Do you want to Go Fish during BC's Family Fishing Weekend but haven't fished before? This section of the website is your starting point to lots of helpful information about fishing.
Learn how to fish and see some of our suggestions for where to fish. Find out what kinds of fish you can catch in B.C. at the GoFishBC website. 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 your local tackle store or view it online.
Get hooked...
and have fun...
It's free...
Learn more about BC's Family Fishing Weekend
If you are a novice angler or haven't been fishing in a while, 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.
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 15th, Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th of June 2018) when there are plenty of great reasons to go fishing! Enjoy time outdoors… discover a great sport… spend time with family and friends… BC’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.
On June 15th, 16th and 17th, 2018 the BC government waives the requirement to have a basic freshwater fishing licence. This means residents can try angling on unclassified waters for FREE on these three days, compliments of the BC provincial government. If you plan to fish for species that require a conservation surcharge stamp (e.g. a special fish such as Shuswap Trout) or fish on classified waters, you are still required to purchase a basic licence and the appropriate stamps and/or classified water licence. See the Freshwater Fishing Regulations Synopsis for full details. You can also fish tidal waters (saltwater) free on BC Family Fishing Weekend, but rules do apply. See the Fisheries and Oceans Canada website for further information.
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.
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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. Practice 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.
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: