FLINT, Michigan — The Fli River Anglers, in partnership with Genesee County Parks, is presenting a curated selection of worldwide fly fishing films at the FIM Capitol Theatre on Friday, March 14. There are two screenings: a matinee for Flint area students, and a general public viewing during the evening.
Anglers, outdoor enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and conservationists are invited to enjoy breathtaking, exciting stories and footage of fly fishing.
As part of a national Fly Fishing Film Tour (F3T), the event aims to bring education and awareness to recreational opportunities within the local Genesee County community. The
event features more than just a movie, says Jeremy Piper, co-founder of
Fli River Anglers, a non-profit organization and chapter of the
Flint River Watershed Coalition. Donations and event proceeds will help introduce Flint area kids to fly angling.
Since 2021, Fli River Angler’s mission has been to improve angler access to local rivers, increase access to angling for youth, and to bring hunting and fishing conservation groups together.
Piper grew up fly fishing and continues to be passionate about natural resources and recreation provided in the Flint River.
“One of the things that isn’t totally widely known is that fishermen, hunters, and other sportsmen are some of the top conservationists across the country," he says. “We think keeping the rivers clean is a responsibility which we take seriously, so we can enjoy them.”
Just as Piper grew up fishing, some kids do the same, because their father or grandfather enjoy the sport and take them out to the river. For those who aren’t familiar with casting a line, the Fli River Anglers help provide that introduction.
“We want to give that opportunity to all kids to have the chance if they decide they want to go down that path and get into the sport of fishing — growing the number of anglers and people who are experiencing the outdoors and recreation,” Piper says.
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Jeremy PiperStudents enjoy their time at a previous Fly Fishing Film Tour event.Throughout the year, the organization also hosts events like Fish the Flint, inviting adult residents who have never fished on the Flint River before, and Kids on the Fly, in conjunction with the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Flint.
Their upcoming film event will bring nearly 800 kids from Flint area schools to watch the fly fishing film tour’s ten different movies centered around the sport for free. Students can catch the film at 11 a.m., and enjoy lunch.
Michigan is the only tour stop in the country that provides the movie to local students free of charge, says Piper.
“The film is sort of a way to introduce these kids to the exciting things that you can do and the cool places you can go to see these fish and catch them,” Piper says. “There’s occasionally a movie where it features Michigan, so they might see a river in Michigan.”
Not only does fly fishing provide an escape from digital screens, trading blue light for natural light, it also can improve conservation and care for the surrounding community.
“If kids see the Flint River as a recreational space, our belief is that they will be more inclined to keep it clean, and not throw trash in the river or in the street, which then ends up in the river,” Piper says. “They’ll also maybe realize that the river is a real valuable asset in the community, and it’s something to be celebrated.”
Piper is proud to have a new sponsor in this year’s fourth annual event: the Genesee County Parks.
“They reached out to us and wanted to be involved, which is really great because that organization is going to sort of have a lot of governance over the Flint River, especially the areas that are getting renovated or restored in the next few years.”
Past events have been successful, according to feedback from attendees including third through sixth grade students, teachers, and administrators who consider this event a highlight of their academic year. Many kids have their first opportunity to attend a show at the FIM Capitol Theatre, an exciting outing in and of itself. People have come from all over the state, including Detroit, Saginaw, and Lansing. That added tourism is another benefit of the event, says Piper.
“Flint is a great place to see a show, whether it’s a fishing show, a concert, or whatever,” he says. “They can have a good time in downtown Flint, and can enjoy a restaurant beforehand.”
Looking ahead, Piper would love to see the event last more than just a single day.
“I think this event could become more of a celebration of conservation, outdoors, and the river. Maybe in future years, we’ll have more programming throughout the whole weekend,” he says.
Tickets are $20 and are available online, at the in-person box office at Capitol Theatre or Whiting Auditorium, or over the phone: (810) 237-7333. Doors open at 5 p.m., and the show starts at 7 p.m.