Submitted by Denny Garner
On Saturday, May 16, 2026, fourteen enthusiastic and brave FATC volunteers—Jim Craig, Mike Bisaga, Matt McClure, Ken Welter, Harold Bates, Bill Keenum, Stan Patton, Ed Ouimette, Larry Mangels, John Steuteman, Sid Aslin, Al Nakaniski, and Denny Garner—arrived at Maramec Spring Park to support this annual event sponsored by the Missouri Conservation Department and St. James Foundation.
We arrived at approximately 8 am, filled with excitement and eager to support the kids and parents. The FATC volunteers swiftly set up the fly tying and casting stations, while others moved to the fishing area to assist the children as needed.
Despite the cloudy sky and the forecast of possible rain showers and thunderstorms, the park was bustling with approximately 450 kids (15 and under) actively fishing and catching trout. It was a lively scene, with kids and parents lining the banks of the spring-fed water flowing through Maramec Spring Park. Most of the fishing area within the park was designated for kids only, from the spring area down to the restrooms near the cable bridge. The Missouri Conservation Department had stocked this area with over 2000 trout during the day to enhance the catch opportunities and ensure a fun experience for the children. The largest trout caught measured just under 20 inches. It was an incredible day that will undoubtedly be remembered for years to come. Big smiles and happy faces!
The weather, an unwelcome guest, disrupted the morning. From 9:30 am to 10:30 am, thunderstorms and heavy downpours drenched the area. Despite the damp clothes, the enthusiasm remained high. The most popular spot during the rain was the fly tying area, situated under the pavilion and tent area. Parents and kids flocked to this dry haven, keeping the FATC fly tying team occupied with tying Marabou Jig Flys in various colors, patterns, and materials. As soon as the rain subsided, kids and parents resumed fishing and enjoying themselves.
The casting area also drew a crowd, particularly for fly casting. Volunteers assisting the kids at the water had ample opportunities to engage with them and their parents. They were kept busy untangling lines, freeing hooks and lures from moss, sticks, and stones.
Throughout the day, FATC volunteers interacted with kids and parents, sharing the FATC story and distributing business cards to prospective members (don’t tell Kenny).
We thoroughly enjoyed participating and supporting the event and received very positive feedback from MDC and parents. It was a fantastic opportunity to represent FATC and share our story. The free hotdogs and soda sealed the deal!
