Fly fishing film tour returns to the Rex

It’s time to rig up those rods and reels and get pumped to go outdoors for some fly-fishing fun.

But first, anglers of all stripes and ages are invited to kick off the spring and summer season with the Fly Fishing Film Tour, April 27, appearing for its second year at the Rex Theatre in Thompson Falls.

The tour features a collection of short films highlighting people, places and fisheries from around the world.

This year’s lineup includes far-flung adventures, such as saltwater fishing in the South Pacific, but also some regional flicks, including an eye-candy tale of protecting cutthroat trout in Yellowstone and coming-of-age stories on the Henry’s Fork and Snake River in southern Idaho.

Last April, the event made its debut in Thompson Falls and included films about local stream restoration efforts on the Bull and Vermilion rivers. With concessions, door prizes and raffles, the event brought in more than $2,000 to benefit the historic Rex Theatre.

This year, there will be fresh content through the 2019 International Fly Fishing Film Tour, as well as two local productions highlighting efforts to conserve local waterways. The first, “Rewinding a River” tells the story of efforts of Trout Unlimited to restore the Ninemile River near Huson.

The other local feature is “Watershed,” a multimedia presentation known as a “story map” that combines photos, maps and narrative to help people understand the Lower Clark Fork Watershed. “Watershed” was developed by the Lower Clark Fork Watershed Group (LCFWG) as a part of a broader effort to make the public more aware of water quality improvements and fish conservation efforts in the local area. The “Watershed” story map is on the LCFWG website at lcfwg.org, but will also be on display at the film tour.

Ticket, raffle and beer sales at this event will all benefit Project ASCENT, a local non-profit organization that gets kids outdoors and connected to nature. There will again be plentiful door prizes, and raffle items include a new Thomas & Thomas fly rod.

Project ASCENT plans to use the funds from the event to purchase fly-fishing equipment for their 2019 summer camps. During each camp, kids experience adventures such as rappelling and kayaking while gaining important information like safety precautions that are crucial to having a positive outdoor experience, according to Andrea Fernandez, a Project ASCENT board member.

“These adventures increase self-esteem and confidence while invoking ambition and passion for being in the outdoors,” Fernandez said. “Thanks to the support of community events like this, Project ASCENT has the unique opportunity to impact under-served youth all over the Northwest by offering these camps free of charge.”

Partners in the Fly Fishing Film Tour include the LCFWG, Green Mountain Conservation District, Kaniksu Land Trust, Trout Unlimited, Sanders County Flycasters, and Project ASCENT who are excited to bring this community event to the area for a second time.

Tickets are $8 in advance or $10 at the door and can be purchased online or at Minnie’s Café or D&D Liquor in Thompson Falls. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the show starts at 7 p.m.