Madison, Wis. — It’s a question that may not be at the top of the list for people researching a retirement community: “How good is the fishing?” 

Maybe it should be. A new program at Oakwood Village, a nonprofit continuing care community in Madison, is taking advantage of the state’s bountiful fishing options, including the famous lakes in and around Madison. 

“The art of fishing helps us focus, find peace, get our feet in nature, and hopefully at the end of an outing, find a fish on the end of our line,” says Jennifer Bethel, an art therapist at Oakwood Village who came up with the unconventional idea and launched it in June. She includes what she calls “living arts” in her programs, or art that goes beyond canvas or objects to include mind, body and spirit. The art of fishing seemed like a natural next step. Bethel has great memories of the way fishing brought her family together when she was a kid, whether it was in a nearby river or their farm’s pond. 

“When we pursue a common interest, we become connected, and we find common ground and friendships,” she says.

As they’ve pursued shared interests, the Oakwood Anglers group has learned to make bass spinning lures and tie flies, taken trips to area waters, and, of course, sampled the nearby fishing around the city itself. Residents sometimes bring family members along to share in the fun. Still to come later this summer will be a showing of the documentary “Live the Stream,” about fly fisherman and conservationist Joe Humphreys; then a guest speaker on the art and practice of fishing; and of course more fishing fun together. 

Oakwood Village resident John Whalen grew up fishing in the river near his small town, often for crappies or catfish. And although he didn’t fish as much as an adult, he and his son bonded over Saturday morning trips. He’s enjoyed the Oakwood Anglers’ outings so far, especially the flyfishing component. “I had a fly rod given to me years ago, and I didn’t enjoy it at first because I had no instruction with it,” he says. 

Fellow resident Dean Nelson is brand-new to flyfishing. “Our guide did a wonderful job of helping us with the right rhythm to get the line out,” he says. The opportunity to be outdoors in a peaceful natural environment is enjoyable, Nelson says, as well as reconnecting with memories. “As a kid, my folks had a cottage on a lake, and I’d go fishing with my dad or cast for fish off the dock,” he recalls. 

“Out in nature as a kid, I would just love to be sitting along the river and listening to the birds,” Whalen says, “and wishing I was fishing on the other side, because you know the fish are always biting on the other side of the water.” 

Bethel has enjoyed hearing stories of fishing from participants’ lives as they create new memories together. “Even if we think we hung up our fishing poles years ago, there are still adventures waiting for us on the water,” she says. 

The group has worked with Emily Audra Edge of Reel ’Em Angling Co. and Jim Binger of Sacred Waters Guide. Their next fishing outing is planned for Sept. 24, and Bethel says they’ll continue learning to tie flies over the winter. 

About Oakwood Village

Oakwood Village is a nonprofit, continuing care community with two campuses in Madison, Wisconsin, run by Oakwood Lutheran Senior Ministries. For over 75 years, this community has helped older adults lead lives of personal growth, happiness, health, and security.