Fishing Report -6/25

By Chris Fleck

Instead of fishing tips or comments, I felt compelled to share with the readers something truly worthwhile regarding the sport of fly fishing and the impact it can have on an individual. Last year about this time, I wrote a column about the therapeutic effects of fly fishing following my experience helping guide a group of Soldiers and Marines with the Warriors and Quiet Waters Foundation in Bozeman. Last week, I had the pleasure of once again helping out with this outstanding program.

The veterans participating in this program are in various stages of recovering from traumatic wounds as a result of their service in Iraq or Afghanistan, and in most cases, have been undergoing extensive medical care for several months. Most are in their early 20’s, married with young children, and have served multiple tours in one or both countries. Some are severely disabled. In addition to the physical scars they bare, their experiences have extracted a heavy toll mentally as well.

It is truly an inspiration to see these young veterans experience fly fishing on a Montana stream and receive the simple and pure rejuvenation of both body and spirit that fly fishing provides. Most have not even fished before, let alone fly fished. The opportunity to spend time with these veterans was extremely gratifying. The participation of one young Marine in particular stands out as an example of tremendous courage and remarkable attitude, and typifies the positive impact of this program.

Not only did this young man suffer from a TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury) and PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), he was also a double leg amputee. Oh, and by the way, he was blind. After a short bit of instruction, he was able to learn to fly fish from his wheel chair as well as in a boat. As if that wasn’t enough, through a combination of feel and listening to his guide, he also caught several fish. What an amazing experience!  This same young Marine has also completed a 5k race with his prosthetic legs, so that should also tell you something about his desire to overcome adversity.

I left that day feeling pretty sheepish about how I, like many others, often fail to enjoy fly fishing just for the sake of the experience. I can’t wait to share this story this summer the first time a client goes berserk because of a botched cast or a missed hook set. I think it will be a pretty humbling experience.

As they learn to cope with life altering injuries, these young people display extraordinary enthusiasm and gratitude simply for the opportunity to enjoy a recreational activity that many of us routinely take for granted. While I may have helped these veterans learn a bit about fly fishing, in return, they showed me what the true meaning of fly fishing is all about. While many anglers I encounter fret over the number of fish caught or how big they are, that was all irrelevant to this group. Imagine fly fishing purely for its own intrinsic value. We could all benefit from this perspective. Seeing firsthand the rehabilitative impact of fly fishing is as rewarding as it gets. I don’t think I’ll ever look at it the same way again.

I’ll admit that I’m partial to helping these young service men and women. Probably because they remind me of many of those with whom I have served. Even under the most adverse conditions, their indomitable attitude and spirit shines through. This isn’t about being pro-military or for or against a war. It’s about providing an experience that makes a difference for these “kids” over the long haul of their recovery and in their future lives. That’s what counts.

Many of these veterans’ injuries have a cumulative effect and the long-term impacts are uncertain. However, to a man, they look at their wounds simply as part of their job. They don’t feel they are owed anything, and don’t expect, nor want to be treated any differently. Merely receiving a short break from life in a military hospital is much appreciated.

The Warriors and Quiet Waters Foundation is a 501(c) (3) organization and hosts several groups of these veterans during the year for rehabilitative recreation centered around fly fishing for trout on some of Montana’s pristine waters. For further information, visit their web site at www.warriorsandquietwaters.org.

Chris Fleck lives outside of Columbus and owns Semper Fish & Guide, a fly fishing outfitter service. He can be contacted at chris@semperfishandguide.com or by phone at 406-321-0564.