Culture Meets Conservation: Simms-Sponsored Film Event Supports Wild Trout

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Simms Fishing Products turned a night of art, adventure, and music into an act of conservation Thursday, November 20th at the Rialto theater in Bozeman, Montana. Simms donated proceeds from the Mountains of the Moon premiere to Save Wild Trout (SWT), a nonprofit dedicated to protecting fisheries in southwest Montana.

The Simms-sponsored film, which “explores the unseen connections between sport, life, music, and the living earth—set to the timeless tunes of the Grateful Dead” was created by artist and skier Chris Benchetler. The sold-out event also featured live music from Dead Sky–a local Grateful Dead cover band–drawing anglers, skiers, climbers, mountain bikers, and conservationists–from children to retirees, to the Dead–together. Attendees enjoyed raffle prizes from Simms, Atomic skis, and Abel Reels, as well as a open-bar cocktail hour.

Beyond the cinematic celebration, the event carried a deeper purpose: All proceeds from the night were donated to SWT, a local nonprofit working to safeguard the rivers and fisheries that define southwest Montana’s outdoor heritage.

“We've been fortunate to have some of these brands recognize the importance of the data collection work that we're doing,” SWT Executive Director Brian Wheeler said. “And putting their money where their mouth is. We’ve been lucky to have (support from) a huge brand like Simms, but also smaller local companies, a worldwide rod shop like Winston (R. L. Winston fly rods based in Twin Bridges, Montana). Volunteers from their staff to help me scrub rocks for bugs.”

Wheeler added that Simms’ support goes beyond the financial aspect. Being that the film was largely an artistic and psychedelic take on skiing, climbing, and mountain biking–with some fly fishing sprinkled in–much of the audience was likely unaware of the nonprofit’s efforts prior to the event.

“It's hard sometimes to breakthrough and whether it's people recognizing the logo, the name, or maybe they recognize it, but they don't actually know what you do,” he said. “As much as the money raised at an event like that, it's almost more important, I think, for us to have the exposure to a broader swath of the public, especially the, the public that is interested in mountains and rivers and outdoor recreation.”

The event corresponds to Simms' recent launch of its "Dead on the Water" collection, which features Grateful Dead branding on waders, shirts, and hats. 

By sponsoring the premiere and pledging proceeds to SWT, Simms reinforced its role as a steward of Montana’s waters. The company’s support highlights how outdoor brands can leverage cultural events to fund conservation, ensuring that the rivers anglers love remain healthy for generations.

Save Wild Trout

Save Wild Trout focuses on protecting and restoring fisheries in southwest Montana–specifically the Jefferson River basin–an area facing mounting pressures from climate change, habitat loss, and increased recreational demand. The nonprofit works to:  

• Monitor trout populations and river health.  
• Advocate for science-based management of fisheries.  
• Engage local communities in conservation efforts.  
• Promote sustainable angling practices that balance recreation with ecological stewardship.  

Their mission is rooted in the belief that wild trout are not only an ecological cornerstone but also a cultural symbol of Montana’s outdoor identity. Events like Mountains of the Moon provide vital funding and exposure to advance this mission, ensuring that rivers such as the Big Hole, Beaverhead, and Ruby remain vibrant ecosystems.

Watch the trailer below: 

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