Fly Fishing and Camping with Veterans at Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area, MT

On Saturday, August 24th, 2024, the National Park Trust, in partnership with the National Park Service and Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing, organized an unforgettable fly fishing clinic and overnight camping experience at Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area, Montana. This unique event combined the joys of fly fishing, camping, and camaraderie, providing veterans from local Project Healing Waters chapters with an immersive and restorative outdoor adventure.

The weekend brought unseasonably warm, dry weather to Grapevine Campground in Fort Smith, Montana, where participants eagerly gathered for a memorable time on the water. The event kicked off with park ranger Christy Fleming, who captivated the group with stories about the recreation area and the history of Yellowtail Dam, named in honor of Robert Yellowtail, a prominent leader of the Crow Nation. Yellowtail, who fought tirelessly for Native rights, played a key role in the dam’s negotiations. The Crow Nation’s profound historical and spiritual connection to the lands surrounding the Bighorn River added depth to the participants’ experience as they absorbed the region’s rich heritage.

After Ranger Christy’s talk, the Bighorn River Alliance led an insightful discussion on conservation efforts and introduced participants to the local fish species they might encounter. This sparked a lively exchange, with participants eagerly asking questions about the area’s unique ecosystem and the environmental challenges it faces.

Following the morning welcome and fishing discussions, the group caravanned together to the Three Mile river access point, where each participant was paired with a Project Healing Waters volunteer for assistance. Armed with their new fly fishing gear, provided for the occasion, they took to the river, spending hours fishing at their own pace, immersed in the tranquility of the Bighorn.

As the day ended, the group returned to the campground for a BBQ dinner. National Park Service rangers and the Superintendent of Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area joined the veterans, sharing stories and building connections over the evening meal.

This event at Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area is the third of five outdoor recreation events planned for 2024 at national park sites nationwide. Other locations include Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River (PA), Olympic National Park (WA), Gulf Islands National Seashore (FL), and Great Smoky Mountains National Park (NC/TN). These events promise more opportunities for veterans to find solace and strength in the great outdoors.