Go fishing for free this weekend at Cottonwood and other West Kootenay lakes
By Timothy Schafer
Grab your fishing rod and tackle and forget your licence, it’s the annual free family fishing weekend in BC.
People can get together with family and friends to go fishing for free without a licence on Fathers’ Day weekend (June 17-19) this year and in the years to come.
In Nelson, The Nelson and District Rod and Gun Club will run their annual free fishing weekend — complete with boats and gear — at Cottonwood Lake, Saturday, June 18-19.
For more information, contact Richard Green at 352-5609 or Email.
During Family Fishing Weekend, Canadian residents can go fishing without purchasing a licence in most of British Columbia’s lakes and streams; residents can now also try their hand at tidal water (saltwater) fishing.
The Government of Canada is now offering British Columbians an opportunity to sport fish without a licence (except to fish for and retain a salmon).
Those wishing to catch-and-release salmon do not require either a licence or a conservation stamp on Family Fishing Weekend.
Anglers wishing to retain a salmon require both a tidal water fishing licence and a salmon conservation stamp. These can be purchased online at: www-ops2.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/nrls-sndpp/index-eng.cfm
All tidal area fishing closures and recreation fishing limits and restrictions continue to apply, so anglers should be sure to check the Tidal Water Sport Fishing Guide for details: www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fm-gp/rec/SFG-GPS-eng.htm
In season changes to dates, limits and gear may occur, and anglers should also check with their local DFO office or web site http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fm-gp/rec/index-eng.htm to confirm fishery openings.
By informing yourself about these requirements, you are contributing to the conservation and stewardship of British Columbia’s treasured aquatic resources.
Other West Kootenay communities celebrating family fishing weekend with events:
Burton
- Burton Historical Park, June 18, 8 a.m.-3 p.m.,
- Burton Community Hall Association
- Contact: Margret Simpson, Email (250) 265.4348
Grand Forks
- Jewel Lake, June 17 – 19
- Grand Forks Wildlife Association
- Contatc: Craig Kiselbach, Email (250) 442-3565
Greenwood
- Jewel Lake, June 19
- Forest Service Social Committee, BCGEU and PEA
- Contact: Terry Corley, Email (250) 442-4314
Nakusp
- Arrow Lakes, June 18, 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
- Coldwell Banker Rosling
- Contact: Cheryl Black, Email (250) 265-3205
Revelstoke
- Wiliamson Lake, June 19
- Revelstoke Rod and Gun Club
- Contact: Troy Ferguson, Email (250) 837-5503
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