Project Healing Waters

"Right there, that's the hole that I am pulling a fish out of." Who else is calling out their catches before they happen? It's a great way to have fun with friends, especially when you were correct. #flyfishingsaveslives #projecthealingwaters #flyfishing #onthefly

Check it out! onWater x Project Healing Waters #veterans

Healing isn’t just about individual effort it thrives in community. At Project Healing Waters, we believe that shared experiences and strong bonds strengthen recovery. Our programs don’t just teach fly fishing; they create a network of support where Veterans find connection, understanding, and purpose. Many of our participants come to us feeling isolated, but through our local programs, they build lasting friendships with others who understand their journey. The encouragement of a fellow angler, the shared joy of a successful cast, and the collective support during challenges all contribute to the healing process. By fostering camaraderie, we help Veterans regain a sense of belonging, purpose, and confidence. Together, we are stronger. Learn more about our mission here:?projecthealingwaters.org #VeteranCommunity #HealingTogether #FlyFishingTherapy #MentalWellness #ProjectHealingWaters

22 Years Ago Today: The Invasion of Iraq The day it all kicked off. On March 19, 2003, in a televised address, President George W. Bush announced that coalition forces had begun an invasion of Iraq.? Most people probably don’t think about it much. But for those who were there, for those who spent time in that conflict, it’s a date that sticks. Over 4,400 Americans never made it home. Thousands more came back with wounds that can’t be seen, the kind that don’t go away just because the war is over. At Project Healing Waters, we serve a lot of Veterans who spent time in Iraq. Infantry. Artillery. Medics. Pilots. Every job, every MOS. Some deployed once. Some went back five, six, seven times. They gave years of their lives to a war that shaped them in ways most people will never understand. A lot of them are still carrying it. This is why we do what we do. Fly fishing isn’t just about catching fish. It’s about finding something steady when everything else feels unsteady. It’s about the quiet, the focus, the way the water slows everything down when the mind won’t stop running. It’s about the community, having a place where you don’t have to explain anything, because everyone already gets it. Today, we remember. We honor. And we keep showing up for the ones who came home. If you know an Iraq War veteran, check in on them today. And if you are one, know this, you are not alone. #projecthealingwaters #iraqwar #veteranshelpingveterans #flyfishingsaveslives

At Project Healing Waters, we believe in the profound connection between angling and healing. Central to this philosophy is the practice of catch and release, which not only sustains fish populations but also enriches the angling experience for everyone. Here are some tips to follow if you're new to the world of fishing and practicing catch and release.? Handle with Care: Minimize handling time and avoid touching the gills. Wet your hands before contact to protect the fish's slime layer, which is vital for their health. Use Appropriate Gear: Opt for barbless hooks and tackle that match the size of the fish to reduce injury and stress during the catch. You don't need a 10wt while fishing a Montana stream, just like you don't want to use a 4wt when fishing for tarpon off the beaches. Limit Air Exposure: Keep the fish in the water as much as possible. If a photo is desired, have the camera ready beforehand to ensure a quick capture. Every fish released is an opportunity for another angler to experience the joy of the catch. It's a cycle that fosters community, conservation, and a deeper appreciation for nature. By practicing catch and release, we not only contribute to the sustainability of our fisheries but also ensure that others can find solace and connection through angling, just as we have. Embrace the practice of catch and release. Let's ensure that the waters we fish today remain vibrant and bountiful for those who cast their lines tomorrow. #flyfishingsaveslives #projecthealingwaters #veteranshelpingveterans #onthefly #catchandrelease

We are losing more of our brothers and sisters to suicide than we did in conflict zones.?This is unacceptable. We are on a mission to save as many Veteran lives as possible. You can help by supporting our partnership with?onWater?and their ongoing campaign.

For many, fly fishing is more than a sport it’s a journey of healing. At Project Healing Waters, we witness firsthand how casting a line can transform lives, especially for the Veterans we serve. The rhythmic motion of casting, the serenity of the water, and the connection with nature create a therapeutic experience that fosters mental clarity, patience, and resilience. Fly fishing provides an opportunity to step away from daily stressors, focus on the present, and build confidence. The sense of accomplishment that comes with tying a fly, mastering a cast, or landing a fish mirrors the resilience required in the journey of recovery. Each moment spent on the water is a step toward healing, and we are honored to support our participants in this process. If you’d like to learn more about our mission and how fly fishing plays a role in Veteran recovery, visit our website:?projecthealingwaters.org #FlyFishing #VeteranSupport #HealingThroughNature #MentalHealth #ProjectHealingWaters

"At first, I thought it was just about fishing. I had no idea it would change my life." That is what Mike, a Marine Corps veteran, said after his first trip with Project Healing Waters. For many, the hardest battle does not happen in combat or during our service itself. It happens after coming home, after the transition back into the civilian world. The weight of trauma, the struggle to find purpose, and the loneliness of transition can be overwhelming. That is why this program is about more than fly fishing. It is about connection. It is about finding a reason to get out of bed in the morning. It is about rediscovering joy, one cast at a time. And for veterans like Mike, it has made all the difference. If you have felt the impact of fly fishing, share your experience in the comments. Let’s remind others why time on the water and with a community of like minded individuals matter. #flyfishingsaveslives #projecthealingwaters #veteranshelpingveterans #onthefly

The float.? There is something special about floating down a river, poling a flat, or slowly paddling along the edges of a lake. It's often a moment of peace and calmness. For many of us, the mind can feel like rough water. The float forces you to slow down, to breathe, and to focus on what's in front of you. This is why we do what we do.? #flyfishingsaveslives #projecthealingwaters #flyfishing #onthefly

Be sure to give our friends over at onWater a follow and see how they are supporting us at Project Healing Waters! #veterans