B.C.’s 24th annual Family Fishing Weekend is set to hit lakes throughout the province on the weekend of June 16-18, and to mark the occasion the Clinton and District Outdoor Sportsmen Association (CADOSA) is once again holding a fishing derby at Kelly Lake on June 18.
The Family Fishing Weekend is sponsored by the Freshwater Fisheries Society of B.C. and Habitat Conservation Trust Fund, and is an opportunity for anyone — from novice fisherpeople to experienced anglers, and from kids to seniors — to take to the water and try their hand at fishing.
While those aged 16 and older usually need to purchase a fishing licence in order to fish in non-tidal waters in B.C., the province waives that requirement over the third weekend in June, meaning those wanting to take part in the Family Fishing Weekend can do so whether they have a licence or not, whatever their age.
The CADOSA Fun Fishing Derby takes place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, June 18 at Kelly Lake just west of Clinton. Club president Rolly Higginbottom says the club has been holding a June fishing derby since before the Family Fishing Weekend was established.
“It’s open to everyone, and all are welcome,” he says. “We usually get between 30 and 50 people. It’s a good way to introduce people and kids to the sport, and we have plenty of prizes, especially for the kids.”
There is a $5 entry fee for everyone taking part, but kids get a hot dog and drink as part of their fee. Every child who enters is also guaranteed a prize, and there are first, second, and third prizes for adults taking part.
While many lakes in the province are stocked with fish each year, Higginbottom says that Kelly Lake naturally stocks itself. Anglers can expect to catch Rainbow and Eastern Brook trout.
“Fishing is usually pretty good, as it’s a fairly deep lake and is good-sized,” notes Higginbottom. “Fish are one to three pounds on average, so if you catch something it will be a good size and make for good eating. Some local fishermen catch bigger ones, as big as five pounds, but most fishing derby people aren’t fishermen, and catch smaller ones.”
He adds that if someone wants to take part and doesn’t have the proper gear, CADOSA will have some gear there that people can borrow. He also notes that the lack of a boat isn’t an obstacle.
“You can fish from shore at Kelly Lake; there are quite a few places where you can do that. And there are usually a few extra boats there, and people who can offer you a spot.”
While the CADOSA derby is taking place at Kelly Lake, Higginbottom notes that Big Bar and Beaverdam Lakes — both of which are close to Clinton — are also good fishing lakes, and that fishing is free at both of them during the weekend of June 16, although no organized events are planned at either.
Family Fishing Weekend is an opportunity to tackle fishing for the first time or indulge in a lifelong passion. Dozens of clubs and associations throughout the province will be hosting events over the weekend, at places including Kamloops (Walloper Lake), Clearwater (Trout Hatchery), Nicola Valley (West Pond, Kentucky Alleyne Provincial Park), Salmon Arm (Salmon Arm Wharf, Marine Park), and Princeton (Chain Lake).
While the event is promoted as being for families, Higginbottom says it isn’t just for kids, and participants don’t have to have children with them.
“If we get adults who haven’t fished before we can hook them too, and get them involved in fishing. The idea is to get people out and fishing, and hope they’ll continue.”
For more information about all the events taking place on this year’s Family Fishing Weekend, including at Kelly Lake, go to https://bit.ly/43wTPbm.
editorial@accjournal.ca
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