Maple Ridge is in the running to be the World Fishing Network’s Ultimate Fishing Town Canada, a title that brings with it a $25,000 community donation.
Local fisherman Josko Dujmovic nominated Maple Ridge on WFN’s website. He moved to Maple Ridge 10 years ago, in part to be closer to his favourite fishing holes.
“I have an hour to an hour and a half commute each way to work, but it’s worth it when you get to see what’s all around us here,” he said.
All five species of Pacific salmon, as well as sturgeon, dolly varden, rainbow trout, and steelhead are plentiful in local waters.
Among the popular fishing spots nearby are the Fraser River, Pitt River, Alouette River, Kanaka Creek, as well as Pitt Lake, Alouette Lake, and Whonnock Lake, notes Dujmovic.
Should Maple Ridge be crowned Canada’s Ultimate Fishing Town, Dujmovic said he hopes the $25,000 community donation to go to the Kanaka Education and Environmental Partnership Society, which operates the Bell-Irving Hatchery on Kanaka Creek.
However, to qualify, Maple Ridge will have to collect enough nominations on the WFN’s website.
• To add your nomination to Maple Ridge’s bid to be Canada’s Ultimate Fishing Town, visit www.wfnfishingtown.ca/town/mapleridge-bc
