Anglers with disabilities land loads of lake trout in annual event

MONTANA LIVING — About 84 anglers with disabilities participated in the 24th annual Jerry Howard Fishing Without Barriers Day on Flathead Lake on June 15. 

Boat Captain Matt McComb and happy young anglers with a stringer of lake trout at the Jerry Howard Fishing Without Barriers Day on June 15, 2017.  The event was held on the east shore of Flathead Lake with the help of 16 boat captains.

Anglers went out on 15 fishing boats provided by the Montana Charterboat Association and a few private craft.  Charterboat captains provided their fishing boats free of charge so that anglers could enjoy a “Cadillac” experience.  Anglers from 6 to 80 years of age hailed from the upper Flathead Valley, Missoula, Kalispell, Polson, Ronan, Libby, and other areas around northwest Montana.

The anglers caught a total of 61 lake trout ranging from 10 inches to about 17 pounds.  Nearly every kid who went out fishing caught a lake trout, thanks to the boat captains’ knowledge of the lake. Some of the youngest kids caught the most fish; a brother and sister teamed up to catch a 31-incher, which had to be released..

All boat captains volunteered their day for the event and were seen as heroes by the crowd.   The largest lake trout measured about 37 inches; three more lake trout fell into the slot limit of 30-36 inches.  These very large lake trout were all released.

At the post-fishing barbecue, about 250 people, including anglers, helpers, and family members, enjoyed a gourmet lunch and fish fry from lake trout fillets provided by the anglers.  A casting contest was popular as kids and others participated to win prizes. 

The Jerry Howard Fishing Without Barriers Day as been rededicated in honor of Jerry Howard. Jerry, the longtime citizen committee chairman, passed away last fall.  Frank Landis, Jerry’s son, and members of his family stepped in to organize the food, donations, prizes, logistics, and other aspects of the event.  They also baked dozens of chocolate chip cookies, which have become an event trademark.  Also helping were many FWP game wardens, fisheries biologists, and volunteers.

The Jerry Howard 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.