ANCHORAGE, AK — Four U.S. military service members – all women – will spend time in Bristol Bay, Alaska, next week on an all-expense-paid fly fishing excursion sponsored by Trout Unlimited, Alaska Program. Trout Unlimited (TU) is partnering with Project Healing Waters Alaska located in Anchorage, as well as Alaska Sportsman’s Bear Trail Lodge, and several veteran-service groups to offer a trip of a lifetime to these women and to thank them for their service. The participants are either active-duty military or veterans from Alaska who experience physical or emotion disabilities due to their service.

“Providing this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity is a small way we can say thanks for all these women have done to defend our country.  Bristol Bay is a national icon and a place that is truly worth fighting for. We’re so pleased to be able to offer a small group of women the chance to see Bristol Bay.  Women anglers and women veterans are two rapidly expanding segments of our population. This trip serves as a unique opportunity to bring women together, and to spend some healing time on the river with other women anglers,” said trip organizer Nelli William, Deputy Director of TU’s Alaska Program.

The three-day, three-night excursion will offer a taste of the world-class fishing opportunities of Southwest Alaska’s Naknek River and Bristol Bay, home to some of the best salmon and trout fishing on the planet.

“We expect that our participants will be absolutely thrilled to catch salmon and trout from one of the world’s most abundant waters. This is an opportunity for these women who have given so much to relax in an awesome location, connect with fellow women anglers, learn to fish big water from women guides, and experience some top-notch fishing during the height of the salmon season,” said Jan Schnorr, co-director of Project Healing Waters Alaska.

Participants will receive instruction and guide services from local female fishing legends including Nanci Morris Lyon and Kate Taylor. Expert chefs from Bear Trail Lodge will offer tips about cooking the day’s catch. Participants will dine on top-notch cuisine, enjoy therapeutic massage, meet with community leaders and artists, learn about Bristol Bay and its thriving commercial and sport fishing industries, and kick back and relax at the lodge, located on the banks of the Naknek River.

The trip takes place from July 25 to July 28. In addition to TU, Project Healing Waters Alaska, and Alaska Sportsman’s Bear Trail Lodge, other sponsors of the trip include Mountain View Sports, VFW Post 9785 of Eagle River, VFW Post 3629 of Fairbanks, VFW Post 9365 of Wasilla, American Legion and American Legion Auxiliary Post #15 both of Palmer.

Media members who wish to interview the participants should plan to meet at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport at 3:30 p.m. on July 25 at PenAir’s waiting area, located on the baggage-claim level.  Alternative plans can be made to interview the participants the evening of Sunday July 28^th by contacting Nelli (information above).

http://troutunlimitedblog.com/women-military-head-to-bristol-bay-on-project-healing-waters-trip/

For information about Project Healing Waters Alaska at:

http://www.akflyfishers.net/blog/project-healing-waters/

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Project-Healing-Waters-Alaska/123753750975528

https://projecthealingwaters.org/

For information about Alaska Sportsman’s Bear Trail Lodge: http://www.fishasl.com/naknek

Learn about Trout Unlimited’s work in Bristol Bay:

www.tu.org/alaska

www.savebristolbay.org