The Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC is inviting families to expand their outdoor adventure horizons with free family fishing activities in the East Kootenay.

Held in provincial parks, Learn to Fish programs offer introductory level instruction on freshwater fishing in B.C. while the Rod Loan program offers families the opportunity to explore fishing independently.

“Learn to Fish is a great place for families to discover fishing together. It’s often the start of fishing as a family outdoor activity, giving people the experience and the confidence to take up the sport,” says Jessica Yarwood, Provincial Outreach Coordinator. “For families interested in exploring the lakes and rivers on their own, including visitors who didn’t pack a fishing rod, rods and tackle may be borrowed for free with our Rod Loan program.”

Learn to Fish Program Locations

• 

  August 8, 15 and 22 at Wasa Lake Provincial Park, 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

• August 4 at Windermere Lake (pictured above), James-Chabot Provincial Park, 3 – 5 p.m.
• August 5 at Canal Flats, The Flats RV Park, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
• August 6, 13 and 20 at Moyie Lake Provincial Park, 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
•  August 7, 14 and 21 at Surveyors Lake in Kikomun Creek Provincial Park, 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
•  August 15 at Premier Lake Provincial Park near Skookumchuck, 3 – 5 p.m.

Learn to Fish events are hosted on a drop-in basis for youth aged 5 to 15, and their families at provincial park locations. Pre-registration is required for programs in regional parks. Children under 16 aren’t required to purchase a freshwater fishing licence. Programs cover fish identification and biology; habitat and conservation; proper fish handling; ethics, safety, and fishing regulations; fishing tackle and knot-tying. Hands-on instruction includes casting and retrieving.

All the fishing equipment is provided, and the two-hour programs run rain or shine.

Rod Loan Program Locations

• August 5 and 19 at Jimsmith Lake Provincial Park, Cranbrook, 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
• August 9 and 30 at Surveyors Lake in Kikomun Creek Provincial Park, 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
• August 12 at Idlewild Lake, Cranbrook, 10:30 a.m. – 1:30p.m.

Rod Loan programs allow families and other groups to try fishing without having to purchase gear. Families and groups can borrow spinning rods with reels and a basic box of tackle for up to a week. The permanent Rod Loan location is at the Kootenay Trout Hatchery, where the public can visit during business hours and borrow a rod and tackle for free.

For more information on Learn to Fish and Rod Loan programs, visit the events page on our website, www.gofishbc.com. To find a Rod Loan site near you, use the Rod Loan filter on the interactive Where to Fish map.

Program cost is free, thanks to generous support from the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation, Columbia Basin Trust, Rapala, Ram Trucks Canada, and Yamaha Motor Canada, but donations are gratefully accepted

For details and event listings across the province, visit gofishbc.com.

Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC

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