Fishing families are getting additional opportunity to pass down their knowledge to the next generation, with the announcement of regulatory amendments to the Wildlife Act, confirmed last week by Forests Lands and Natural Resource Operations Minister Steve Thomson.

In support of mentoring young anglers, the province has amended the regulations for age-restricted waters by making them available to anglers of all ages, provided they accompany a youth under the age of 16 or a disabled angler who is actively angling. Many of the waters that are subject to this new regulation – now referred to as “youth accompanied waters” – are stocked with catchable rainbow trout, providing an above-average angling opportunity for newcomers to the wonderful world of freshwater fishing.

Previously, age-restricted waters allowed only youths aged 16 or less, those 65 and older, and disabled anglers access. This reduced interest for families looking for locations where everyone could fish. Under the new youth accompanied waters regulation up to two adults (including those over 65) can fish in age-restricted waters, provided they are accompanied by an eligible youth or disabled angler. The list of age-restricted waters has also been updated, a Forests Lands and Natural Resource Operations press release outlined.

Disabled anglers are still permitted to angle unaccompanied on youth accompanied waters; however, now they can be accompanied by up to two anglers that were not previously permitted to fish on these waters.

“Fishing is a wonderful and relaxing pastime that people of all ages can enjoy. These changes create new opportunities for families to get out and enjoy the great outdoors together,” Thomson said.

Don Peterson, president, Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC stated: “The Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC supports regulation changes that establish fishing opportunities for children and families. Not only is fishing an ideal way to connect with family and nature, but it is important to introduce youth to fishing for they are the future stewards of the resource.”

B.C. contains over 20,000 lakes and 750,000 kilometers of streams. There are approximately 300,000 anglers throughout the province.

There are a total of 19 locations designated as youth accompanied waters in the province.

These are: Idlewild, Dorothy and Fisher Maiden Lakes and Norbury and Coal Creek (below the M. F. & M Railway Bridge) in the Kootenays; Bainbridge and Mayo Lakes on Vancouver Island; Lonzo Creek and Sardis Park Pond in the Lower Mainland; Isobel, Hamilton, Rose, and Tulip Lakes and Paul Creek in the Thompson Region; Beaver Creek below Pinnacle Provincial Park in the Cariboo Region; Beaverly, McMillan, and Mugaha Creeks in the Omineca Region; Hall Road Pond and a portion of Shannon Lake in the Okanagan Region.

Lead image: Idlewild Lake, Cranbrook. Image taken during special Father’s Day Fishing event in 2013. Carrie Schafer/e-KNOW

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