Fishing event provides fun day for disabled people

Almost 100 anglers with disabilities participated in the 21st annual Fishing Without Barriers Day on Flathead Lake last Thursday.

 The anglers caught lake trout from fishing boats trolling on the lake off of Woods Bay. Anglers came from the Flathead Valley, Kalispell, Polson, Ronan, Eureka, Libby, and as far away as Anaconda, Victor, and Missoula.

The Fishing Without Barriers Day provides an opportunity for people with disabilities to get out on Flathead Lake and enjoy fishing with the experts. For many of the anglers, it is their only fishing experience for the year.

Anglers fished from 17 charter boats and private craft; all boat captains volunteered their day for the event.  About 200 people, including anglers, helpers and family members enjoyed a gourmet lunch and fish fry.  Barry Schrammeck, Diane and Randy Williams of Woods Bay RV Park and Campground provided the facility for the barbecue and celebration.  Doug Averill and Jim Frissell made available Hidden Harbor where boats were launched.  The Montana Game Wardens Association served as a major sponsor.  Jerry Howard, chairman of the FWP Crossing the Barriers Committee, organized the food, donations, and other aspects of the event. He also baked 50 dozen chocolate chip cookies.