Santa Barbara Flyfishers is presenting actor Tom Skerritt and an authoritative panel, March 31 at the Lobero Theatre to discuss the impact of the movie, and screen the award-winning film directed by Robert Redford.

Three anglers fly-fish in a river. in a scene from 'A River Runs Through It.'
Actor Tom Skerritt and a panel will discuss the impact of the film ‘A River Runs Through It.’ (Courtesy photo)

Panelists scheduled to appear include John Maclean, journalist and author, son of Norman Maclean; Eric Ladd, chairman of Outlaw Partners in Montana; Kayeloni Scott, executive director, Columbia/Snake River Campaign; and Chris Wood, president/CEO of Trout Unlimited.

The release of the film “A River Runs Through It” in 1992 served as a cultural catalyst for mainstream interest in fly-fishing.

Its sweeping cinematography, elegant casting sequences, and narrative emphasis on the contemplative nature of the sport introduced millions to a pastime previously perceived as niche, organizers said.

It is reported that the fly-fishing industry doubled in size following the film. Some have said that the fly-fishing industry was born with this movie.

The impact was felt by growth in fishing gear, apparel, fly shops, guiding services, and tourism. Many small regional towns and businesses benefitted from the enormous growth.

The surge in participation created a parallel increase in conservation awareness, as anglers confronted the ecological realities that underpin their sport.

“Many who were captivated by the beauty they saw in the movie realized that protecting rivers and watersheds was crucial,” organizers said. “People became aware that river health was tied to human health and happiness, because rivers supply our water and facilitate both commerce as well as human enjoyment of the outdoors.”

Organizations sprang up dedicated to cold water-habitat preservation, native trout restoration, and watershed stewardship, and saw an influx of members seeking to contribute to sustainable fisheries.

Educational programs, catch-and-release ethics, and habitat rehabilitation projects became more visible, supported by both grassroots volunteers and policy-focused nonprofits.

As a result, the post-film era of fly fishing was defined not only by growth in the number of participants, but also by a heightened sense of responsibility for rivers, fish populations, and the ecosystems that support them.

One important consequence includes the need to address the negative impacts on rivers and streams from over-crowing and over-fishing.

The expert panel will provide interesting insights and perspectives and provide a new lens to view the film.
 
Tickets can be purchased through the Lobero Theatre, https://www.lobero.org/events/flyfishers2026/.

Presenting sponsors of the event include: We Are Airstream Ventura airstreamventura.com, American Rivers americanrivers.org, Alta Orthopaedics altaortho.com, and California Fly Fisher calflyfisher.com.
 
Link to Santa Barbara Flyfishers, https://sbflyfishers.org.