and the community alike will have fly tying, fly casting, demos from hatchery volunteers, and community booths. There will also be demonstrations in fishing and archery from the local Rod and Gun Club! Seating is limited so feel free to bring your camp chairs.
Contact: (604) 885-4136

Clinton
Event: Clinton and District Outdoor Sportsmen Association Family Fishing Day
Location: Kelly Lake
Time/ Date: June 15, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Host: CADOSA – Clinton and District Outdoor Sportsman Association
Details: There will be prizes for kids, adults and boat captains!
Contact: Ph. 604-218-6954
Salmon Arm
Event: 26th Annual Salmon Arm Kid’s Fishing Day
Location: The Wharf @ Marine Park, Salmon Arm
Time/ Date: June 15, 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Host: Salmon Arm Kid’s Fishing Day
Details: The is a free event open to kids 12 years of age and under. Participants must wear a life jacket or PFD and be accompanied by an adult. Registration is on June 15 at the Wharf.
Contact: 250-517-8087
Merritt
Event: Father’s Day Family Fishing Event
Location: West Pond, Kentucky Alleyne Provincial Park, south of Aspen Grove
Time/ Date: June 15, 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Host: Nicola Valley Fish & Game Club
Details: Nicola Valley Fish & Game Club is holding a Father’s Day Family Fishing Event at the West Pond in the Kentucky Alleyne Provincial Park. The event runs from 9:00 am – 2:00 pm and snacks and drinks will be provided. Volunteers will be on hand to give instruction to new anglers and equipment will be supplied for all new anglers.
Contact: 250-280-0304

Williams Lake
Coming Soon
Telkwa
Event: 3rd Annual Father’s Day Family Fishing Event
Location: Tyhee Lake Provincial Park, Telkwa, BC, Second Beach, follow the signs
Time/ Date: June 15, 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Host: Michelle’s Tackle Box
Details: Join us for a fun-filled day with free BBQ and ice cream, games, crafts, bingo, learn to fish, learn to fly fish, and much more!
Fishing event is free- prizes for hidden size. Enter by family or individual & division by species of trout, pike minnow or burbot.
Camping available at Tyhee Provincial Park.
Contact: (780) 933-4676
Kitimat
Event: Kitimat Rod & Gun Club Fishing Day
Location: Kitimat Rod & Gun Club, 386 Haisla Blvd
Time/ Date: June 15, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Host: Kitimat Rod & Gun Club
Details: Event starts at 10:00 am and runs until 2:00 pm with casting contests,
archery, hatchery displays, and free hotdogs & hamburgers, pop, popcorn etc.!
Contact: (250) 632-1598
Clearwater
Coming Soon
Vanderhoof
Coming Soon

Nelson
Coming Soon
Invermere
Event: LWDR&G Club Family Fishing Day 2025
Location: Lake Lilian, Invermere
Date/ Time: June 14, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Host: Lake Windermere District Rod and Gun Club
Details: Lake Windermere District Rod and Gun Club has been hosting this
event for 7-8 years now on behalf of the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC. We are very happy to support this event and have normally 8-10 members assist. We typically have had 45-60 people or more out to the event.
Contact: Ph. 250-688-2504 | Email
Nakusp
Event: Coldwell Banker Rosling Real Estate Family Fishing Day
Location: Nakusp Marina
Date/ Time: June 14, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Host: Coldwell Banker Rosling Real Estate 
Details: We offer on hand informative fishing tips for the area to include a 1 hr radius. Provide fly tying and hook building ideas, sign in at Nakusp Marina or contact me personally at [email protected] or cell 250-265-1940 if you are fishing at other lakes or tributaries.
Contact: Ph. 250-265-1940 | Email
Cranbrook
Event: Cranbrook Firefighters Annual Fishing Clinic
Location: Idlewild Park, Cranbrook BC
3379 9th Street South, meetup @ Gazebo
Date/ Time: June 15, 7:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Host: Cranbrook Firefighters Charitable Society
Details: For over 40 years the Cranbrook Firefighters Association has been holding a Fishing Clinic at Idlewild Lake to encourage family unity and outdoor recreation in our community. Every year on Father’s Day we put on a Fishing Clinic for children/youth at Idlewild Lake.
Contact: Ph. 250-426-2325 | Email
Revelstoke
Coming Soon
Creston
Coming Soon
Fruitvale
Coming Soon

Aspen Grove
Coming Soon
Enderby
Event: Learn to Fish
Location: Heritage Park
Date/ Time: July 20, 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Host: Kingfisher Interpretive Centre Society
Details: Join us for a Learn to Fish program and give your children a chance to catch a fish and enjoy a day outdoors learning about fishing and making life lasting memories.
The event will be taking place at the Kingfisher Interpretive Centre on Sunday July 20th (located 25 km’s east of Enderby at 2550 Mabel Lake Rd). Local angling experts will be volunteering their time and knowledge to provide a firsthand fishing experience for todays’ youth. They will also be offering instruction on casting techniques, fish handling practices, fish identification, fly tying and more. This fun filled day will also include information on aquatic invasive species, salmon life-cycle, an interactive aquatic bug display, rock painting and more. Learn about what local fish eat and what flies could land the “big” one. The event is free and will run from 9:00-2:00. Lots of great prizes will be awarded throughout the day, so come early for more chances to win! If you have any questions about this event, please contact the Kingfisher Interpretive Centre at (250) 838-0004.
Contact: [email protected]
Peachland
Event: Father’s Day Off the Pier Fishing
Location: Heritage Park
Date/ Time: June 14, 7:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Host: Peachland Ambassador’s
Details: This is a free fishing event to celebrate Father’s Day! We will be
fishing right off the new pier in Peachland. There will be prizes, music, and food!
Contact: Ph. (778) 479-2843
Summerland
Event: Visitor’s Day & Kids Fishing Event
Location: Lot 3777, KM 12, Bathville Rd, Summerland BC, Agur Lake. Participants can arrive and park then join the event at the picnic area located at the campground
Date/ Time: June 8, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Host: Agur Lake Camp Society
Details: This annual event at Agur Lake Camp in partnership with Summerland Sportsman’s Association and Freshwater Fisheries is a family favourite.
Rain or shine, come out with your friends and family and enjoy a day of fishing and fun.
Agur Lake Camp Society is a non profit organization that operates BC’s only wheelchair accessible, barrier free campground.
Thanks to all the volunteers that help make this day a wonderful part of the Summerland Action Fest weekend.
Contact: Ph. (250) 809-7130

  

Host an event or volunteer  

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. 

SUBMIT YOUR EVENT HERE

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BC Family Fishing Weekend Sponsors and Supporters

The 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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