By Mike Manhardt 

After my spinal cord injury, I often wondered if I’d ever return to the rivers I love. Fishing had always been more than just a pastime—it was a way to connect with nature, clear my head, and challenge myself. But getting back on the water seemed complicated and, honestly, a little daunting. 

That changed when the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) invited me to a two-day adaptive fly fishing camp near Bozeman, Montana. The moment I got the call, I knew I couldn’t pass it up. Adaptive recreation opportunities here are few and far between, and I’d been craving adventure in a way I hadn’t felt since before my injury. 

CAF offered to cover a hotel in Big Sky, making it possible for me to focus only on showing up and giving it a try. Thursday night, after work, I threw my gear in a bag, loaded up my van, and started the scenic drive from Missoula. As the sun dipped behind the mountains, I felt excitement build—maybe, just maybe, I’d feel like my old self again out on the river. 

Day One: Rediscovering the River 

Friday morning, I met up with the CAF team and Gallatin Guides crew. They welcomed me like family, immediately putting me at ease. With their help, I was gently lifted into the drift boat and handed a perfectly prepared fly rod. 

From the first cast, it felt like coming home. The guides called out where and when to cast, adjusting my technique just enough to make each throw count. The river was alive—trout rising, lines singing through the air, laughter echoing between boats. 

Every catch felt like a victory. Fish darted downstream, dove beneath the boat, and gave us all a run for our money before finally landing in the net. Watching our guide Mike work was nothing short of magic—effortless boat control, flawless one-handed netting, and an uncanny ability to read the river. 

By midday, I was exhausted in the best way possible. The action was nonstop, and even during breaks, I couldn’t stop smiling. Lunch from Mama Mac’s Café tasted like the best meal I’d had in years—not because of the food itself, but because of where I was, what I was doing, and who I was with. 

That evening, as I returned to my hotel in Big Sky, I felt a mix of gratitude and disbelief. I’d spent a whole day fly fishing again—something I once thought I might never do. 

Day Two: More Than Just Fishing 

The next morning, we were back on the river early. The same incredible support—lifts into the boat, tied flies, gear ready to go—made it easy to focus on what mattered: being present. 

Something shifted that day. It wasn’t just about catching fish (though we caught plenty). It was about proving to myself that I could still do this, still feel the joy of being out there, still challenge my body and mind in new ways. 

By afternoon, I had broken my personal record for most fish caught in a single day. Every hook set, every reel-in, every splash of water brought a wave of confidence rushing back. The river has a way of stripping things down to their simplest form—just you, the water, and the fish. In that boat, surrounded by others who understood my journey, I felt completely equal. 

No one cared about my injury. Out there, rod in hand, we were just anglers trying to outsmart a trout. The river doesn’t discriminate—it challenges everyone the same. 

Gratitude That Lasts a Lifetime 

Looking back now, I realize this experience was about much more than fishing. It reminded me that adventure doesn’t end with injury—it just changes form. It taught me that with the right support, barriers can fall away, and life can feel limitless again. 

I owe so much thanks to Nancy and Wilson from CAF, guide Mike, and the entire Gallatin Guides team. They didn’t just organize a fishing trip—they gave me back a part of myself I thought was gone.