Discover the enjoyment in fishing at Whonnock Lake this Father’s Day weekend.
Now in its 27th year, Family Fishing Weekend brings together anyone interested in learning about freshwater fishing to experts who enjoy sharing their knowledge at a licence-free event.
‘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,” explained Jenna Merth, outreach coordinator with Freshwater Fisheries Society, the organization behind the event.
Free events will be held at five locations from June 19-21, across the Lower Mainland, including Whonnock Lake, where people of all ages will enjoy both structured and unstructured components where they can fish at their own pace.
Activities will range at the different events from family barbecues and children’s fishing clinics to fly-tying clinics, free rod and tackle loans, and stream clean-up projects.
Although there is no charge to participate and the licence requirements have been waived for the three days, some requirements will remain in effect, including catch quotas.
The Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC supports and promotes Family Fishing Weekend events around the province, with funding from the Pacific Salmon Foundation and Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation, HCTF.
“HCTF is a long-time supporter of Family Fishing Weekend because the events strengthen the connection of British Columbians with our wild spaces,” explained Dan Buffett, CEO of the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation.
“When that happens, we can better achieve our goal of conserving freshwater fish, wildlife, and their habitats today for generations,” he said.
The event at Whonnock Lake takes place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 20.
Other events will take place at:
• from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 20, at Abbotsford Fraser Valley Trout Hatchery;
• from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday, June 20, at Surrey Green Timbers Lake;
• from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 20 at North Vancouver Rice Lake;
• and from 5 a.m. to 2 pm. at the main beach at Chilliwack Cultus Lake.
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.
Last year, 380,000 people purchased a basic fishing licence in BC , a growth of 6 per cent over the previous year.
“Come as a group or come and meet new people who also love fishing at one of these events,” said Merth.
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.
For full event details go to: www.bcfamilyfishingweekend.ca.