The Kalamalka Fly Fishers Society is a non-profit, member funded society and proud member of the British Columbia Federation of Fly Fishers (BCFFF) and BC Wildlife Federation (BCWF).
The founding principles of the Kalamalka Fly Fishers Society are Conservation, Education and Participation.
Conservation – To conserve, protect and restore fish habitats in the North Okanagan and surrounding areas. Our biggest and ongoing project is the enhancement of Kokanee Salmon spawning beds in the Coldstream Creek near Vernon.
Education – To provide education and/or self-help opportunities for those wishing to learn any or all aspects of fly fishing and to help them develop their skills as fly fishers. Each year we run a “Basic Fly Tying Course” and an “Introduction to Fly Fishing Course” which are open to the public. On occasion, we teach basic fly tying techniques at the local schools, Girl Guides and Scouts.
Kids are the future of the successful sports fishing in British Columbia and new members of the Kalamalka Flyfishers Society. Each year, with the help of the Sicamous Fly Club, we host a Learn to Fish day at the Kingfisher Interpretive Centre.
For members, we have refresher fly tying nights and some more advanced fly tying techniques nights. Fly casting clinics for both single handed and two handed (spey) are very popular amongst the members.
Participation – To promote the participation in the sport of fly fishing and other types of sport fishing in the North Okanagan and surrounding areas. Every year since 2001, usually the first weekend in May, the Kalamalka Fly Fishers Society has hosted the Polson Park Pond Free Kids Fishing Weekend. With the help of the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC who generously provide about 1,000 catchable Rainbow Trout, kids up to the age of 14 have an opportunity to go fishing and actually catch fish. We provide all the fishing gear, rods, reels, hooks, bait and bobbers, including some sage advice on how to catch a trout. If they prefer, they can use their own fishing gear. The kids love this event almost as much as the members.
2023 Kalamalka Fly Fishers Service Awards
Anyone who has been a member of a club/society that relies on volunteers to make things happen, knows how important these people are. Most of the time, the same few people seen to be doing all the work. Here at the Kalamalka Fly Fishers Society, we have more than our fair share of members stepping up to help.
Each year we try to recognize and acknowledge three outstanding members with the presentation of our service awards.
Bob Monk Award: This award goes to a worthy individual for promoting and developing the art of fly tying and fly fishing. Fly tying and fly fishing was Bob’s passion.
Glen Ferguson Award: This award goes to a worthy individual involved in maintaining, developing, and upgrading the club. Glen was instrumental in developing the Kalamalka Fly Fishers Society
Morris Dean and Len Wengerchuk Award: This award goes to a worthy individual for contributions in the areas of environmental awareness, education, and fish habitat.
This year was particularly difficult but with thanks to all our members, this year’s awards go to: (drum roll)
The Bob Monk award goes to Jack Butula.
The Glen Ferguson award goes to Ron Reitsma.
The Morris Dean and Len Wengerchuk award goes to Chris Moxham.
Congratulations and thank you for all your work and effort.
