Veterans Fishing Day on Lake Almanor

Who would have imagined that this event would become so popular so quickly. Special thanks to everyone in this picture and a few that couldn’t make it to the barbecue. As you can see by the photo it was a cold wet day, in fact there was a winter weather advisory on June 11, 2017 with snow, wind and sleet at lake level. Not to be deterred sixteen boats took twenty-six Veterans fishing.

In 2018 AFA joined guides, Field of Dreams, USFS, California Fish & Wildlife, PG&E, Chester Elks Lodge and fellow fishermen to host the second annual Veterans Fishing Day. Participants received a t-shirt and hat from AFA, Field of Dreams and Mike and Peggy Daly. After a day of fishing they attended a barbecue dinner at the Chester Elks Lodge. In 2018 we had twenty-seven boats take forty-seven Veterans fishing. A small raffle was help for the Veterans where gift certificates, custom made fishing rods and other items were awarded to Veterans.

In 2019 AFA, Field of Dreams and local guides hosted multiple fishing trips for Field of Dreams Veterans on Lake Almanor. Veterans were treated to two nights lodging, meals and a guided fishing trip. One of the participants who is a Vietnam Veteran and suffers from PTSD returned and informed us that his trip was one of the top five experiences of his life. AFA is honored and proud to provide these opportunities for our Veterans. Our Veteran fishing day held on June 23, 2019…So perfect !…49 Captains and 97 Veterans.

To say the past two years have been challenging for the Lake Almanor Community would be a gross understatement. In 2020, both our Veteran’s Fishing Day and our Annual Picnic had to be canceled. In 2021, we were able to hold our fourth Veterans Fishing Day where fifty-three boats took 117 Veterans Fishing.