Movies about fly-fishing are few and far between. But there are some great films out there. We started to watch some movies and eventually just turned them off due to awful filmmaking and poor ideas. Then there are thousands of instructional videos that are as exciting as picking out socks. Honestly, who can watch hour after hour of instructional videos anyway? Sometimes entertainment alone is valuable. The following movies are our favorites. Some for educational purposes and some for pure entertainment. What all the films have in common is the beauty of the outdoors, the relaxing sounds of streams flowing over the land, and flying lines cast through the air in an artful display. Watching the best fly-fishing films can be a lifesaver when we can’t be at the stream. These are the best fly-fishing movies.
Chalk
“Chalk” provides a history of fly-fishing and demonstrates the gentlemanly art. Anyone can cast a fly. But to learn and appreciate the history of fly fishing is the best way for a purist to enjoy the sport. Chalk is about the Holy Grail of fly- fishing—the chalkstreams of England. The documentary tells the story of Frederic M. Halford, who pioneered dry fly fishing in modern times. Dry fly fishing was seen as posh and the accepted way to fish for brown trout. George Skues was a protégé of Halford, but chose to go a different direction, break from dry fly fishing exclusively, and experimented with wet flies, or nymphs, fished below the surface. This revolutionary method was found to take trout when the fish were not rising, but it was looked down upon by the fishing community. Then along came Frank Sawyer, who again turned the fly-fishing world upside down by weighting nymphs with copper wire to fish a deeper section of the water column. The reverence with which the fly-fishing community holds these 3 innovators is deep. Today we use all these methods to catch trout and likely will for centuries to come. This is sure to be a favorite among the “purists”.
A River Runs Through It
“A River Runs Through It”, directed by Robert Redford, is about growing up as much as it is about fly fishing. Still, this movie can’t be overlooked. “A River Runs Through It” singlehandedly grew the fly-fishing industry by 60% in 1992 and another 60% in 1993. Norman Maclean, played by Craig Sheffer, tells the story of growing up in Missoula, Montana with Tom Skerritt as the minister, father, and fishing guide/instructor. It’s a story of coming of age as young men and fly anglers. It is easy to relate to Paul and Norman as kids when they fish and Paul, played by Brad Pitt, gets his line snagged in a tree. Paul has a look of confusion on his face and Normal is clearly annoyed. We have all been there. The cinematography depicts fly casting the way we all wish we could execute it. In my mind at least I think my casts are as beautiful as Paul Maclean’s…. at times. The only instruction in the movie is to cast on a four-count rhythm. And admittedly, that is wise and one of the best ways to introduce beginners to casting a fly. The movie also provides some of the best quotes in the world of fly fishing. It’s a solid movie with a great cast.
Mending the Line (2014)
“Mending the Line” (2014) is an inspirational film about World War 2 veteran Frank Moore, who fought in Normandy, France. He crossed a bridge with his squad and spied a salmon in the Selune River and daydreamed about casting a fly to it. That daydream lived in his head for 69 years until he returned with his family to Normandy to reflect on the past and to fish that river. Emotionally charged at times, it is easy to feel the weight of the past as Frank recaps special moments from the War. That feeling is mirrored in his love for fly fishing and that feeling transfers to those watching the film. The spotlight is the healing power of fly-fishing and the peace that can be felt while on the water. It illustrates the calming effect of nature and how it soothes the soul. Many fly fishermen will attest to that. But to see the scope of the power of fly fishing in helping a veteran deal with his PTSD is beyond expectation. Everyone can relate to Frank Moore. In fact, there is a Frank Moore in every family. A guy that everyone loves. There really isn’t a ton of focus on the angling but on passion, love, and healing. And that is what fly fishing is all about. A touching movie that is very relatable.
The River Why
“The River Why” is about love. Love of fly-fishing, the outdoors, life, and a special girl. Augustine “Gus” Orviston is the central character. The story begins with the friction between Gus and his parents and his decision to strike out on his own. Gus rents a streamside cabin and begins his pursuit of trout and steelhead. For a time, fishing is all he needs to feel fulfilled. But then he sees “the girl”. He realizes his previously perceived fulfillment was incomplete and pursues her as dedicatedly as he pursues the fish. This is a movie to watch with your wife. It’s kind of a chick flick. The film sort of makes fun of the “prim and proper” character who quotes Izaac Walton with pride. But it’s done in a comedic way, so it isn’t offensive to the purists. Many of us have had the idea to leave the city and live in a cabin by a stream and spend our days casting flies so in that sense it is a fantasy. I enjoy the Izaak Walton references and quotes although admittedly that language sounds out of place today. But again this “date night” movie is fun to watch and includes a fair amount of fly-fishing, but it certainly is not instructional. Just enjoy the movie with a bottle of wine and count your blessings while your wife is watching a fishing picture.
Where The Yellowstone Goes
“Where The Yellowstone Goes” is a 30-day float trip along the entire legally floatable Yellowstone River in Montana, documented from start to finish. The trip begins just outside Yellowstone National Park and treks through Montana to the Missouri River. The team spends quite a bit of time fly-fishing along the way and catches a variety of species including rainbow trout, brown trout, cutthroat trout, smallmouth bass, carp, and catfish. What is interesting about this trip is that it is not a completely primitive trip. The group frequently camps by the riverside at small communities and ventures into town to dine, drink, or just meet locals. I would sum it up as a “bro trip” on the river. And the expedition is ambitious to accomplish in 30 days, especially with all the side activities. Also evident are the fatigue and physical challenges that come while on an adventure of this scale.
Hopefully, these reviews will help you decide what movies to watch. In fact, I hope you watch them all and enjoy them as much as we did. Sometimes during the off-season or evenings after work when we could really use the recharge of fly-fishing, one of these movies will help enough to get us by. Tight lines!