UPDATE
Due to a forecasted drop in temperatures this weekend, the Kids Can Catch event at Pigeon Lake, which was set for Saturday, Feb. 15, has been cancelled by organizers.
"We are sad to announce that our 2025 Kids Can Catch event has been cancelled due to weather," said Pigeon Lake Watershed Alliance in a provided statement.
"With Saturday's forecast projecting temperatures below -15°C, we have opted to cancel the event. We hope to get back out for some ice fishing next year!
"In the meantime, keep an eye on plwa.ca to find out other ways you can get involved with us, and learn more about some of the other fun events we host throughout the year."
ORIGINAL STORY
A family-friendly event growing in popularity that teaches new anglers about proper fishing practices is back at Pigeon Lake.
Kids Can Catch will be held on Feb. 15 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.at Bar-V-Nok Camp (south of Sandholm Hall off Range Road. 12).
Because the event is held on the Family Day long weekend - one of the free fishing weekends in the province - participants don't need licences or tags to dip in a line.
The annual event is hosted by the Pigeon Lake Watershed Association (PLWA) in conjunction with the Alberta Conservation Association (ACA).
"We host this event to give families an opportunity to get outside during the winter and try their hand at a new activity," said PLWA general manager Amanda Koot.
"It is meant to be fun and educational all at the same time."
PLWA works with local Indigenous fisherwoman Azure Johnson.
"She is incredibly skilled and knowledgeable when it comes to fish harvesting," said Koot, adding she believes the event at Pigeon Lake was started by Johnson.
"She used to plan and host the event on her own, but as it grew in popularity she started to seek out support."
A partnership was initiated with PLWA a number of years ago and they have been hosting the event in collaboration with Johnson ever since, said Koot.
In 2023, 100 people came out for Kids Can Catch, and that number swelled to 150 in 2024.
"We are planning for a crowd of similar size - or greater - for this year's event," said Koot.
"We love collaborating with Azure and the ACA to host this event as it provides us a platform to highlight the importance of lake stewardship and the incredible work that is done throughout our community to implement the Pigeon Lake Watershed Management Plan."
There will be equipment available to borrow, including fishing rods, tackle and bait.
Fishing experts, 'Fish Ambassador' volunteers, will be on hand to share tips and tricks.
A free hot lunch will be provided from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. as well as a campfire for warming up.
PLWA advises to dress warmly and bring a camp chair.
The event will go ahead as long as the weather doesn't drop below - 15 degrees Celsius.
For more information and updates, visit www.plwa.ca/events.
To volunteer as a Fish Ambassador, to share your knowledge or lend an auger, email gm@plwa.ca.
