Known worldwide for its legendary rivers, lakes and streams, Manistee County once again casts itself into the spotlight as host of the International Fly Fishing Film Festival on March 7 at the Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts.
Now in its third year in Manistee, the festival is presented by the Manistee County Tourism Authority and John Gouker Fly Fishing, and features 11 captivating short films from award-winning filmmakers across the globe. Each film offers a powerful glimpse into the passion, culture, conservation and adventure that define fly fishing.
“Manistee County is truly a world-class fly fishing destination, welcoming anglers from around the world to our waters every year,” said Sammie Lukaskiewicz, executive director of the Manistee County Tourism Authority. “With steelhead season beginning in March, there couldn’t be a better time to celebrate the sport, the stories, and the special place fly fishing holds in our community.”
Manistee’s showing is the only one in the state of Michigan, making this a rare opportunity for Michigan anglers and outdoor enthusiasts to experience the festival close to home.
The films begin at 7 p.m.; doors open at 6:30 p.m. There will be give-aways, including fishing swag and a chance to win a fly fishing trip with John Gouker.
Tickets are $20 per person and include all films, presented consecutively in approximately two hours with an intermission. All proceeds from ticket sales benefit the Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts.
Tickets are available at the door or online now at www.VisitManisteeCounty.
Featured films include:
Against the Current — Fred Campbell brings his mother on a final journey to a remote northern salmon river, reflecting on resilience, aging, and the timeless migration of Atlantic salmon.
Dhala What You Must — Simon Kay ventures into Tanzania’s wilds in pursuit of Africa’s most coveted freshwater predator, the tigerfish.
Full Circle — Jako Lucas and his father explore Gabon’s untouched coastlines, chasing tarpon and connection.
Generations — Captain Ben Whalley examines the uncertain future of striped bass through the eyes of his daughter.
He Bought a Fishing Lodge — Jacob Oake trades comfort for a remote Labrador lodge in pursuit of legendary brook trout and a life of purpose.
Let’s Make a Fishing Movie — Chef and cultural storyteller David Chang joins fly fishing personality Mike Dawes on the flats in search of permit.
Price of Admission — Three friends journey deep into Patagonia to chase trophy brown trout.
The Lucky Place — Veteran angler Helmut Zaderer travels the world before finding fortune in Mexico’s Magdalena Bay.
The Only Boat on the Lake — Brothers Nic and Steve Schwartz return to a Kansas bass lake that once served as refuge during their family’s darkest moments.
Tidekeepers — Hilton Graham explores life on the Bahamian flats, where guides protect ecosystems and preserve culture.
Two Roads on the River — April Vokey and Adrienne Comeau reunite to reflect on ambition, identity and life’s diverging paths.
