Family Fishing Events Mark Father’s Day Weekend
Licence-Free, Free Community Events Remove Barriers for Families
Celebrations of fishing, families and community will be held throughout the province during Father’s Day weekend in June. Now marking its 27th year, Family Fishing Weekend brings together anyone interested in fishing, from beginners to experts, to fish, learn and share. This year events take place June 19 – 21 with licence-free fishing, learning events and fishing-themed activities.
Over 30 events will take place around BC, with events designed to offer opportunities to people of all ages to learn about and enjoy freshwater fishing. They feature structured and unstructured components for people to enjoy at their own pace. There is no charge to participate and licence requirements have been waived for the three days.
‘While people may think of fishing as a solitary activity, it’s an activity that is also very community-based. Kids can fish with parents and grandparents. Friends can enjoy fishing together. There is a whole freshwater fishing community full of enthusiasts who are keen to share their knowledge and their passion,” says Jenna Merth, Outreach Coordinator, Freshwater Fisheries Society. “Come as a group or come and meet new people who also love fishing at one of these events.”
While Canadian residents are permitted to fish licence-free over the three days, some requirements remain in effect including catch quotas. Details are posted on the Family Fishing Weekend page at bcfamilyfishingweekend.ca and the Fisheries and Oceans website. Event activities range from family barbeques and children’s fishing clinics to fly-tying clinics, free rod and tackle loans and stream clean-up projects.
In 2025, 380,000 people purchased a basic fishing licence in BC , a growth of 6% year over the previous year. Interest in freshwater fishing was strong last year, as many Canadians traveled within the country as a show of national support. With an early start to spring across most of the province, the 2026 freshwater fishing season has started off strong on BC lakes.
Events are hosted by fish and game clubs, municipalities, BC Parks, the Conservation Officer Service, and community groups. The Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC – with funding from the Pacific Salmon Foundation and Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation – helps to support and promote Family Fishing Weekend events held around the province.
“HCTF is a long-time supporter of Family Fishing Weekend because the events strengthen the connection of British Columbians with our wild spaces. When that happens, we can better achieve our goal of conserving freshwater fish, wildlife, and their habitats today for generations,” says Dan Buffett, CEO, Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation.
In addition to Family Fishing Weekend events, the Freshwater Fisheries Society hosts Learn to Fish and Rod Loan programs throughout the province all summer. Visit gofishbc.com to learn more.
The Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC was created in 2003 as a not-for-profit organization, funded mainly through freshwater fishing licence revenues. In partnership with the Province, the Society annually stocks six million trout, char and kokanee in 800 B.C. lakes. It also manages special hatchery programs for endangered species including white sturgeon, conducts fisheries research, education and conservation programs, and works to make angling more accessible for all. To find out more, visit gofishbc.com.
Left to right image credit: Keia Holm, Glen Heward.
Media Contact:
Jessica Greinke, Marketing and Communications Coordinator, Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC
Email: [email protected]