PHW-Milwaukee Works a Day at the Fish Hatchery

Veteran participants from Project Healing Waters Milwaukee lent a helping hand at the Rushing Waters Trout Farm on Monday, August 22. Rushing Waters, located in Palmyra, WI, raises rainbow trout and supplies the fish to local grocery stores and restaurants. Our veterans, armed with their fly rods and an assortment of recently tied hoppers, caddis, parachutes, and foam beetles, took to the waters and proceeded to catch a years’ worth of trout in one morning. TU volunteers on hand raced to keep up with the bounty of rainbow trout being caught. The trout were put in buckets and collected by the hatchery workers to be processed and shipped to market later that day.

While the fishing was easy, (maybe a little too easy) the experience of hooking, playing, and landing dozens of fish in one morning greatly improved the angling abilities of all who participated. Our hope is that these veterans will be well prepared to make the most of future fishing outings when the strikes may not be so plentiful. As always, VA staff provided a lunch featuring chicken, various pasta salads, and dessert, to all who participated. Many thanks go out to SEWTU’s Larry Wirth for organizing the event, all the volunteers for their hard work, and to Rushing Waters for allowing us access to their incredible fishery.

If you would like to learn more about our program or contribute (either through a financial donation or volunteering); contact Program Lead Mike Kuhr at mikek.trout@yahoo.com or (414) 588-4281.