Tue., March 29, 2016

Fly fishing films to boost Spokane River trout

Casting call: Hoping for a bite from a redband rainbow trout, Mike Thomas casts his line into the Spokane River near Riverside State Park on Wednesday. Thomas, a student at Spokane Falls Community College, said he took the day for himself to get in some time at the river before temperatures start to drop. Thomas said he plans to transfer to North Idaho College to pursue studies in wildlife biology. (Tyler Tjomsland)

FISHING -- Local anglers are bringing an acclaimed collection of fly fishing films to Spokane as a benefit for river access and research projects to boost native redband trout.

The third annual Spokane River Benefit and International Fly Fishing Film Festival is set for 7 p.m. on Friday, April 1, at the Bing Crosby Theater. Doors open at 5 p.m.

The Spokane Falls Chapter of Trout Unlimited is partnering with Silver Bow Fly Shop to raise money and awareness for the Spokane River.

Tickets are $15 in advance at the Silver Bow shop or $18 at the door.

The benefit funds projects related to the health of the fishery or access to the river, said Silver Bow owner and guide Sean Visintainer. The first two events generated $17,400 for the river and brought hundreds of folks together for a fun evening of films, prizes and conservation.

"The 2016 Spokane River Benefit will go toward a project identified by Bill Abrahamse of Spokane Falls TU to determine whether Spokane River redbands are using Hangman Creek for spawning," he said.

The film festival, which is different than the Fly Fishing Film Tour that came to The Bing in February, features edited versions of 10 films on fishing for a variety of species with some entertaining angles on the sport. The film list includes:

Posted March 29, 2016, 9:14 a.m.