Special Flathead Lake Fishing Day Attracts Record Crowd Thursday, June 19, 2008 Headlines - Region 1 The 15 th annual Fishing Without Barriers Day on Flathead Lake came off successfully under sunny skies yesterday. More than of 80 anglers with disabilities caught 30 lake trout ranging from 2 pounds to 12 pounds in weight. Most of the lake trout were filleted and included in the fish fry. Anglers fished from Montana Charterboat Association boats and private craft. At the barbeque, more than 250 anglers and helpers enjoyed a gourmet luncheon provided by Saddlehorn, an outdoor recreation facility that specializes in sustainable land stewardship. Saddlehorn is associated with the Flathead Lake Lodge and the Quarter Circle Ranch.

Anglers hailed from the upper Flathead Valley, Kalispell, Polson, Ronan, Libby, and as far away as Missoula and Butte. Anglers ranged from teenagers to over 100 years of age. Although she didn’t catch any fish, Blanche Seccombe, 106, went out on a boat and enjoyed the post-fishing barbeque. Barry Schrammeck and family of Woods Bay RV Park and Campground provided their facility for the barbeque. Doug Averill and Jim Frizzell made available Hidden Harbor where boats were launched. Doug Averill, his family, and his team from Flathead Lake Lodge provided boats, launching facilities, and other assistance. Charter Boat Captains included Shorty Goggins and Val Schweigert from A-Able Fishing Charters; Jeff Rach and Tim Shattuck of Flathead Lake Charters, Jerry Landskron of Woods Bay Charters, Jim Landwehr of Glacier Fishing Charters, Jess Michelson of Flathead Lake Cruises, Matt McComb of Mofish Charters, and the folks from Flathead Lake Lodge. Other Boat Captains included, Frank

Cooley, Gary Lapka, Chuck Williams, Mike Howe, Jerry Mahugh, Willie McNeill, Josh McNeil, Bob Seccombe and Jim Vashro. Many other volunteers assisted the boat captains with the anglers. Those donating to the event included: Flathead Lake Lodge, Saddlehorn, Fun Beverage, Super 1 Foods, Pepsi, Coke, Safeway, Bigfork Nursing Home, Fun Beverage, Bigfork IGA, Woods Bay Grill, Costco, Woods Bay Market, Smiths, A&W Root Beer of Columbia Falls, Frito Lay Chips, and Meadowgold.

The Fish, Wildlife and Parks Crossing the Barriers Committee coordinated the event. Jerry Howard serves as chairman and main organizer. Other volunteers included Ilene Howard, Peggy Marsh, Dawn Blumefield, Clarisa Brubaker, Tim Brubaker, Kevin and Heather Fraley, Karyn Jones, the staff from the Lakeview Care Center, and many others. Committee Chairman Jerry Howard baked 40 dozen cookies for the event. Also helping out were FWP’s Chuck Bartos, Matt Heaton, Lee Anderson, Perry Brown, Wes Oedekoven, Mark Deleray, Garland Hamilton, and Jim Vashro. Jeff Rach and the Badrock Canyon Band provided bluegrass music for the event. Band members included: Jeff Rach (banjo); Todd Noble (Guitar); and Steve Kendrick (base). 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.