Top Fly Fishing Movies...Right Now

This has been a passion of mine since I was a kid.  In fact, it is largely responsible for the obsession I had for fly fishing…long before I ever learned to present a fly.  An obsession that began with a VHS tape.  When my uncle loaned me the “Trout Bum Diaries” videotape, he warned me about how much I’d enjoy it.  He knew my interest for fly fishing was growing exponentially, and this could be the thing that pushed me over the edge.  I remember watching that video in awe of the beautiful places fly fishing could take you, and the amazing fish one could hold in their hands after tricking them with a hand-made imitation.  Now, 30 years later, annual video sessions with our local tying club have become a favorite tradition.  I scour the web for videos that educate, entertain and maybe even inspire a group outing. The current state of fly fishing media is mundane and stuck in a rut.  Sponsor logos line the opening credits before listening to some industry pros (or bros) talk about their fly fishing story while slow motion drone montage b-roll footage acquires the eye’s attention. These disingenuous attempts at cinematic entertainment are more closely compared to branding propaganda intent upon increasing sales.  These disparaging remarks are only aimed at those companies trying to push their products on the industry, and not necessarily the stories or individuals featured in those efforts.  All of our fishing stories are worth telling.  

Then there are fly fishing films that transcend visual stimulation, hero shots, and marketing propaganda.  These movies make us remember why fly fishing is such a special sport/hobby/pasttime for people around the globe.  To be truly elite is to inspire, entertain, mentally stimulate, educate and captivate in a genuine way.  This is a very subjective set of guidelines that all pertain to the following flicks that we have deemed worthy of such admiration. 

Doc of the Drakes:  This is a 20 min short film about a doctor fishing the drake hatch in Idaho with a severe case of Parkinson's.  Inspirational, captivating, funny and genuine.  It's also short and sweet, omitting crazy unnecessary b-roll and montage video.  The sequel, "Hit em again Doc", is also great and deserves a spot in this list alongside its predecessor.  

A River Runs Through It:  The iconic tales and tribulations of a fishing family in Montana.  A direct correlation can be argued between this film’s release and fly fishing’s early popularity expansion.  Maybe that was Brad Pitt’s fault.  This film has become a benchmark for anyone who doesn't fish to gain perspective into the lives of those who do.  It may be becoming lesser known with younger audiences. Still a pretty good movie though.  

Where the Yellowstone Goes:  A Hunter Weeks documentary following a group of people as they drift the Yellowstone.  They discuss the history of the Yellowstone River, current challenges facing this delicate ecosystem and how we can better care for our valuable natural resources.  They meet colorful characters along the way and, of course, do a little fishing in the process.  It was fun to watch.

Low & Clear:  During a winter fly fishing trip to Canada, two friends, J.T. Van Zandt and Alex "Xenie" Hall, find out how drastically they have grown apart over the years.  This film will make you laugh, ponder, and pontificate.  Finally some perspective is provided into the idea that fishing is not about catching fish...Or is it?  When two different approaches to the sport collide, a friendship is stretched to the breaking point.  Great movie!

Live the Stream:  The Story of Joe Humphreys - There’s no easy way to explain how fly fishing can make someone feel.  Joe has felt this sort of way for longer than most of us have been alive.  It speaks to the vibrant energy brought by the sport of fly fishing and how the constant pursuit of possibilities keeps us feeling and acting young.          

Honorable mentions worth checking out:  Only The River Knows, Land of Little Rivers, The Complete Angler.  What are your favorites?  Tag us on social media or comment below so we know what we need to check out!