Fish on screen: The Big Picture to show local teen’s film about trout, conservation, the environment
August 15, 2023 | By Waterbury Roundabout 
Courtesy image from 'The Wild Side'
A local high school student’s documentary film project about wild trout titled “The Wild Side” will get a screening on Aug. 23 at the Big Picture Theater in Waitsfield.
The film uses conservation and fly fishing to demonstrate the importance of wild trout and educate the public on various practices that both help and harm Vermont’s trout populations and trout streams. It covers topics including creel limits, stocking, dams, invasive species, and climate change.
The filmmaker is Jake Leamon, of Richmond, a recent graduate of Mount Mansfield Union High School who is headed to Middlebury College this fall. Jake's been fishing for almost all of his life but really fell in love with trout five years ago when he learned to fly fish through Vermont Trout Unlimited’s Trout Camp. He's also a staff member at the Fly Rod Shop in Stowe where he’s worked for almost 3 years.
Jake has a passion for filmmaking and photography and loves being able to combine his love for fly fishing and the natural world. His mission with this film is to spread awareness of the importance and fragility of Vermont’s wild and native trout and examine the management practices used by the government and outside organizations.
He hopes one day to have his kids be able to fish the same streams he's fished in Vermont and to tell them that the fish they catch there are the descendants of the fish he's caught.
“Let's support this new emerging voice for conservation and the environment, as well as his passion for angling and trout!” the event announcement says.
The film screening is presented by the Mad Dog chapter of Vermont Trout Unlimited with proceeds supporting the organization’s summer Trout Camp for teens.
Showtime is 7 p.m. and the event includes a raffle. Prizes include a TFO 10’ 4 weight fly rod and BVK SD reel (valued at $650); a six-hour, two-person float trip on the Upper Connecticut River (valued at $379) with Jethro Gibbs Guides and artwork by artist/illustrator Samantha Aronson.
Food at the screening will be served from 5 to 6:60 p.m. including Misty Knoll chicken, corn fritters and salad for $12/plate; cash bar as well.