Williams Lake anglers will be able to enjoy fishing more easily and more often thanks to the installation of a new fishing dock at Reservoir Lake.
Now everyone — from avid anglers who wish to fit in a quick hour of fishing to new anglers who don’t have access to a boat — will be able to enjoy fishing on the lake.
Accessed from the small Cariboo Highway rest stop four and a half kilometres from Williams Lake, the dock installation coincides with fall fishing season when fish are more catchable from a dock as trout move on to the shoals to feed. The Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC (FFSSBC) Society annually stocks Reservoir Lake with 3,000 fingerling rainbow trout.
“Adding dock access to Reservoir Lake is an exciting step for us in removing barriers for people wishing to enjoy the angling experience,” said Dana Atagi, vice-president of the FFSBC.
“A dock allows people to be catching fish in less time and with less expense and we hope more people will give it a try.”
As of April 1, 2015, under a new agreement with the provincial government, the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC receives 100 per cent of fishing licence revenue to invest in infrastructure and services to support freshwater fishing in B.C.
With the increased revenue, the Society is investing in additional research and infrastructure projects across the province, including new docks to make access to angling easier.
Easier access to popular fishing spots and stocked lakes supports the Society’s goal to reduce barriers to the sport of angling, resulting in greater angler participation.
To further reduce barriers to the sport, rods and gear are available to borrow for free from the Williams Lake Visitor Centre.
Jointly sponsored by the FFSBC, Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation and Rapala, the Rod Loan Program gives interested individuals or groups an opportunity to try angling before investing in rods and tackle.
It also makes angling available to visitors who often do not pack their fishing gear with them.
The Reservoir Lake dock is a result of a partnership between BC Government, Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC and anglers whose fishing licence fees contribute to the dock program.