by Amber Conger, reporter

     Fly fishing – it may be just what the doctor ordered.

     For many Montanans, fishing is a hobby that hooks enthusiasts at an early age. But for veterans of war, it can be more – a tool to recover from lingering effects, physical or emotional. The combat zone moves from faraway countries to rivers and lakes in Montana – the battle is fought no longer with guns, but with fly rods.

     Rap artist Tupac Shakur once said, "For every dark night there is a brighter day." The Montana Project Healing Waters is trying to help provide that brighter day after the darkness that is war by targeting active military service personnel, as well as veterans of war. The project seeks to rehabilitate them through free fly fishing excursions.

     The national program has over 90 chapters in the United States and Canada. The local chapter works closely with the VA Medical Center at Fort Harrison and the Montana National Guard. It is the only program of its kind currently available in Montana.

     In the spring of 2009 local citizens approached the Pat Barnes Missouri River Chapter of Trout Unlimited to propose implementing the program for Montana veterans. Things got moving quickly, much like the rivers being fished, and by that summer the first fishing trip was held. On August 20, 2009, eight Montana veterans hit the Missouri River.

     The Montana program has flourished since, thanks to the volunteers and donors on which it relies.

     According to the organization’s website, "Project Healing Waters is unique in that our volunteers are teaching classes on an ongoing, long term basis. It is much more than a one day fishing trip. For many participants, particularly disabled veterans, the socialization and camaraderie of the classes are just as important as the fishing outings, and provide them a new activity."

     Boulder fly fisherman Ben Gotcher says fly fishing can be a great way to get outdoors, relax and work through things on your mind. He has been hitting the river with his fly rod since 1997 when he learned to fly fish while working in Yellowstone.

     "It can be relaxing just being out on the river. Fly fishing isn't just relaxing because you are catching fish. It is relaxing because of the calm. Just standing in the middle of a river or floating down in a raft you have a chance to take in a lot more, you notice more. You notice the sounds, the wind, and the warm sun. You don't have to fly fish to enjoy the outdoors and relax. It just happens to be where the fish live,” said Gotcher.

     “I can see how it would be therapeutic, not just to veterans, but for anyone," he added.

     Carroll Jenkins, a Helena psychotherapist in practice for 30 years, noted that fly fishing is beneficial because "it is a boost in self-esteem. Mastering the casting techniques provides a sense of accomplishment. It is like physical therapy for the brain, it can be useful because fly fishing is bilateral stimulation for the brain,” he explained. “And it can put a smile on your face.”

     National program manager Cpt. David Folkerts, retired, was introduced to the program as a wounded Iraq vet. Nearly killed in April 2005, he came close to losing his arm and was left with a paralyzed hand. When approached about a 2007 Healing Waters fly fishing trip, he hesitated.

     “Fly fishing seemed too complicated,” he reflected recently. He did not want to fail, but eventually agreed to the trip and “fell in love with fly fishing almost immediately.”

     The chance to be around fellow veterans with similar experiences was helpful, he said. The volunteers who organize the trips are also supportive, even after the trips are over, said Folkerts.

     One feature of the trip groups is that they are kept small, he said, in recognition of the discomfort some vets have being in crowds.

     "The local program focuses on all Montana veterans," said Garrett Fawaz, Vice President of Pat Barnes Missouri River Chapter of Trout Unlimited. Fawaz is a retired active duty veteran who says his involvement and that of many others is a labor of love.

     "We have had significant contributions and support from all around the state and from residents and businesses," he said.

     "The program provides a way for the community to help soldiers," mentioned Jenkins.

     For Jim, a Vietnam army war veteran who asked to be identified only by his first name, it provided an outlet and offered support. He had been fly fishing once before he was offered a chance to participate in a five day fishing event on the Smith River near White Sulphur Springs.

     "It was kind of bothersome being in a situation that I am not comfortable with. I don't handle crowds that well," he said.

     He soon opened up to the experience, though. "It is pretty neat trying to perfect casting."

     The camaraderie and social activity was also a benefit, he said.

     Jim was the oldest participant in the recent excursion. The other group members fought in places like Iraq and Afghanistan. "It was amazing to listen to them. So much has changed since Vietnam, but the emotions and feelings were the same," he reflected.

     "It made me understand more about my own life and what others feel like when they come home," said Jim.

     For him, the healing came from knowing he could talk to others like him – and the fly fishing was great. "The whole trip provided laughter and comfort. It helped me realize I am not alone and I think it helps bring community awareness to the issues facing returning war veterans," said Jim.

     Currently, the project "relies on Federation of Fly Fishers, Trout Unlimited, and independent fly fishing clubs to conduct the program at the DOD and DVA hospitals across the nation,” says the group’s website (projecthealingwaters.org) “The volunteer staff and outings leaders include professional educators and fishing guides as well as experienced fly fishers, all of whom donate their time and knowledge to support the Project participants. Other volunteers help meet the educational, equipment, outings, training, and transportation needs," says the website.

     According to Fawaz, "The program has been absolutely wonderful and positive. The first trip in 2009 everyone caught a fish. But it is just exciting to get out and spend a day on the river. You can put everything aside and enjoy the scenery and try to catch some trout.”

     He added, “Some of the initial eight veterans even picked up fly fishing as a hobby after the trip." Jim said he also continues to fly fish.

     The one year anniversary of the Healing Waters project in Montana is approaching and there are special events planned for August. The first is an overnight trip August 19 and 20 in Craig. The second is at the Klick Ranch near Augusta.

     Even though heavy rainfall in June kept rivers across Montana high and fish counts low, most rivers are receding into normal ranges, creating a better environment on the water for getting in some quality fishing time.

     For the veterans who have discovered the Healing Waters project, and for the many yet to do so, that means a chance to hook some fish and release some tension.