One of Canada’s longest-running indoor fish ponds returns to Sudbury

2023:Sudbury March Break fishing tradition returns Sudbury Game and Fish Protective Association’s annual fish pond returns to Southridge Mall as an opportunity to introduce kids to fishing.

Fishing has been a March Break tradition for many families at one of Canada’s longest-running fish ponds.

The Sudbury Game and Fish Protective Association has been holding the fundraiser for the past 47 years. It is not only a fun activity for families but officials said it is also an opportunity to introduce kids to fishing.

More than 650 rainbow trout have been placed in an indoor pond where kids of all ages can try catching one.

River Recollet, 11, had some luck and plans to treat his family to dinner.

“(I caught) three and I am going to filet them and eat them,” said Recollet.

Ryan Head and his 6-year-old son Finnley said they are happy to be back at the fish pond after it was closed for the past three years because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Both me and my son both enjoy fishing,” said Head.

“Finnley loves coming we have been coming since he was three years old and he likes catching big fish, right buddy?”

Head got an overwhelming “yes” from Finnley.

“Really to get kids and newcomers and people that don't have to opportunity enjoy it in the outdoors at least give them the introduction to fishing,” said Glenn Poirier with Sudbury Game and Fish Protective Association.

“(It) shows them what kind of excitement it can generate and hopefully get those people outdoors.”

The association runs a number of educational initiatives.

One is a women's weekend offering many outdoor learning opportunities.

“We teach women how to do archery recurve or compound bow. We teach them how to shoot handguns as well as long-range rifles, shotguns,” said Heather Arbour with the association.

“We teach them how to forage for medicinal plants in the forest.

Poirier told CTV News that the club’s main goal and focus is to introduce people to the outdoors and get them to enjoy what we have to offer in northern Ontario.

Officials said when the fishing pond is done, the leftover fish are stored in holding tanks and then released into a local lake approved by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry.

The cost to fish at the pond is $5 for 3 minutes or 3 rounds for $10.

The event runs 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays until March 19 at the Southridge Mall.

More information on this and other Sudbury Game and Fish Protective Association events can be found on their Facebook page.