Barriers lifted on special fishing day

In its 22nd year, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Fishing Without Barriers continues to give disabled people of all ages an opportunity to land a big one.

Last week, 120 anglers participated, including 90 who went out on 20 fishing boats and 30 casting from the shore of Flathead Lake.

Local charter captains volunteered their boats for the event.

Participants from the upper Flathead Valley, Kalispell, Polson, Ronan, Libby and as far away as Anaconda came away with 50 lake trout and dozens of other fish, including pikeminnow and perch.

Anglers ranged from 5 to 88 years old.

The largest lake trout measured 39 inches and another three exceeded 36 inches. Some anglers carried cellphone photos of their fish around and proudly showed them to the crowd.

With bluegrass music playing in the background, about 250 people, including anglers, helpers and family members gathered at the Woods Bay RV Park and Campground for a barbecue and fish fry from lake trout fillets provided by the anglers. A casting contest, where anglers attempted to hook fish models with casting plugs, proved to be popular as more than 75 people participated to win prizes.

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.

The Fish, Wildlife and Parks Crossing the Barriers Committee coordinated the event, helped out by state game wardens, fisheries biologists and other volunteers plus 45 businesses and groups.