TOGUS VAMC VETERANS FISH THE FABLED EAST OUTLET
On July 18, 2007 eight disabled veterans from the Togus, Maine VA Medical Center traveled to Greenville, Maine for two days of world class trout and salmon fishing in the East Outlet of the Kennebec River. The logistics for the outing were coordinated by Dan Legere of The Maine Guide Fly Shop and Bob Hamer, Executive Director of the Moosehead Chamber of Commerce. All of the guided fishing, lodging, meals and a cruise aboard SS Katahdin were donated by the Guides, businesses and citizens of the Moosehead Lake area.
The Togus vets were led by Recreational Therapist Teri Olson of the Togus VAMC and Alan Brooks from the Kennebec Valley Chapter of Trout Unlimited (KVCTU). KVCTU has managed the Togus fly fishing program since February and did a magnificent job preparing these students for the East Outlet, which is challenging water for any flyfisher.
The first evening featured a wilderness excursion to Lazy Tom Bog, which included breath taking mountain views and rising brook trout. Dinner that evening was hosted by Fred and Marie Candeloro, owners of the Kokadjo Steak House on First Roach Pond (Fred and Marie hosted a similar feast for last year’s PHW outing). The menu included hot hors douvres, prime rib of beef, twice baked potatoes and homemade bread pudding for dessert, made by Sue Hamer. After dinner the group returned to Greenville and the Chalet Moosehead Motel, where owners Paul and Debbie Miodzianoski had graciously donated the rooms (for the second year). All hands were in bed by taps.
Tina Sangillo, Terri Perry and Teri Olson at Lazy Tom Bog
Bright and early the next morning the group breakfasted at Jean Wortman’s “Auntie M’s,” which also provided meals for the 2006 outing. After breakfast, the vets headed directly for the “put-in” near the East Outlet dam. Fishing from a guided drift boat was a new experience for all of the vets, who were fortunate to have their first float guided by Dan Legere and his registered Maine Guides, who fish the East Outlet every day from May until October. Also manning the oars was Bill Pierce of the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (IF&W). The IF&W drift boat was used to transport the television crews and newspaper reporters who covered the event.
The “put in”
By 9 AM, all six drift boats were underway and hook-ups began immediately. By the time the group reached the Beach Pool at noon, all of the vets had landed several landlocked salmon and brook trout apiece. It should be noted that brook trout and “landlocks” are native to Maine and many of the fish caught by the vets were born in the East Outlet and its tributaries. Most of the fish that day were in the 12-14 inch range, but some 16 and 18 inchers were caught as well. At 5 PM, the caravan of trucks, trailers and happy fisherman headed back to Greenville for a quick shower and then to dinner at the Rod and Reel restaurant as guests of owners Karen and Ray Le Clair. Needless to say, no one had trouble falling asleep that night!
Front Row: (Left to tight) Maine Guides Dan Legere, John Wood, Ian Cameron, Michael Jones and Chad Cray. Veterans Bob Lee, Mark Pillsbury and Tina Sangillo. Back Row (Left to Right) John Holyoke (Bangor Daily News) Veteran Terri Perry, Recreation Therapist Terisa Olson, Veterans Charlie Swen, George Draper, Alan Brooks (KVCTU) and Rusty Emerton.
The next day’s fishing was similar to the day before, and also included another Maine Guide Fly Shop gourmet shore lunches. Fishing was again excellent and was highlighted a 4 pound smallmouth caught by Tina Sangillo, who took the honor of the outing’s biggest fish. The vets were off the water by 4 PM and headed back to Greenville for a dinner cruise aboard S.S. Katahdin, a former Moosehead Lake steamer built in 1916. The dinner was hosted by the men and women of the Cecil R. Cole post of the American Legion. Post Commander Pete Johnson and his Legionnaires presented gifts and certificates to the veterans recognizing their military service and sacrifices. The two hour cruise included breathtaking views and several sea-plane fly-bys!
Sunset on Moosehead Lake from S.S. Katahdin
Sadly, all good things must end. The next morning, the group stopped by the Maine Guide Fly Shop to say goodbye to thank Dan and Penny Legere before heading back to Augusta.
Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing outings are made possible by the generosity of wonderful people such as those we met in Greenville, Maine. The citizens and businesses of Greenville rolled out the red carpet for our veterans and selflessly provided a world class fly fishing outing, which will never be forgotten by the men and women who participated.
Cleve Van Haasteren
Northeast Regional Coordinator
Project Healing Waters Flyfishing, Inc
(207) 351-5572 vanhaasterc@gwi.net
