Local women showcase fishing stories from the Keweenaw and beyond in new Carnegie Museum exhibit

By Michele Bourdieu

Emila Downes displays a fish she caught in a local stream near Skanee. Downes participated in the new exhibit at the Carnegie Museum of the Keweenaw, "Connections: Stories From Women Who Fish." An opening reception will be held this Thursday, Feb. 14. (Photo courtesy Emila Downes)

HOUGHTON -- Local anglers are sharing photographs and stories in a new exhibit, "Connections: Stories from Women Who Fish," at the Carnegie Museum of the Keweenaw in Houghton.

The community is invited to an opening reception for the exhibit from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 14, at the Carnegie Museum, located at 109 Huron Street in Houghton. The exhibit and reception are free and open to the public, and the women who created this exhibit will be in attendance to share their fishing experiences. Refreshments will be served.

While only one in every five fishing licenses sold in the state of Michigan is purchased by a woman, recent research shows that women’s fishing participation is slowly increasing. "Connections: Stories from Women Who Fish" was created by a group of local women who took photographs and shared stories about why they fish and what fishing means to them.

Keweenaw area project members share their photographs and fishing stories during a "photowalk," part of the project process. (Photo courtesy Erin Burkett)

Project group member Emila Downes explained the importance of the group interaction.

"Everyone has an idea about what fishing means to them, but as a community or group, what does fishing mean? It facilitates the connection to everything around us from people to nature," Downes noted. "For some it is a break from the world and for others it's a connection to the world. Whatever fishing means to you, it is a way to connect everyone across generations, nationalities, lifestyles, and occupations. It's what brings us together!"

Project participant Emila Downes displays a crappie she caught during the Otter Lake fishing derby. "I love fishing!" Downes said. "River fishing is where my heart lies, but when the streams and rivers are frozen, it's time to head out on the ice to continue doing what I love." (Photo courtesy Emila Downes)

Erin Burkett, Michigan Tech Environmental and Energy Policy PhD student, who received a Graduate Research Fellowship from Michigan Sea Grant to fund the project, described the activities.

"Project members took part in a community-driven research technique called photovoice that uses a combination of individual photography, group discussion, and storytelling," Burkett said. "I wanted to use photovoice because it is community-driven and ideal for highlighting groups that we don't typically hear from. Only about one of every five Michigan anglers are women, and, in the past, women have been largely absent from studies asking who fishes and why."

Downes said the storytelling is essential to the project.

"This project is really about women telling stories," Downes explained. "It is not just about why we fish, but each picture tells a story about us and what fishing means to us. This project highlights our commonalities and our differences in a very positive way. We hope our stories will help inspire others, men, women and children alike, to get out and enjoy the therapeutic benefits of fishing as well. It is a great past-time that reaps more benefits than meet the eye."

Emila Downes is pictured here setting up the "Connections: Stories From Women Who Fish" exhibit at the Carnegie Museum. (Photo courtesy Erin Burkett)

Project member Amber Voght said for her the project is about more than just catching fish.

"Fishing has taught me to appreciate everything more each day," Voght explained. "I am constantly awestruck by the beauty of the outdoors and the power of nature, especially in the Keweenaw. Being near the water makes me feel at home; the water is where I have learned to truly connect to what is important to me."

Amber Voght displays a lake trout she caught while fishing with two friends. One was Travis White, who runs Keweenaw Charter Fishing Co. and is also Co-Founder of ProNav Marine. "This photo was taken in the spring and all of us caught great fish," Voght said. "There was hardly any time when we didn't have any fish on. The thrill of the catch is what keeps me going back -- whether it's on the big lake or in a small stream." (Photo courtesy Amber Voght)

"It's never been all about catching fish," Voght added. "The fish are a bonus. I have learned things, seen places, and met people that I would not have otherwise if it were not for fishing. Connecting with other people, places, and nature -- that is the true catch."

Amber Voght shared this photo of her experience fishing on an unseasonably warm November afternoon on Lake Superior. (Photo courtesy Amber Voght)

Voght has also enjoyed fishing for salmon in Alaska and for brook trout.

Amber Voght, right, and a close friend display salmon they caught in Alaska. (Photo courtesy Amber Voght)

Amber Voght shows off the beautiful colors of a brook trout she caught. (Photo courtesy Amber Voght)

The exhibit "Connections: Stories from Women Who Fish" will be on display at the Carnegie Museum through April.

Editor's Note: Asked if the group participants considered Department of Natural Resources (DNR) fish advisories as part of the project, Erin Burkett said, "The project didn't focus on fish advisories in any detail, but we did invite local DNR staff to attend the opening."