Father’s Day fishing events celebrate family, appreciation of outdoors
Local fish and game clubs, fish hatcheries, community organizations and avid anglers are planning for a busy Father’s Day weekend with events throughout the province celebrating fishing, family and made-in-BC adventures. Family Fishing Weekend annually offers families an opportunity to find outdoor adventure in their own backyard, and possibly develop a lifelong passion for freshwater fishing. Over 25 events will be hosted across the province this year.
“More British Columbians are planning summer adventures at home and looking to discover amazing experiences in the province. Family Fishing Weekend is a great place to start, or continue, that exploration,” says Stacy Webb, Director of Marketing and Communications for the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC. “Fishing is something you can enjoy in every part of the province and in urban and rural settings.”
Events through the June 13 – 15 weekend welcome anglers of all experience levels. Those new to angling or looking for a refresher are welcomed by anglers keen to share their knowledge about the sport. Many events provide optional hands-on instruction as well as loaner rods, reels and tackle. Event activities include fishing clinics, fly-tying clinics, free rod and tackle loans and stream clean-up projects as well as fishing derbies.
“Fishing licence sales are the strongest we’ve seen since 2020/ 2021 when we saw a surge as people were discovering freshwater fishing while looking for activities close to home,” says Jenna Merth, Outreach Coordinator for the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC. “Purchases are up for all age groups, with annual licences up 25% for the 16-25 year old age range. Family Fishing Weekend is set up so people can learn more about the sport and connect with the angling community.”
During the weekend, licence requirements for both fresh and saltwater fishing are waived, eliminating the financial barrier to participation. While Canadian residents are permitted to fish licence-free over the three days, some requirements remain in effect. Details are posted on the Family Fishing Weekend page at bcfamilyfishing.ca and the Fisheries and Oceans website.
The Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC, with funding from the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation and the Pacific Salmon Foundation, help promote and support the various volunteer-run Family Fishing Weekend events held across BC. Full list of events and more information at bcfamilyfishing.ca.
For young anglers looking for additional ways to discover fishing this summer, the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC’s popular Learn to Fish program will be held at lakes in municipal and provincial parks throughout the Province. An introductory half-day program designed for kids 5-15 and their families, Learn to Fish teaches the basics of how, when and where to catch fish in fresh water. Visit our Learn to Fish page for a full list of programs.
Also, through the summer the Rod Loan program is available in many communities, offering free loans of spinning rods with reels and a basic tackle box to individuals and families.
The Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC was created in 2003 as a private, 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.
Media Contacts: Jenna Merth | Outreach Coordinator | Email