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The 2013-2015 Freshwater Fishing Regulations Synopsis is now online, and will soon be available in hard copy at Service BC centres and local angling licence vendors throughout the province.

The Freshwater Fishing Regulations Synopsis is published every two years, and contains all non-salmon sport fishing regulations in effect in freshwater in British Columbia. The synopsis is the go-to source book for anglers in the province.

The guide covers popular topics such as licencing and fees, allowable fishing methods and rules on bait usage, quotas and size limits, helpful fish identification photos, as well as guidelines about boat registrations - and so much more.

This year marks a first for the publication, with the cover photograph coming from a contest the ministry hosted in Fall 2012. Congratulations go to Rob deLange, whose photo depicts canoe angling on Cowichan Lake. This picture illustrates just one of B.C.'s many wonderful angling opportunities.

Freshwater fishing's economic impact has grown to over $500 million dollars a year in direct spending, and this economic activity is spread across all regions of the province.

Participation in freshwater fishing is also growing and predictions are the trend will continue, according to the results of the just-released 2013 BC Freshwater Sport Fishing Economic Impact Report. The report also highlighted potential for future growth - and showed that reinvestment of fishing licence revenues in BC's stocking, conservation and angler outreach programs is yielding increasing economic returns.

Using data from the 2010 Survey of Recreational Fishing in Canada, which has been conducted every five years since 1975, the report shows that the number of active anglers province wide grew 6% from 2005. These anglers represent over $546 million a year in direct expenditures on goods and services including accommodation; fishing, boating and camping equipment; licence sales; packages; air and ferry transportation expenditures and fishing supplies. After adjusting for inflation, freshwater fishing annually contributed $23 million more in direct expenditures than in 2005. Anglers also spent more per fishing day, $142 and $131 per day in 2010 and 2005 respectively.

The Williams Lake Stampeders, wearing their lucky green jerseys so close to St. Patrick's Day, posed with the Coy Cup after having earned the Coy Cup Championshipfor the second time in history.

With a 5-1 victory over the Kitimat Ice Demons on their own ice on March 16, the Stamps became British Columbia's 2013 men's senior AA champions.

(Photo submitted by J. Davis.)

By Michael Toay

A futsal tournament was held in Williams Lake last weekend to raise money to build a playground at the Esler Soccer Complex. The Tournament of 'futsal, also known as 'soccer', began last Friday night with a round robin and the remaining games and playoffs held on Saturday.

The Williams Lake Ladies Soccer Association put on the tournament and games were reffed by volunteer referees whose service was immensely appreciated. Approximately 65 players participated, including six teams from Williams Lake.

The Williams Lake Bantam Rep Timberwolves advanced to the provincial finals in Kelowna with two decisive wins over Prince George on Friday and Saturday.

Game one saw the Timberwolves dominte in every aspect of the game end end up with a 6-0 score over Prince George. The T-Wolves played solid defense and limited the Cougars to only a handful of chances throughout the entire game, while the 'Wolves offence peppered the Prince George goalie with shot after shot.