The annual B.C.'s Family Fishing Weekend is a celebration that coincides with Father’s Day weekend each year. For 2022, the annual event will take place June 17 - 19. During the three-day celebration, residents of Canada (individuals who have lived in Canada for the preceding 12 months) can go fishing without a licence.
Fish for Free During Father’s Day Weekend - June 17 - 19, 2022
The provincial government 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 saltwater fishing for free. This is a great opportunity to get together with family and friends and try fishing!
Note there are exceptions: If you plan to fish for species that require a conservation surcharge stamp (steelhead, Shuswap Lake rainbow trout and char, Kootenay Lake rainbow trout, white sturgeon, and salmon in both tidal and non-tidal waters); 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.
Anglers must still adhere to catch quotas and regulations. Make sure you have read and understood the Freshwater Fishing Regulations Synopsis so that you know where you can go fishing, and which fish species you can catch.
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Family-Friendly Community Events
During BC's Family Fishing Weekend free fishing events for anglers and families are held around the province. Knowledgeable volunteers are on-hand at most events to teach you the tricks of the trade.
2021 Events
Family Fishing Webinar Series
Date: June 12, 2021 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Join the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC and the B.C. Wildlife Federation for a FREE Family Fishing Webinar Series.
Due to COVID-19, in-person Family Fishing Weekend events have been suspended. Therefore, we have partnered with the BCWF to host a day of free workshops for all ages to get you ready for BC's 22nd Annual Family Fishing Weekend through Learn to Fish lessons, lure making, fly-tying, door prizes and more!
Schedule:
- 9:00 to 9:40 – It’s A Trout Life
- 10:00 to 11:00 – Learn to Fish Families
- 11:00 to 12:00 – Lure Making
- 12:00 to 13:00 – Hatchery Tour
- 13:00 to 14:00 – Learn to Fish Adults
- 14:00 to 15:00 – Fly Tying
- 15:00 to 16:00 – Fishing Ethics and Etiquette
- 16:00 to 17:00 - Accessible Fishing
Location: Virtual event presented through Zoom.
Cost: Free
All participants must pre-register HERE.
To find a fishing spot, visit the interactive Where to Fish map, which shows all of the lakes stocked with fish in BC. For other suggestions on where you might go fishing in your local area, check with the folks in one of your local tackle shops or your local angling club.
*Article credit to the Go Fishing BC website, visit them HERE
