Outings Report: Project Healing Waters at Morgan Run

On Saturday, April 29, 2006, thirteen participants in Project Healing Waters from Walter Reed Medical Center, and eleven volunteer guides, had a great day of fishing at Morgan Run, in Carroll County.
The Morgan Run outing participants met at the Klees Mill Bridge parking lot, site of a Project Access wheelchair accessible area, to allow several of the participants to fish, who might not otherwise have access to a quality trout fishery.

After a brief round of introductions and orientation, the group split up and downstream, to fish, and enjoy the beautiful weather. Several of the participants were beginners and had only had casting instruction. For many, this was the first real opportunity to cast a line and present a fly to real fish.




The trout, beautiful, plentiful, and hungry, thanks to a generous stocking by DNR, were no pushovers. Still, a few were caught and landed, and it seems everyone was skillful enough able to entice a few fish to their flies.



Flows were solid, though a little low despite the recent rains. The water was clear and cold. The hatches for the day seemed to be a mix of black caddis #18, yellow craneflies #18, and a few blue quills #18. Ants and beetles, midge nymphs and caddis pupa rounded out the bugs popular among the fish that day.




After a stream-side lunch, and a rest, the troops regrouped, and headed out to tease and catch more trout. By 4:00 pm, it was time for the group shot and departure, despite the continued ripples of rising fish. I believe everyone was thoroughly satisfied and pleased by the experience. This volunteer, for one, was honored and proud to be able to support PHW in the company of such dedicated, enjoyable, and enthusiastic group. PHW has a full agenda for the next several weeks, but all I can say is “Let’s do it again, folks!” Thanks for the opportunity!

Alfredo Suescum