A fishing celebration launched a quarter of a century ago is now drawing the children of early participants to enjoy the sport of fishing.
Celebrating a 25th anniversary this year, participation in the weekend-long series of events has grown to over 10,000 participants across the province.
Held over the Father’s Day weekend, June 14 – 16 in 2024, Family Fishing Weekend features fishing events in 28 communities with seven taking place in the Kootenays. During the weekend, licence requirements for both fresh and salt water fishing are waived to make the events accessible to as many people as possible.
In addition to waiving licence requirements, Family Fishing Weekend events offer a place for families to come together with other angling enthusiasts. Groups and communities host local events that are free and open to the public. Events welcome both novice and experienced anglers with 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.
“We now are seeing people who attended Family Fishing Weekend events as children bringing their own children to the events,” says Jessica Greinke, Marketing and Communications Coordinator, Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC.
“It’s become an annual tradition for many families and a way to share a passion with the next generation. We have seen how attending events like these fosters a lifelong passion for angling and for the outdoors. We hope to see many more generations coming to Family Fishing Weekend.”
Weekend events create spaces where family and friends are able to easily gather together to go fishing, with many events occurring near urban centres with wheelchair accessibility.
“We know families are still struggling with the added pressure of increasing costs. At the same time more and more families are looking to share experiences to celebrate the Dads in their lives. Freshwater Fishing is a great way to do that and it’s something multiple generations can enjoy together,” says Jenna Merth, Outreach Coordinator, Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC.
“For some it’s the beginning of a new tradition. For others it’s an opportunity to share a lifelong passion for angling with the next generation. Ultimately it’s a fun weekend that doesn’t have to be expensive.”
Family Fishing Weekend Events throughout the Kootenays
Invermere Lake Lillian June 15 9 am – 2 pm
Nelson Cottonwood Lake June 16 9 am – 5 pm
Nakusp Nakusp Marina June 16 10am – 4pm
Cranbrook Idlewild Lake June 16 8am – 1pm
Revelstoke Wiliamsons Lake June 16 10am – 3pm
Creston Mawson (Rykerts) Lake June 15 10am- 3pm
Fruitvale Champion Lakes Park June 15 1pm – 4pm
While Canadian residents are permitted to fish licence-free over the three days, some requirements remain in effect. Details are posted on the BC Family Fishing website and the Fisheries and Oceans website.
The Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC through funding from the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation and the Pacific Salmon Foundation and working with partners such as the BC Wildlife Federation, help promote and support the various Family Fishing Weekend events held across BC. Full list of events and more information at www.bcfamilyfishing.ca
Through the summer the popular Learn to Fish program will be held at lakes in municipal and provincial parks throughout the Lower Mainland, southern Vancouver Island, Kootenays and Thompson-Okanagan.
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.
Also, through the summer the Rod Loan program is available in many communities, offering free loans of spinning rods with reels and a basic box of tackle to individuals and families. Details are listed on the Programs page at www.gofishbc.com/learn-to-fish/rod-loan/
Something going on in your part of the Kootenays you think people should know about? Send us a news tip by emailing [email protected].
