Fly fishing film. It’s come a long ways in the last five years yet also remained surprisingly stagnant. Technology has helped put the tools to create great film in almost everyone’s hands and documenting the sport has never been easier. With a younger crowd pushing into the industry the look and feel of the content has slowly began to shift. On the other hand it seems little progress has been made towards new and creative content. Each year’s film tour is filled with the same storylines, slow-mo tarpon jumps, and exotic locations only the rich or connected few will ever see. Some would disagree but hey that’s just my opinion. The emergence of quality fishing films really started about 5-6 years ago in my opinion and since then there have been thousands of films made. As filmmakers we continually look to progress the realm of fishing films and to some extent I think we have although not without ruffling a few feathers. The fishing community can be a touchy bunch. As such though we try to keep an eye on what other films are coming out and we appreciate the work others put into promoting the sport of fly fishing. At the end of the day that is really what fishing film should be about, promoting the sport and passion for catching fish and as a result of that passion we want to protect the places those fish live. With that said here are 10 of our favorites from over the years. Over half of them are now two years old and to me that says something, I’ll let you interpret the meaning for yourselves. Without further ado watch, enjoy and please leave me a comment below with your thoughts on remarkable fishing films you feel we may have overlooked!
Trout Is All
Rolf Nylinder is one exceptional filmmaker and storyteller. He graces this list twice and for good reason. His films have style and this film merges much of why we trout fish into one beautiful short film. No egos, just fishing, beautiful places and rising trout.
Double Down
Shot five years ago this film is one that hasn’t lost any appeal since then. Still moody as ever and filled with great fish and some great shots. The underwater shot a 2:00 is still a personal favorite.
Mighty Mouse
Mice, trout, AK. Need we say more?
Breathe
RC has become a beast behind the camera over the years. From competing against him at the Simms Shoot Out in 2012 his progression has been rapid. This film of his came out about 4 years ago but still rings true as ever. Fishing is good for the soul and sometimes all you need is a deep breath and a fly rod in hand.
New Zealand – Dream Come True
Great music, big trout, & beautiful New Zealand. This is a more recent piece and many fishing films have come out of NZ but this one we seemed to like a bit more than the rest. Did we mention we’ve got a trip in the works?
Early Morning Jungle Poon
The music and editing might be a bit jarring but the shots at 1:40 and 3:00 are easily worth the admission.
Plan B
Faceless Fly Fishing has been around for a good long while and this film from 5 years ago is a classic. Cutties, bull trout, browns, brookies and falling buildings.
The Field Coffee Diary – Ep4 – A Late Hatch
Rolf with more poetry in motion.
Streamers Inc.
Breaking the mold here with a funny parody about streamer fisherman.
Knocking On The Door
The next generation is here. These guys are all about stoking out the next generation and embracing the next wave of anglers to take up fly fishing.
Picking only 10 makes it tough so please share with us in the comments some of your favorite fishing films that are free and online!
–Zack Boughton
