Fishing Without Barriers anglers land big lake trout
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WOODS BAY — The glistening lake trout Mary Kay Knofal held up to be photographed wasn’t the first fish she ever caught.
“I love to fish,” Mary Kay said.
At 88 she looked like she stepped out of a Harper’s Bazaar ad in a nautical outfit of a striped blouse and capris, a white sweater and matching striped earrings as she pushed her rocket-red walker along the dock.
Mary Kay and her family lived in Pasadena, California, and they used to fish at Lake Arrowhead. Now Mary Kay lives at the Lake View Care Center in Bigfork, and she and a group of residents came to fish in the 22nd annual Fishing Without Barriers day on June 11.
About 120 anglers who use a wheelchair or walker for mobility, are developmentally delayed, or have mental health issues came to Hidden Harbor for a day of fishing. About 90 of those anglers went out on a fishing boat with 30 fishing from shore. Hidden Harbor provided the boat launching and docks, and charter boats and private watercraft captains donated their time and equipment, according to John Fraley, information officer for Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks in Kalispell. The barbecue and fish fry following the fishing was held at Woods Bay RV Park and Campground’s facility.
Anglers ranging from age 5 to 88 caught 50 fish. The largest lake trout caught measured 39 inches and was reeled in by Jasmine Todd, 17, of Kalispell.
“I like fishing,” Jasmine said, “but this is the first time I’ve ever caught a huge fish like this.”
Brad Brown, Ronan, held up a big lake trout, about 37 inches long.
“Look at this sucker,” Brad called to his friends.
Brad went fishing with Captain Tony Anderson, who said they weren’t out 15 minutes when Brad caught his fish.
“Brad was ecstatic,” Anderson said, grinning. “That’s the reason I do this. He was so excited when we were pulling the fish in, his hands were shaking.”
Anderson said he’s been bringing his boat to Fishing Without Barriers for “11 or 12 or 13, maybe 15 years.”
Jeffrey Sagen, 8, of Kalispell, caught his fish right away, too, according to Captain Tim Shattuck of Flathead Lake Monster Charters. The lake trout was about as large as Brad’s fish, but Jeffrey was considerably smaller and had to stretch to display his fish.
Although he didn’t boat a fish, “You couldn’t ask for a more beautiful day,” said Dean Wages.
He and his wife Wanda went fishing on an Able Charter boat with Captain Pat Campanella. Wanda caught a fish, but “only a little one.”
The Wages moved from Colstrip to the Flathead to spend their retirement. They said they’ve always fished and enjoyed the couple of hours fishing on Flathead Lake.
The Fishing Without Barriers Day is held annually to provide 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, according to Fraley.
