B.C.’s Family Fishing Weekend is an annual celebration of fishing that coincides with the Father’s Day weekend. In 2026, the three-day event takes place from June 19th to 21st. 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 19 to 21 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 19 to 21 only.
During B.C.’s Family Fishing Weekend, free fishing events for anglers and families are held throughout the province. Knowledgeable volunteers are on hand at most events to teach tricks of the trade.
| Abbotsford |
| Event: Family Fishing Day Location: Fraser Valley Trout Hatchery & Visitor Centre, 34345 Vye Rd, Abbotsford BC Time/ Date: June 20, 2026, 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM Host: Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC Details: Join us for our annual Family Fishing Day! There will be prizes, a BBQ, community partner booths, educational activities, and the opportunity to sign up for a fishing timeslot at our ponds upon arrival. Contact: [email protected] |
| Surrey |
| Event: Fysh Brain Family Fishing Event Location: Green Timbers Lake Time/ Date: June 20, 2026, 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM Host: Fysh Brain Details: Join us for a day of fishing at Green Timbers Lake. Learn the basics of stillwater fishing. Learn how to cast a rod, bait a hook, fish handling, and angler etiquette. All equipment provided. Prizes to be won. We hope you will be able to catch a rainbow trout! Please email for additional information and to register. This is a free event. Contact: [email protected] |
| Maple Ridge |
| Event: Family Fishing Fun! Location: Whonnock Lake, 27871 113th Avenue, Maple Ridge BC Time/ Date: June 20, 2026, 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! Participants will get to fish for an hour. Event starts at 9:00 am and the last group will start at 2:00 pm. There will also be a raffle for fishing gear. Sign up and try out some fishing off the main dock at Whonnock Lake in Maple Ridge. Registration is required and can be found on the City of Maple Ridge website. Contact: Website |
| Sunshine Coast |
| Event: Fish Release Festival Location: Chapman Creek Hatchery – 4381 Parkway Drive, Sechelt BC Time/ Date: May 16, 2026, 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! This process is designed for small children and the community alike. It has become a free outdoor festival for the community with fly-tying, fly casting demos from volunteers from Chapman Creek Hatchery, and a large amount of participants from the community from FireSmart, B.C. Wildfire Association, Natural Historical Society, Sunshine Coast Astronomy and the Rod and Gun Club. Activities including demos in fishing and archery. Contact: (604) 885-4136 |
| North Vancouver |
| Event: Rice Lake Family Fishing Day Location: Rice Lake, Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve, 4900 Lillooet Road, North Vancouver Time/ Date: June 20, 2026, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM Host: Seymour Salmonid Society Details: Our annual Family Fishing Day event will take place on Saturday, June 20th, at Rice Lake. Have fun learning to fish. Try your luck at catching, then releasing, rainbow trout in beautiful Rice Lake. Afterwards, enjoy the exhibits and other festivities. The LSCR booth is a great way to learn all about the upgrade happening on the river, as well as different projects and programs. The Seymour Salmonid Society (SSS) tent and the Gently Down the Seymour (GDS) education tent are available for visitors, along with other local community organizations. We are most grateful for the ongoing support for this event by Metro-Vancouver, along with the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC, as part of events taking place across British Columbia for BC’s Family Fishing Weekend. Our Rice Lake event is attended by local community groups, a local band, and provides hundreds of kids the opportunity to learn how to fish. ALL AGES WELCOME! This is a FREE event, no registration required, fishing gear provided! Contact: [email protected] |
| Chilliwack |
| Event: Lion’s Cultus Lake Fishing Day Location: Main Beach, Cultus Lake Time/ Date: June 20, 2026, 5:00 AM – 2:00 PM Host: Eastern Fraser Valley Lions Club Details: This is a free event for everyone, and anglers must target invasive species – pumpkinseed, smallmouth bass, and pikeminnow. Removal of these species from the lakes aids the recovery of the Cultus Lake Sockeye salmon population. Snacks and beverages available by donation at the registration tent. Anglers only need to purchase registration tickets if they wish to be eligible to win cash prizes or one of our bonus door prizes and must be registered prior to 11:00am on the day of the event. Registration is available at Fred’s Custom Tackle in Chilliwack and Abbotsford now, or at Cultus Lake Main Beach on the day of the event starting at 5:00 AM. Contact: Website |
| Ladysmith |
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| Event: Father’s Day Learn to Fish Location: Bush Creek Hatchery, Ladysmith Directions: Enter from the Ladysmith side to the Ladysmith main logging road and take the 1st right (red gate marked ‘Hatchery’) about 2.5 km down a dirt road. Please watch your speed as this is also a walking trail. Time/ Date: June 20, 2026, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM Host: Ladysmith Sportsmen’s Club Details: This is a free learn-to-fish event. There is a pond stocked with 1-year-old fish which will be open to fish. There will be a free BBQ, as well as ice-cream, and prizes for kids. Bring your own rod or borrow one for free. Club members will be on hand to help anyone that is new to fishing. Contact: [email protected] | Ladysmith Sportsmen’s Club Facebook page. |
| Victoria |
| Event: BC Family Fishing Weekend Location: Victoria Fish & Game, 700 Holker Place, Malahat, BC Time/ Date: June 20, 2026, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Host: Victoria Fish & Game Protective Association Details: Members and guests from the public are invited to bring their families and fish at our campground’s fishing pond, which is stocked with rainbow trout for the event. Rods and tackle will be provided. All ages and skill levels are welcome! Meet at the Frog Hollow Pond, to the left near the entrance. Contact: (250) 858-8342 |
| Cowichan |
| Event: Family Fishing Weekend Location: Mayo Lake, Mayo Lake Road Time/ Date: June 20, 2026, 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM Host: Valley Fish and Game Club Details: Join us for Family Fishing at Mayo Lake! There will be pop, chips, free hot dogs, and prizes! Contact: Ph. (250) 749 4025 |
| Chemainus |
| Event: Chemainus Rod & Gun Club Annual Fishing Day Location: Fuller Lake, Chemainus Time/ Date: June 21, 2026, 5:00 AM – 2:00 PM Host: Chemainus Rod & Gun 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, as well as free rod and tackle loan for those without their own fishing gear. Weigh-in for fish will be at Fuller Lake at 1:00 pm. Contact: [email protected] |
| Gold River |
| Event: Father’s Day Kids and Family Fishing Day Location: Star Lake, Ucona mainline road, Gold River Time/ Date: June 21, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM Host: Gold River Rod and Gun Club Details: This Fathers Day Family Event will take place Sunday June 21, 2026 at 11:00am at Star Lake. Please bring your own rods and bait/tackle. Snacks, water, and hotdogs will be provided. Dress appropriately for the weather. Fun for all ages! Contact: 250 287 6969 |
| Courtenay |
| Event: BC Family Fishing Weekend 2026 Location: Courtenay & District F&GPA Property. 3780 Colake Rd. Comox-Strathcona. Parking in lower lot of the clubhouse. Time/ Date: June 20 and 21, 2026, 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. Join our volunteers on Father’s Day weekend and enjoy experiencing the sport of fishing. No license required. Bring your own favourite fishing rod or borrow one of ours. Thrifty Foods has kindly sponsored food and drinks for this free public family event. Event sponsored by BCWF and CDFGPA. Contact: [email protected] |
| Merritt |
| Event: Father’s Day Family Fishing Event Location: West Pond, Kentucky Alleyne Provincial Park, south of Aspen Grove Time/ Date: June 21, 2026, 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM Host: Nicola Valley Fish & Game Club Details: This will be a family fishing event at a stocked pond for kids to fish at. Volunteers that are familiar with fishing skills will be available to assist with first-time anglers and kids. Gear will be available for use, and kids that don’t own any will be given the basic necessities to use. Spring weather can be unpredictable, so come dressed for anything. Snacks and drinks will be provided at the event. Contact: 250-280-0304 | Website |
| Clinton |
| Event: Clinton and District Outdoor Sportsmen Association Family Fishing Day Location: Kelly Lake – Downing Provincial Park Time/ Date: June 21, 2026, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM Host: CADOSA – Clinton and District Outdoor Sportsman Association Details: Join us for a fun day of fishing at Kelly Lake! Free rod and tackle hire, food and drink for purchase, and prizes for kids, adults and boat captains! Contact: [email protected] |
| Telkwa |
| Event: 4th Annual Father’s Day Family Fishing Event Location: Tyhee Lake Provincial Park, Telkwa, BC, Second Beach, follow the signs Time/ Date: June 21, 2026, 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM Host: Michelle’s Tackle Box Details: Fun-filled day of “learning to fish”! Free spincast and fly-fishing lessons, free BBQ and ice cream, face painting, fish bingo, crafts to make for Dad for Father’s Day, slip ‘n slide, pond dipping, and a fishing pond for those 5 and under. Everyone is welcome! No registration required. Contact: (780) 933-4676 |
| Kitimat |
| Event: Kitimat Rod & Gun Club Fishing Day Location: Kitimat Rod & Gun Club, 386 Haisla Blvd Time/ Date: June 21, 2026, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM Host: Kitimat Rod & Gun Club Details: Event will be held at the Kitimat Rod & Gun Club at 386 Haisla Blvd. on Sunday, June 21 from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm. We will have games, draws for prizes, and displays. We will offer free hotdogs and hamburgers. Contact: (250) 632-1598 | Email |
| Clearwater |
| Event: Family Fishing Day Location: Clearwater Trout Hatchery Community Fishing Pond, 40 Old North Thompson Highway Rd E, Clearwater, BC Time/ Date: June 20, 2026, 9:00 AM – 2:00PM Host: Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC Details: Visit the Community Fishing Pond to celebrate Family Fishing Weekend! There will be equipment available for use at the ponds as well as prizes and mini Learn to Fish lessons. Contact: [email protected] |
| Vanderhoof |
| Event: Family Fishing Day Location: Nechako White Sturgeon Conservation Centre Trout Fishing Pond, 3030 Burrard Ave, Vanderhoof BC Time/ Date: June 20, 2026, 9:00 AM – 2:00PM Host: Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC Details: Visit the Trout Fishing Pond at NWSCC to celebrate Family Fishing Weekend! There will be equipment available for use at the ponds as well as prizes and mini Learn to Fish lessons! Contact: [email protected] |
| Atlin |
| Event: Atlin Father’s Day Fishing Event Location: Como Lake off of Atlin Road north of town. Time/ Date: June 20, 2026, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM Host: Conservation Officer Service Details: A family friendly event where it gives kids from all ages the opportunity to try fishing. The event usually includes barbecue lunches, free rod loan, fishing swag, and the opportunity for kids to learn how to fish from other experienced anglers. No licences are required for this date. Contact: 778-694-2374 |
| Fruitvale |
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| Event: Family Fishing Day – Champion Lakes Provincial Park Location: Main Beach Day Use Area, Third Champion Lake, Champion Lakes Provincial Park – Access via Champion Park Road outside of Fruitvale, BC Date/ Time: June 21, 2026, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM Host: BC Parks Details: Get those fishing rods ready- or come borrow one! Join BC Parks and our partners for the annual Family Fishing Weekend! With the recent discovery of whirling disease in B.C., it’s more important than ever to be a responsible angler and watercraft user. Learn what you can do to protect our waters from invasive species, and ensure a sustainable future for our fisheries! Highlights: loaner fishing rods, BBQ, educational displays, and prizes. Contact: 250-462-6220 |
| Nelson |
| Event: Family Fishing Day Location: Cottonwood Lake, Nelson Date/ Time: June 21, 2026, 9:00AM – 2:00PM Host: Nelson Rod and Gun Club Details: A fun day of fishing for families and kids. A parent or guardian is required to accompany kids. Free rod and tackle provided, plus instruction from club members. Food and drink will be available. Contact: 250-444-1953 | Website |
| Nakusp |
| Event: Arrow Lakes Nakusp Family Fishing Event Location: Nakusp Arrow Lakes Marina and Boat Launch Date/ Time: June 20, 2026, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Host: Royal Lepage Rosling Realty Details: On Saturday June 20th from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm, our fishing family will be on hand to answer all your questions regarding fishing in the West Kootenays. We will be at the Marina for 9:30 am. Dress for the weather and bring out the kids, dads and grandpas, grandmas and moms. There will be free draws and free BBQ for attendees at 3:00 pm sponsored by Save On Foods and Royal Lepage Rosling Realty. Free rod and tackle loan. 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 21, 2026, 8:00 AM – 1:00 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. The Clinic focuses primarily on family involvement, for parents and grandparents to pass on knowledge and sportsmanship in a fun and exciting atmosphere. We would like to believe the Fishing Clinic can be the start of a child’s passion for fishing and appreciation for the outdoors that could last the rest of their lives. No cost or pre-registration required. Fishing is for children 15 and under. Burgers, Hot dogs and refreshments will be served, all free! There will also be prizes to be won, including a chartered fishing trip prize for the largest fish caught. Contact: Ph. 250-426-2325 | Email |
| Revelstoke |
| Event: Family Fishing Day Location: Williamson’s Lake Campground, 1817 Williamson’s Lake Road, Revelstoke Date/ Time: June 21, 2026, 10:30 AM – 4:00 PM Host: Revelstoke Rod & Gun Club Details: Sign up in-person at the Lake. This is a FREE COMMUNITY EVENT, everyone is welcome! Burgers and hotdogs available by donation- until we run out. Awards for first fish and largest fish caught. Contact: Ph. 250-814-9384 | Website |
| Invermere |
| Event: Family Fishing Day 2026 Location: Lake Lilian, Invermere Date/ Time: June 20, 2026, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM Host: Lake Windermere District Rod and Gun Club Details: Lake Windermere District Rod and Gun Club will host a BBQ and Introduction of Family Fishing Event which will host young families by providing fishing gear and guidance through boat access to Lake Lillian. The event will be from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm. All are welcome. Contact: Ph. 250-688-2504 | Website |
| Salmon Arm |
| Event: 27th Annual Salmon Arm Kid’s Fishing Day Location: The Wharf @ Marine Park, Salmon Arm Time/ Date: June 21, 2026 7:00 AM – 12:00 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 at the Wharf. Contact: 250-517-8087 |
| Princeton |
| Event: Kids Fishing Day Location: Martins Lake Date/ Time: June 20, 2026, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM Host: Princeton Fish and Game Association Details: Event will be held on the Saturday of the Father’s Day Weekend from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm. There will be prizes for all children participating and lunch provided for all in attendance, both children and adults. Sign-up will be at the lake at 10:00. Bring your fishing equipment if you have it; free rod and tackle loan for those that don’t. Contact: [email protected] |
| Kelowna |
| Event: Fish for Father’s Day Location: Hall Road Fishing Pond located in Mission Creek Regional Park Date/ Time: June 20 & Sunday June 21, 2026, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM Host: Regional District of Central Okanagan Details: For children under the age of 16 there will be rods, equipment, and staff available to help “Learn to Fish” at Hall Road Pond in Mission Creek Regional Park! Contact: 250-469-6140 | Email |
| Enderby |
| Event: Learn to Fish Location: Kingfisher Interpretive Centre, 2550 Enderby Mabel Lake Rd Date/ Time: July 19, 2026, 9:00 AM – 1:30 PM Host: Kingfisher Interpretive Centre Society Details: Join us for a Learn to Fish program and allow us to provide your children with an opportunity to catch a fish, enjoy a day outdoors, and make life-long memories. The event will be taking place at the Kingfisher Interpretive Centre on Sunday July 19th (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 today’s youth. They will also be offering instruction on casting techniques, fish handling, fish identification, fly tying and more. This fun-filled day will also include information on aquatic invasive species, salmon life cycles, 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 9:00-1:30. Lots of great prizes will be awarded throughout the day so come early for more chances to win! If you have any questions about the event, please contact the Kingfisher Interpretive Centre at (250) 838-0004. Contact: [email protected] |
| Summerland |
| Event: Agur Lake 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 7, 2026, 11:00 AM – 3:00 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 B.C.’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: Website |
| West Kelowna |
| Event: Father’s Day Learn to Fish Location: Shannon Lake Regional Park, West Kelowna. Meet us at the blue tent by the dock. Date/ Time: June 21, 2026, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM Host: Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC Details: Join us for a Learn to Fish presentation at 10:00 AM, followed by a four- hour period of fishing and road loan. This event is free of charge and all equipment is provided. There will be door prizes, and every child will receive an activity package to take home. |
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 made each event possible.
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!
Copyright © 2003 – 2025, Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC. All Rights Reserved.
