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The Project Healing Waters program was first introduced in the
Pacific Northwest at
Madigan Army Hospital in the Spring of 2007.
It was later introduced at the Seattle VA Hospital in April of
2008, initially in Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Unit, and then in the Post
Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Unit.
This program is made possible through the combined efforts of
volunteer instructors from numerous local area fly fishing clubs, and
by provision of equipment and materials by the clubs which
they represent .
The Washington Fly Fishing Club volunteer instructor team includes
club members Chuck Ballard, Bob Birkner, Dick Brening, Jim Higgins, Jim McRoberts (group leader), Dick Stearns, Don Schroder, John Townsell, and Walt Swanson.
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Madigan Army Hospital Fly Tying Session
American Lake Fly Fishing Session
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MAY 7, 2011 OUTING
On a dreary (have we had any other kind?) Saturday morning, we departed our carpool areas
for Bill’s Fishin’ Hole in Orting.
I had Bob Young, Don Schroder and Paul Dibble (a new helper) with me, Bob
Birkner picked up Chuck Ballard and Randy Hieronymus, Dick Stearns and Vicki
Hoagland came from Bremerton, Art Alton (new member), Scott Hagen, and
Marv Young each came alone.
Two vans came from the Seattle VA with six
veteran patients and three Recreational Therapists. Three other
outpatients came by themselves.
We rigged the rods and tied on foam
flies with no hook points to practice in the pond with
10” to 18” triploid trout.
After everyone had a
chance to feel the take and spit out the fly, we moved
to the pond with 2 ½ pound to 5 pound fish, the keepers!
As you know the fish have to make the choice! In
the practice pond the competition causes them all to
attack as quickly as the fly (food) “plops” on the
surface, however, in the pond with bigger and fewer
fish, they are in no hurry!
The vets in wheelchairs and those with diminished reflexes are not
certain when to set the hook or how to fight an unruly
fish!
After a few losses, they get the hang of it
and OH what fun!
The smiles show it all! We
were very fortunate and the rain did not arrive until
the last fish was landed!
Fifteen fish were
landed, the biggest 8.5 pounds!
The big fish went
home with the lucky angler to have for dinner!
Fourteen
of them were taken to be smoked and will be returned to
the Seattle VA for many tasty snacks before lunch or
dinner!
Respectfully,
Jim McRoberts
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Caught with cane rod
Two handed Art with Dave
First fish
I don't want to use a "fly pole""!!
The gang at Bill's
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