As we continue highlighting Tourism Week and BC moves further into the next phases of reopening, let’s take a wade into the waters around us and go fishing.
Remember, like all activities for the initial phases of the BC Restart, BC Fishing Guidelines recommend you to stay safe, stay local. In freshwater alone, British Columbia has over 20,000 lakes and 750,000 kilometers of streams for anglers to fish. With so much water and recreation areas close at hand, that shouldn’t be difficult advice to follow. Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC’s Where To Fish map can help you find a new hidden freshwater spot near you. The Sport Fishing Institute of BC’s, anglr.ca program will also help you plan your perfect fishing trip for Salmon, Shellfish or other ocean fish.
Fishing, for the most part, is a solo or small group activity, making it easier to maintain social distance from other anglers but where you can’t, it is still recommended to wear a mask.
With BC Parks open for day use now, BC Campgrounds reopening on June 1st, as well as Parks Canada reopening some sites on June 1st, it’s a perfect time to get out and cast a line.
It looks like a lot of people are ready to get out and do just that, Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC is reporting record sales in freshwater fishing licenses for the month of April despite COVID-19. Don’t forget to get your license before you head out.
Other guidelines to follow for this season, includes checking ahead for any local restrictions especially if you’re visiting a small BC community which might have fewer resources to combat COVID-19. To help keep you and your team safe and healthy for this year’s trips, pack a “Clean Trip Kit” – hand sanitizer, gloves and toilet paper/wipes (and a garbage bag to pack them back out with you). If popular areas are congested, be patient, keep your distance or change your plans.
Wherever you decide to fish, enjoy it safely, and respectfully to ensure that you and other anglers can have continue to take to the water for seasons to come.