The winter has been a chilly in the Okanagan and the cold climate has allowed for great ice-fishing opportunities.
In it’s fourth year, the annual Learn to Ice Fish event will be held this Saturday, Jan. 14 at Shannon Lake in West Kelowna.
From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. families and children of all ages can learn the basics of ice fishing for free.
The ice fishing event had around 150 people attend last year when the event was held at Beaver Lake, said Danny Coyne of BC Fishn.
Coyne expects the event to be busy, with this year’s low temperatures causing thick ice to form on the lake.
“It’s been a fantastic cold winter because the lower the temperature… you get thick ice on the lake,” said Coyne.
Families can choose to catch and release, or keep the fish. The event has limited parking, but a Budget shuttle will be provided and parking is available at Kinsman Park.
“We’re looking forward to another successful event,” said Coyne.
A free BBQ hotdog lunch will also be provided as well as a chance to win prizes. Those over 16 are required to have a freshwater fishing license.
“BC Fish’n Media, the BC Wildlife Federation Region 8, and Multiple Okanagan Fish & Game Clubs partnered with the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC (GOFishBC.com) and the Ministry of Forests, Lands, and Natural Resources to help grow the Learn to Fish Program,” according to the Fish’n Media website.