Casting for Recovery Western Montana 2021 Retreat

By Kate Hasterlik

Casting for Recovery (CfR) provides healing outdoor retreats for women with breast cancer. Enhancing the quality of life of women with breast cancer. CFR began in 1996 and with their 25th year, has served over 10,000 women who have dealt with breast cancer survival. Last year all retreats were canceled due to COVID and this year 46 chapters were able to host a retreat!

This year, CfR Western Montana Chapter held the 2021 retreat at Lubrecht Forest Conference Center. There were 10 participants, down from the normal 14 participants, due to COVID concerns. Participants go through learning sessions about fishing gear, seasonal fishing clothes and layering, two casting clinics, a bug ID session, knot tying, wader safety and wading 101, stream etiquette and proper techniques for netting and releasing a fish! Phew, what a full retreat!

Board member, Kate Hasterlik, has volunteered with Casting for Recovery since 2011 as a river helper and fishing guide. Missoula Fly Gals have had a presence as participants and Retreat Leaders for the past four years! WestSlope Chapter of Trout Unlimited has graciously given over 25 fly boxes to the participants in the last two years. This year, we load them up with flies and were given as "graduation" presents on participant’s Sunday fishing day.

For more information on CfR Western Montana and to find out how you can get involved, visit www.castingforrecovery.org/wmt/