The Sheridan Community Land Trust (SCLT) has received a meaningful boost for its ongoing stream restoration work, thanks to the success of the Fly Fishing Film Tour at the WYO Theater this February.

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 (BGNA).

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 to feel a fish at the end of their line.

For organizers at the Fly Shop of the Bighorns, supporting this kind of work is a natural fit.

“We see firsthand how much healthy streams matter, to the fish, to anglers, and to the community as a whole,” said Clark Smyth of Fly Shop of the Bighorns. “Being able to bring people together through the film tour and then turn that excitement into real, on-the-ground restoration at places like Big Goose Creek is exactly why we do it.”

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.

SCLT Executive Director Brad Bauer said the evening was a powerful reminder of what community support can accomplish.

“It was an incredible night,” Bauer said. “It means a lot to see that many people show up, have a great time, and ultimately contribute to work that improves Big Goose Creek. We’re grateful to everyone who attended, donated, and helped make it happen. That support is what keeps this restoration work moving forward.”

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.