Families planning on a little freshwater fishing during this month’s Family Fishing Day will find a new, improved facility at their disposal thanks to the efforts of Campbell River’s Fish and Game volunteers.
The organization delivered and installed a new concrete dock at Echo Lake Wednesday, adding to previous improvements made at the area’s day-use picnic and dock area.
“We put in pads for three picnic tables, three fire rings, and built a new outhouse,” volunteer Wade Major said. “We’re going to be ready to host Family Fishing weekend.”
The group also spread 200 yards of gravel in the road and pathways into the park, and carved a curved, gently sloping ramp to the dock to improve accessibility to the mobility challenged.
The provincially sponsored Family Fishing Weekend, scheduled for June 20-21, provides license-free fishing for the day. It is designed to encourage introduction of fishing to children and will feature prizes and giveaways at both freshwater and saltwater events in Campbell River.
On Wednesday, the Fish and Wildlife Club moved one step closer to completing the new day-use site at Echo Lake. The 25,000-pound concrete dock was lifted by crane into the water to replace the small, existing wooden dock at the end of a metal ramp.
The ramp extends from shore at a recently improved picnic site with fire pits, table pads and new outhouse. Major said the picnic tables are expected to arrive within three weeks, which may have them in place for the Family Fishing event.
The project was funded through the Fish and Game society’s annual fundraisers, with help from the Freshwater Fisheries Society of B.C. The FFSBC recently stocked the lake with 650 catchable-sized rainbow trout, and more fish will be introduced into the lake this year.
To access the new day-use site, follow Hwy. 28 just past Echo Lake, turn left on Elk Main (formerly Camp 8 Road) and watch for the day-use site signs.