Freshwater Fisheries Society
16th Annual BC’s Family Fishing Weekend - This Father's Day Weekend, bring the whole family and enjoy free fishing across BC - June 19-21, 2015
What is BC’s Family Fishing Weekend?
BC's Family Fishing Weekend is a celebration of the great sport of fishing and getting outdoors. 2015 marks the 16th annual event weekend.
Dedicated groups in each community organize each event, with help from the Family Fishing Society of BC. As well as encouraging youngsters to come out and fish, the events are an excellent opportunity to share the importance of fish and their fragile habitat. The goals of the Society and of the event are to increase angler participation, promote BC’s world-class freshwater and tidal (saltwater) sport fishery, plus develop greater public respect and awareness for our outdoor resources.
Fisheries and Oceans Canada awarded the National Recreational Fisheries Award to the Family Fishing Society in recognition of the long lasting and positive impacts of (re)introducing thousands of kids and families to recreational fishing in British Columbia. The Family Fishing Society of British Columbia was created in 1999 to encourage all British Columbians to take up recreational angling as a pastime and to enjoy British Columbia’s world-class sport fishing opportunities.
The program offers two great opportunities to the public:
Try Fishing for Free: British Columbians are invited to try fishing on June 19 - 21, 2015, Father’s Day Weekend, anywhere in the province or get reacquainted with a great sport. Freshwater fishing is FREE during the Family Fishing Weekend (June 19, 20 and 21, 2015 only) in many of the province’s lakes and streams. BC residents can try angling within the rules and do not need to buy or carry a freshwater or tidal fishing license. The BC Government offers a complimentary 3-day basic freshwater license valid only for June 19, 20 and 21, 2015. And, Fisheries and Oceans Canada encourages BC residents to try their hand at tidal (saltwater) fishing with a free tidal water fishing licence (certain regulations apply).
Special Community Fishing Events: During the Father’s Day weekend, BC residents can have fun by attending our popular community fishing events around the province. These events are FREE to attend and help people, particularly kids, learn about fishing, fish and conservation in a fun and relaxed environment. Expert volunteers on site help take the mystery out of the “how to” of fishing. Volunteers, and companies that recognize the value of introducing young people and families, to fishing and the outdoors, provide time and materials. As mentioned, all the events are free and offer great opportunities to fish with loaner equipment or giveaways. For a complete list of the community fishing events visit www.bcfamilyfishing.com website events pages.
Annually this program attracts an estimated 25,000 people who go fishing in the province during the Family Fishing Weekend around BC; approximately 17,000 people visit one of the 50 popular community-fishing events. Over the years, BC’s Family Fishing Weekend has developed into a well liked and much anticipated annual event. Please visit our website at www.bcfamilyfishing.com, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter @bcffw for lots of helpful information, free contests and prizes!