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Take A Soldier Fishing Returns to Hagg Lake with a Day of Camaraderie and Success
The Association of Northwest Steelheaders was proud to once again support the annual Take A Soldier Fishing event at Henry Hagg Lake, held on Saturday, June 13. This special event brings together volunteers, community organizations, and generous anglers to provide veterans and active-duty military members with an opportunity to spend a day on the water enjoying the healing power of fishing and the outdoors.
Take A Soldier Fishing provides low cost and free fishing events honoring our active-duty military and veterans from any branch of the service.
Despite warm summer temperatures, the event was another tremendous success. Forty-four veterans and active-duty military members registered to participate, with 37 enjoying a day fishing from volunteer boats and seven fishing from shore. Sixteen volunteer boats participated, providing plenty of opportunities for anglers of all experience levels. Thanks to the flexibility and dedication of volunteer boat captains, every participant who registered to fish from a boat was able to get out on the water.
The success of the event was made possible by an incredible team of volunteers. In addition to the volunteer boaters and their deck hands, more than 40 additional volunteers supported the event through registration, transportation, setup, lunch service, medical assistance, and cleanup. The event is organized by Take A Soldier Fishing, with support from community partners including the Battlin' Betties, American Legion Post 21, the Medical Reserve Corps of Washington County, the Take Soldier Fishing Portland Chapter Board, the Association of Northwest Steelheaders and numerous individual volunteers who donated their time throughout the day.
Fishing proved to be excellent during the morning hours, with participants catching both trout and other warmwater species. Combined with the unusually warm weather, the productive morning bite led organizers to conclude fishing activities early in the afternoon. Cleanup wrapped up by 2:00 p.m., and the event officially concluded at 2:30 p.m.
One of the highlights of the day came during the door prize drawings. Thirty-six participating veterans and active-duty military members received prizes, including three guided fishing trips. These prizes were made possible through the generosity of private donors, Cabela's, the Association of Northwest Steelheaders, the Medical Reserve Corps of Washington County, and the Take Soldier Fishing Portland Chapter.
Many participants shared heartfelt thanks for the opportunity to spend time outdoors, connect with fellow veterans, and enjoy a relaxing day on the water. The largest participating groups came from the Salvation Army Shelter and the Vancouver VA, underscoring the importance of providing accessible outdoor recreation opportunities to those who have served.
Events like Take Soldier Fishing demonstrate the positive impact that recreational fishing can have beyond the sport itself. They build community, foster healing, create lasting memories, and remind our veterans that their service continues to be appreciated.
The Association of Northwest Steelheaders extends its sincere thanks to every volunteer, boat captain, sponsor, donor, and partner organization who helped make this year's event possible. We are honored to play a small part in this outstanding tradition and look forward to supporting the event again next year. Organizers have already secured a tentative reservation at Henry Hagg Lake for the second Saturday in June 2027, and we look forward to another memorable day on the water with those who have served our nation.
