Provincial grant to help improve fishing infrastructure

An investment in infrastructure in Merritt and the Nicola Valley will support the growing number of freshwater fishing enthusiasts exploring the region’s lakes and streams by improving both the fishing experience at a variety of locations and the region’s attractiveness as a fishing destination.

The Freshwater Fisheries Society received $366,347 in support from the Province of BC under the Community Economic Recovery Infrastructure Program’s Destination Development funding stream, which focuses on projects that bring visitors back to BC. The two-year project, which will begin this spring, will prioritize locations where infrastructure improvements will increase visitation.

Modeled after the Highway 24 “Fishing Highway” corridor project, the infrastructure improvements will diversity experiences, opening the region up to a wider range of freshwater fishers by improving access to the world class fishing in Merritt and the Nicola Valley. The area has 35 lakes stocked by the Society, as well as numerous wild fisheries that provide excellent recreational fishing. Access to more of these locations for fishing experiences supports more frequent visitation and longer stays.

“It is very exciting to see these investments in infrastructure as we head into another busy fishing season,” says Matt Jennings, Executive Director, BC Fishing Tourism Association. “A full range of experiences attracts people to visit the region and return to the region. It’s important as a world class fishing destination that we continue to evolve.”

First priority locations have been identified as having poor access, degraded camping and day use sites and overall lack of infrastructure to fully support fishing and other outdoor recreation activities.

“An investment in new boat launches, fishing docks, campsites, and amenities will increase these locations attractiveness as fishing locations and will offer both locals and visitors new places to explore” says Mike Gass, Sport Fishing Development Manager, Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC.