Fly Fishing Film Tour Raises Over $12,000 for Stream Restoration

Over $12,000 was raised to benefit stream restoration in Sheridan County. Sheridan Media’s Ron Richter has the details.

The Sheridan Community Land Trust has received a substantial boost for its ongoing stream restoration work, thanks to the Fly Fishing Film Tour this February at the WYO Theater in Sheridan. According to information from SCLT, the event sold out, bringing more than 470 people together for an evening that celebrated fishing, community, and the waters that connect them. Through ticket sales and raffle items, attendees raised $12,672.25, which will directly support long-term stream restoration efforts at the SCLT Big Goose Natural Area.

Those efforts are already taking shape this spring. In April, SCLT planted coyote willow cuttings along priority sections of Big Goose Creek to help stabilize banks, reduce erosion, and improve habitat. Cottonwood plantings are planned for later this season, continuing a broader, multi-year effort to strengthen the health of the stream for fish, wildlife, and people. Support from the Fly Fishing Film Tour also comes at a time of renewed opportunity on the water. The Wyoming Game and Fish Department recently stocked rainbow trout in Big Goose Creek, increasing opportunities for anglers of all ages.

SCLT thanks Seth Carrel and Spear-O-Wigwam, Sheridan Bicycle Company, The Sport Stop, Rocky Mountain Discount Sports, EPCOH Collection, Bighorn Trout Shop, and Fly Shop of the Bighorns for their support in making the raffle possible. Long-term stream restoration work has also been supported by grants from the Powder River Basin Chapter of Trout Unlimited.

The SCLT Big Goose Natural Area, located at 14 Lane Ln, is open daily from dawn to dusk. The site offers approximately 1.5 miles of angling access along Big Goose Creek, with catch-and-release regulations in place and the use of lures or flies with barbless hooks only. All anglers must also comply with Wyoming fishing license requirements.

In addition to fishing, BGNA features more than 2 miles of trails, including on- and off-leash areas, along with conservation demonstration sites, local history elements, and hands-on educational displays at the Welcome Center.