Over the past eight years, more than 34,000 young rainbow trout have been stocked in two Central Okanagan fishing areas for the annual ‘Go Fish’ program for youngsters.
The BC Freshwater Fisheries Society and Summerland Trout Hatchery staff are adding 2,500 more 25-30 centimeter long fish into the special fishing areas in two regional parks as the youth urban fishery program kicks off for its ninth season this weekend.
The Hall Road pond in Mission Creek Regional Park hosts the grand opening on Saturday, May 2nd while activities resume for the season Sunday, May 3rd at the special fishing area set up in Shannon Lake Regional Park. Regional Parks staff and volunteers from participating organizations will provide a barbeque and refreshments by donation at each kick-off event!
Each weekend through Sunday, June 14th from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm, youngsters 15 years of age and under will be able to fish for rainbow trout and are allowed to keep one each day, without a fishing license. Each Saturday at the Hall Road pond, volunteers from the Kelowna and District Fish and Game Club will provide equipment and expert fishing guidance while members of the Peachland Sportsmen’s Association will lend their fishing expertise to ‘Go Fish’ participants in the netted area at the south end of Shannon Lake in Shannon Lake Regional Park. Each Sunday, Regional Parks Services staff will provide equipment and will be available to help youngsters as they try their luck in the two fishing program locations.
And this year there’s a bonus ‘Families in Parks’ Go Fishing event on Father’s Day, Sunday, June 21st from 10 to 11:30 am at Shannon Lake Regional Park. The same regulations apply as the Go Fish program.
For some youngsters the ‘Go Fish’ program may be their first opportunity to experience the lifelong enjoyment of fishing. Communication Officer Bruce Smith says, “This program is one of the best we offer each year. It’s hugely popular and thousands of youngsters from across the Central Okanagan have learned patience and the thrill of catching their first fish. Thanks to our dedicated volunteers with the Kelowna Fish and Game Club, the Peachland Sportsmen’s Association and Freshwater Fisheries Society, a new generation has had the opportunity to experience this lifelong sport.”
“If you plan to join us during any of the ‘Go Fish’ weekends” Smith says, “please respect our park neighbours by parking only in the designated areas or where directed by staff. While participants age 15 and under are not required to have a fishing license for this program we ask that they bring their own fishing equipment if possible, as there’s a limited number of rods and reels to borrow at each site.”
The ‘Go Fish’ recreational fishing program is put on by Regional District Parks Services and its volunteer partners, the Kelowna and District Fish and Game Club and Peachland Sportsmen’s Association along with the support of the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC, the Summerland Trout Hatchery and the Ministry of Environment.
