The Freshwater Fisheries Society of B.C. is inviting families to expand their outdoor adventure horizons with free family fishing activities throughout Thompson Okanagan.

Held in provincial parks, Learn to Fish programs offer introductory level instruction on freshwater fishing in B.C. while the rod loan program offers families the opportunity to explore fishing independently.

害羞草研究所淟earn to Fish is a great place for families to discover fishing together. It害羞草研究所檚 often the start of fishing as a family outdoor activity, giving people the experience and the confidence to take up the sport,害羞草研究所� said the provincial outreach co-ordinator, Jessica Yarwood. 害羞草研究所淔or families interested in exploring the lakes and rivers on their own, including visitors who didn害羞草研究所檛 pack a fishing rod, rods and tackle may be borrowed for free with our rod loan program.害羞草研究所�

Learn to Fish sessions are hosted on a drop-in basis for youth ages five to 15 and their families. Pre-registration is required for programs in regional parks. Children under 16 aren害羞草研究所檛 required to purchase a freshwater fishing licence. Programs cover fish identification and biology; habitat and conservation; proper fish handling; ethics, safety, and fishing regulations; fishing tackle and knot-tying. Hands-on instruction includes casting and retrieving. All the fishing equipment is provided, and the two hour programs run rain or shine.

Rod loan programs allow families and other groups to try fishing without having to purchase gear. Families and groups can borrow spinning rods with reels and a basic box of tackle for up to a week. Permanent rod loan sites are at the Summerland Trout Hatchery, Trout Waters Fly and Tackle, and the Summerland Visitor Centre. The public can visit any of these locations during business hours and borrow a rod and tackle for no cost.

The programs are free, thanks to generous support from the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation, Columbia Basin Trust, Rapala, Ram Trucks Canada, and Teck, but any donations are gratefully accepted.

Local and visiting youth can take advantage of Learn to Fish programs at eight locations in provincial parks:

路 July 31, Okanagan Lake Provincial Park South, Summerland, 9:30 害羞草研究所� 11:30 a.m.

路 July 31, Shuswap Lake Provincial Park, Scotch Creek, 6 害羞草研究所� 8 p.m.

路 Aug. 1, 8, 15, Ellison Lake Provincial Park, Vernon, 10 a.m. 害羞草研究所� noon

路 Aug. 4, 18, 25, Bear Creek Provincial Park, West Kelowna, 9:30 害羞草研究所� 11:30 a.m.

路 Aug. 7, 14, 21, Okanagan Lake Provincial Park South, Summerland, 9:30 害羞草研究所� 11:30 a.m.

路 Aug. 7 & 21, Shuswap Lake Provincial Park, Scotch Creek, 6 害羞草研究所� 8 p.m.

路 Aug. 24, Kekuli Bay Provincial Park, Vernon, 10 a.m. 害羞草研究所� noon

路 Aug. 24, Fintry Provincial Park, West Kelowna, 6 害羞草研究所� 8 p.m.

For more information on the Learn to Fish and Rod Loan programs, visit the on the website, . To find a rod loan site near you, use the rod loan filter on the interactive map on the official website.

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