Go Fish BC

Go Fish BC The Freshwater Fisheries Society of B.C.

is funded through fishing licence revenue and works with government partners, industry and anglers to make fishing in BC even better.

114,000 steelhead smolts were released into the Chilliwack/ Vedder River earlier this month. These smolts are the offspr...
05/28/2026

114,000 steelhead smolts were released into the Chilliwack/ Vedder River earlier this month. These smolts are the offspring of wild steelhead collected by volunteer anglers last winter. The smolts are raised at the Chilliwack River Hatchery (Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada), and in early-May each year staff from our Fraser Valley Trout Hatchery assist with their release. The adults will return to spawn (between December and April) after two - five years at sea. When fishing for this species, hatchery fish can be identified by their clipped adipose fin. All wild steelhead must be released.

Image: Dean Worrall

Have you ever wondered why some small lakes are stocked, and others remain wild? Biologists look at many factors when de...
05/26/2026

Have you ever wondered why some small lakes are stocked, and others remain wild? Biologists look at many factors when deciding to stock a lake, such as:
🔵productivity (food availability) and size of the lake;
🔵presence of other fish species;
🔵access to spawning habitats, as well as inlets and outlets;
🔵access options for anglers,
🔵conservation concerns with species at risk; among other considerations.
On the blog, we dive into the decisions around stocking small lakes in B.C., and the assessments required to ensure that they provide sustainable quality angling: https://www.gofishbc.com/news/education/small-lake-fisheries-in-b-c-where-and-why-fish-are-stocked/

Image: Craig Adamson

Our Learn to Fish staff will be at Agur Lake Camp near Summerland on Sunday, June 7th to provide fishing tips and assist...
05/22/2026

Our Learn to Fish staff will be at Agur Lake Camp near Summerland on Sunday, June 7th to provide fishing tips and assist with the Kids Fishing Event. This annual event at Agur Lake Camp Society in partnership with Summerland Sportsman’s Association and Freshwater Fisheries is a family favourite. Rain or shine, come out with your friends and family and enjoy a day of fishing and fun. Borrow a rod and tackle, try fishing Agur Lake (recently stocked with fish) and enjoy some family activities and games. https://www.agurlakecamp.ca/visitors-day-kids-fishing-event.html

05/20/2026

Snapshots from the field: Interior lake stocking this month. If you haven't been fishing yet this spring, now is the perfect time to go. Lakes around the province are being stocked with fish, many of which are ready to catch right away. The Lower Mainland lakes are being restocked this week, and on the Island many lakes have received catchable-sized fish last week. Yearlings will grow and be ready to catch in about one year. Check out our Where to Fish map and linked stocking reports to plan your next day at the lake: https://www.gofishbc.com/where-to-fish/

05/20/2026

Fishing Forever has been inspiring communities since 1989, when the idea of the project was first put forward by broadcast journalist, Walt Liimatainen.

Since then, the dedicated clubs of the B.C. Wildlife Federation, volunteers and sponsors have spent many a day outdoors helping those who may need a little extra help to learn how to fish and enjoy the natural offerings around them.

This year, we are hosting the following events:
- May 23 in Parksville-Qualicum
- June 5, 6, & 7 in Osoyoos
- June 6 in Prince George
- June 6 & 7 in Abbotsford
- June 7 in Nanaimo
- June 8 & 15 in Williams Lake
- June 10 in Smithers
- June 20 & 21 in Nelson
- June 27 in Wardner

Learn more and find an event near you: bcwf.bc.ca/fishingforever

A big welcome to our 2026 Learn to Fish staff! 🎉🎣 Following a great week of training, this awesome crew is hitting the r...
05/19/2026

A big welcome to our 2026 Learn to Fish staff! 🎉🎣 Following a great week of training, this awesome crew is hitting the road to deliver fishing programs to communities all across B.C. this season.

Keep an eye out for them at a local lake near you! 🌲🐟 Check the link to find a Learn to Fish event in your community. We'll be adding more programs – including ones in BC Parks – to the calendar soon. http://www.gofishbc.com/learn-to-fish/

We are grateful to our program sponsors who make the Learn to Fish program possible: Backroad Maps | Columbia Basin Trust | Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation | Luhr Jensen Fishing | 13 Fishing | MosaicForests | Ram Trucks Canada | Teck | Yamaha Motor Canada Ltd. | BC Parks | Outdoor Recreation Council of BC | Elk Valley Resources | Bass Pro Shops

Scholarship applications close at the end of this month! 🐟Are you pursuing a career in fish culture or fisheries managem...
05/14/2026

Scholarship applications close at the end of this month! 🐟
Are you pursuing a career in fish culture or fisheries management? We want to help you reach your goals!

We are officially accepting applications for our 2026 scholarships from students returning to a recognized post-secondary program right here in British Columbia.

The Details:
Value: Up to $2,500 per scholarship.

Eligibility: Students returning to a fish culture, natural resource management, or fisheries management program in BC. For full eligibility details, visit the link below.

Deadline: May 31, 2026.

How to Apply:
Find full details on the application process and requirements on our website:
🔗 https://www.gofishbc.com/about-us/scholarships/

Know a future fisheries professional? Please tag them in the comments or share this post to help us spread the word across the province.

05/13/2026

Ready to hit the water? 🎣 Here is your quick guide to getting a B.C. freshwater fishing licence for the 2026-27 season using the WILD system! Steps to get your licence:
1️⃣ Log in: Visit the WILD system online. You can use your BC Services Card app or a Basic BCeID.
2️⃣ Get your FWID: If you don't have one yet, you’ll need to complete your profile to obtain a Fish and Wildlife ID (FWID). This replaces the old Angler Number
3️⃣ Buy: Select "Buy Fishing Licences" from the menu, choose your licence type, and pay.

While fishing you must carry your FWID and photo ID. If you fish where a Conservation Surcharge Stamp is required, you must carry an unmodified paper or digital copy of your licence. When a Conservation Surcharge Stamp and retention record are required, you must carry an unmodified paper copy of your licence to record your catch.

Get started here: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/sports-culture/recreation/fishing-hunting/wild-system

Unsure how to get a BCeID or sign-in with a BC Services Card app? Check out our other videos for more on this.

Shrimp (or 'scuds') are the backbone of a trout's invertebrate food sources in B.C.'s Interior lakes. Rainbows and brook...
05/13/2026

Shrimp (or 'scuds') are the backbone of a trout's invertebrate food sources in B.C.'s Interior lakes. Rainbows and brookies that consume a steady diet of freshwater shrimp will have an appealing, deep-orange flesh and rich flavour. These tiny crustaceans are available year-round, making them another must-have pattern in your fly box.

Pro Tactic from the Blog: Trout and char that see a fleeing shrimp will quickly chase it down. Use short, but fast 10- to 15-centimetre-long (four- to six-inch) strips interspersed with regular pauses to mimic their natural movement.

Ready to level up your lake game? Check out the full breakdown of patterns and presentation techniques here: https://www.gofishbc.com/learn/fishing-tips/lake-fishing/shrimp-scuds-fly-fishing-tactics/

Images: Brent Gill, Dusty Waite.

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101/80 Regatta Landing
Victoria, BC
V9A7S2

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