Now Let's GO FISHing... Do you want to Go Fish during BC's Family Fishing Weekend but haven't fished before? Try this link for how to fish or find out what kinds of fish you catch in BC at the Discover Fishing BC website. On June 19th, 20th and 21st, June 2009 Canadians can try angling within the rules in freshwater using the 3-day FREE licence compliments of the BC provincial government. You do not have to buy or carry a basic freshwater licence. (If you plan to fish for a special fish such as Shuswap Trout or fish on classified waters where the basic licence is still free but must be accompanied by the appropriate purchased validation stamp). Know how to fish but not sure where to Go Fish? Try this link Where to Fish Get Hooked... and Have Fun... It's Free... This web page is your starting point to lots of helpful information about fishing. We want you to have fun and learn a great new pastime. During BC's Family Fishing Weekend everyone can try fishing within the rules for free with the 3-day complimentary freshwater fishing licence or learn the basics about fishing at one of our free community fishing events. Visit our How To Fish page and learn the basics of angling. Once you are familiar with the basics, plan your fishing trip and determine Where To Fish. Before you and your friends start fishing please check that the waters are open and you are fishing within the rules. Pick up a free copy of the freshwater fishing regulations synopsis at you local tackle store. If you wish you can also download your complimentary fishing licence. Learn more about BC's Family Fishing Weekend
Maybe this is the first time you have ever tried fishing and you are still not sure or you do not have any fishing tackle. Then we invite you to attend one of the many special Community Fishing Events where you will be able to learn from expert volunteers, borrow fishing tackle and try fishing at the event. We want you to enjoy your experience and have fun while learning about the great sport of fishing. As an new angler please respect our province's natural resources and learn to fish within the rules. Learn more about angling ethics and the code of conduct for sport fishing in B.C.
This is the weekend (Friday 19th, Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st of June 2009) when there are plenty of great reasons to go fishing! Enjoy time outdoors… discover a great sport… spend time with family and friends… B.C.’s Family Fishing is an event for any Canadian who has ever wanted to try fishing and spend time in B.C.'s great outdoors. And you do not need to buy or carry a basic licence to fish most of B.C.’s thousands of lakes and streams.* What a perfect opportunity to try one of B.C.’s great recreational pastimes. And what a great way to spend time with a family member or friend.
* To fish tidal waters (saltwater), a purchased Tidal Waters Sport Fishing Licence is required for people 16 and over, but is free for anyone under 16.
You do not need to buy or carry a Freshwater Fishing Licence for the weekend (June 19 - 21) but if you would like to have one you'll soon be able to download it here, and everyone can have fun within the rules. If you need to purchase a Conservation Surcharge Stamps to keep a Special Fish go to our search tool to find the licence vendor nearest you. Top of Page
Over 400,000 anglers enjoy fishing on lakes, rivers, and streams throughout British Columbia. If we are not careful, the popularity that recreational freshwater fishing enjoys may compromise not only the experience anglers are seeking, but also contribute to decline of some fish stocks, impact fish habitat and increase conflicts between anglers unless special care is taken. Respect fish and treat them humanely. Keep fish immersed in water until you identify the species and its size. Help us look after our fisheries by limiting your catch to your needs and never exceeding the legal limit. “Let them go, let them grow,” and practice “catch and release” when appropriate or required. Practice courtesy toward other anglers and respect their rights. Share the water with other users. Practise good angling etiquette by:
Always ask permission before entering private property, including Indian Reserve land. Leave natural areas as you found them, keep campsites clean and be careful with campfires. Top of Page
Fishing responsibly not only means protecting the environment and the resource, but also practicing safe fishing habits and respect towards others. This Code of Conduct has been developed and endorsed by the Sport Fishing Advisory Board. Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the Province of B.C. support this initiative:
