Spokane River Benefit Wrap-Up

Fintastic Film Festival at the Bing

Over 425 people turned out for the 2nd Annual International Fly Fishing Film Festival at the Bing. Proceeds from the festival go to the Spokane River to improve access and support our native fishery. With great prizes raffled or auctioned off from manufacturers like Winston Rods, Lamson Reels, Patagonia, Simms, Rising, and Fishpond, the festival was a big success. Said Bill Abrahamse, the Spokane Chapter Chair of Trout Unlimited who coordinated the raffle and auction, "We raised just a bit over $10,000. As promised, that will enable the Spokane River Forum to complete fundraising to build access and restore the riparian area at Islands Trailhead. Anything extra will go toward other access projects the Forum is working on with us, Spokane Riverkeeper and others."

As promised, the films were inspiring, occasionally edgy and often hilarious. Said Sean Visintainer, owner of Silver Bow Fly Shop who brought the festival to Spokane, "Most of the film makers are between 30 and 40 years old. They have that millennial sensibility of just do it, and have fun while you’re doing it. It's pretty much the same message we have for restoring native redbands and access on the Spokane River."

"I'm a die-hard fan of the Spokane River and been a member of fly fishing clubs and TU for years," said Guy Gregory, a Forum board member. "I can’t remember the last time I was around a fishing and Spokane River crowd that engaged and having that much fun. Now we need to deliver on these projects."

"We’ll be back same time next year," said Visintainer. "By then you should see the Islands Trailhead access and the Starr Rd. habitat project complete. With everyone’s help and goodwill, we’re bringing access and this fishery back!!”

Video captures Spokane River access and fishery message.

Click here for a very cool video produced by Kimbo May for the film festival at the Bing. He captures the "heart connections" we all feel toward the Spokane River. Said May, "I love fishing and where I live. The river runs right through that love."

Big thanks to our festival sponsors!!

VPI Home Solutions, AHBL and Valbridge Property Advisors rock!! These Spokane businesses stepped up for the river and film festival. Said Jeanna Hofmeister, President of the Spokane River Forum Board and Vice President of Marketing for Visit Spokane, "They did it because they want to, not have to. That's what makes them and this community great."