The Missouri TroutBusters began when Jim Wallace (the founder and chairman) met Chris Hellman (the president). After discovering their shared passion for fly fishing, they began organizing weekend camping and fishing trips with friends and families. The term TroutBusters was originally a phrase Jim and his daughter used for their memorable father-daughter fishing trips, coining the term from the popular Ghostbusters movies.

 

When a family friend was killed during combat in 2007, the TroutBusters rallied together for an official event to raise money for a scholarship started in the soldier’s name at St. John Vianney High School. That TroutBust had such an overwhelming response that the TroutBusters decided to formalize their events and create a nonprofit organization to raise funds for deserving veteran and trauma charities.

 

What began with a few dozen people enjoying the outdoors, food, and family has rapidly expanded into twice-a-year outings with over 100 people in attendance. The Missouri TroutBusters are now officially a tax exempt 501 ©(3) non-profit organization with many local corporate and personal sponsors.

 

With continued success and the desire to find other ways to contribute, the TroutBusters has become the sponsor of the St. Louis Chapter of Project Healing Waters. This group is dedicated to the physical and emotional recovery of active and veteran military personnel through fly fishing and associated activities including education and outings. For a full list of the organizations we support, click the button below.