FatherÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s Day weekend offers more than a time to salute Dad, itÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s also B.C.Ï㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s Family Fishing Weekend!
After all, what better way to spend a little quality time together than with an annual celebration of fishing, held this year from June 18 to 20. During the three-day event, Canadian residents Ï㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥“ those who have lived in Canada for the preceding 12 months Ï㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥“ can go fishing without a licence.
During the annual event, sponsored by the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC, and the , the Province waives the requirement for residents to buy or carry a non-tidal (freshwater) basic licence during the third weekend in June, and the Friday immediately prior.
The federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, which manages tidal fishing, also offers the opportunity to go for free.
The weekend does carry some exceptions:
If you plan to fish for species that require a conservation surcharge stamp Ï㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥“ steelhead, Shuswap Lake rainbow trout and char, Kootenay Lake rainbow trout, white sturgeon, and salmon in both tidal and non-tidal waters Ï㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥“ or angle Classified Waters (highly productive trout streams; listed as Class I or Class II waters in the water-specific tables of the fishing regulations) you are still required to purchase the appropriate licence(s) and conservation surcharge stamps.
As well, anglers must still adhere to catch quotas and . Make sure you have read and understood the so that you know where you can go fishing, and which fish species you can catch.
Family-Friendly Community Events
During BCÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s Family Fishing Weekend, free fishing events for anglers and families are typically held around the province, with knowledgeable volunteers often on-hand to teach you the tricks of the trade. However, due to COVID-19, events have gone online with the the Society and the B.C. Wildlife Federation host a day of free workshops for all ages. Topics include learn to fish lessons, lure making, fly-tying, door prizes and more!
The Family Fishing Webinar Series runs June 12 from 9am to 4pm:
- 9 to 9:40am Ï㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥“ ItÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s A Trout Life
- 10 to 11am Ï㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥“ Learn to Fish Families
- 11am to 12pm Ï㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥“ Lure Making
- 12 to 1pm Ï㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥“ Hatchery Tour
- 1 to 2pm Ï㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥“ Learn to Fish Adults
- 2 to 3 Ï㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥“ Fly Tying
- 3 to 4 Ï㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥“ Fishing Ethics and Etiquette
All participants must pre-register
Resources for Anglers
Keen to learn more about fishing in British Columbia? For tips on setting up your rod, and basic techniques such as float and bottom fishing, visit our or channel. ThereÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s even a BeginnerÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s Learn to Fish Guide .
To find a fishing spot, visit the interactive map, showing all lakes stocked with fish in BC.
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