"Midwest Fly Fishing" Publisher Tom Helgeson Dies

Tom Helgeson, publisher and editor of the popular “Midwest Fly Fishing” magazine, died of complications from cancer Friday evening in Minneapolis. Besides publishing the popular periodical, which covers fly fishing in the central US, Tom ran the Minneapolis/Chicago Great Waters Expos and the Vermilion Sporting Arts Gallery in St. Louis Park. Tom was an ardent conservationist, a caring teacher, and a gifted writer.
As friend Brian Ramsey said: “Tom brought many, many unfortunate youths out on fly fishing trips to the Henry’s Fork back in the 1980s and was instrumental in providing Midwesterners the world of fly fishing on their home grounds…. He will be deeply missed and had a soft spot for youth in getting them outside and was was huge supporter of Midwest conservation issues.”
Midwest Fly Fishing magazine contributor, author and frequent Great Waters fly fishing show speaker Robert tomes writes:
“My long time friend and mentor Tom Helgeson was a great unifying force for Midwest fly fishers and fly fishing in general. Whether you had the pleasure of knowing him or not, he was a valued friend to all anglers, guides, fly shops and manufacturers, pulling us together for the betterment of the sport through his Midwest Fly Fishing magazine and with the Great Waters fly fishing shows in Chicago and Minneapolis. And his personal dedication to educating anglers and preserving the fragile Midwest fishing resource will stand as an example of what one man can do to change the world.”
Additional: “Tom Helgeson Tributes Pour In“