Try fishing for free during licence-free days, June 30- July 8
PETERBOROUGH – Fishing is a great activity to bring the family together and enjoy the beautiful landscapes of Ontario.
With that in mind, there’s no better time than now to drop a line in the water. This year’s “licence-free days” was launched on June 30 and continues until July 8. Clubs and service organizations across the province are hosting a number of free family-friendly fishing events designed to get Canadian residents outside and fishing one of Ontario’s 250,000 lakes and rivers.
Ontario Family Fishing Events (OFFE) is an initiative of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) delivered by the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH), in partnership with members of the OFFE steering committee, which includes the MNRF, the OFAH, and the Canadian National Sportfishing Foundation. More than 60 Ontario communities are hosting an event, derby, or festival over a nine-day span and these events are run in conjunction with National Fishing Week – www.catchfishing.com.
Where and when?
St. Thomas Fishing Derby – Pinafore Park, St. Thomas
July 6, 8:45 a.m. to 2 p.m.
First Annual Gogama Family Fishing Derby – Minisinakwa Lake, Gogama
July 7, 12 a.m. to 12 p.m.
South Lancaster Annual Kids Fishing Derby – South Lancaster Wharf, South Lancaster
July 7, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Tamworth District Lions Club Fishing Day – Lions Beaver Lake Park, Tamworth
July 7, 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Bluevale Kids Fishing Derby – Bluevale Dam, Bluevale
July 8, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
For a complete list of events across Ontario, visit www.ontariofamilyfishing.com.
“Fishing is an activity that provides people with a lifetime of memories,” says OFAH Executive Director Angelo Lombardo. “Whether you’re a long-time angler, or simply being introduced to the activity for the first time, we hope you take advantage of the free fishing opportunities during Family Fishing Week and create some new, lasting memories.”
With more than 100,000 members, subscribers and supporters, and 740 member clubs, the OFAH is the largest non-profit, fish and wildlife conservation-based organization in Ontario. For more information, visit www.ofah.org.
Ontario Family Fishing Events facts
- OFFE activities during Ontario Family Fishing Week are open to all
- Canadian residents between the ages of 18 and 64, who normally would have to purchase a fishing licence, can fish licence-FREE
- Conservation fishing limits apply, as do all other fishing regulations
- Lakes, rivers and streams in Ontario are home to roughly 160 types of freshwater fish
Media contacts:
Shawn Cayley
Manager of Communications
705-748-6324 ext. 270
shawn_cayley@ofah.org
Shelby Erwin
Ontario Family Fishing Events Representative
705-748-6324 ext. 525
offe@ofah.org