FISHING -- A new Spokane River boat access with take-out capability for drift boats appears to have gotten the financial nudge it needed, thanks to an evening of fishing films at the Bing Crosby Theater last month.

More than 425 people turned out for the second annual International Fly Fishing Film Festival, an event started by Silver Bow Fly Shop to boost Spokane River projects.

In addition to enjoying edited versions of eight excellent films, guests also purchased raffle tickets that helped the evening raise more than $10,000. Proceeds from the festival go to the Spokane River to improve access and support its native fishery, said Bill Abrahamse local Trout Unlimited chapter chair.

That's the matching money needed to complete fundraising to build a slide access and restore the riparian area at Islands Trailhead, said Andy Dunau of Spokane River Forum.

By the time the third annual International Fly Fishing Film Fest rolls into town next year, the Islands Trailhead access and the Starr Road habitat project should be complete, Visintainer said.

• Click here for a video about Spokane River stewardship produced by Kimbo May for the film festival at the Bing.