25 BEST Fly Fishing Movies (Selected)

The Best fly fishing movies

Fly fishing is a popular outdoor activity and many people enjoy watching movies that feature this sport.

While there are plenty of films out there about fly fishing, some stand out above the rest in terms of quality and enjoyment.

Here’s a list of 25 best fly fishing movies for you to watch and enjoy! From classic films like A River Runs Through It, to modern favorites like

The River Why, these movies will provide hours of entertainment as well as insight into the world of fly fishing.

So without further ado, here are the best fly fishing movies selected by us!

1. A River Runs Through It (1992)

Robert Redford directs this classic drama starring Brad Pitt and Craig Sheffer as the Maclean brothers, two young men growing up in early 20th-century Montana whose lives are shaped by their love of fly fishing.

The film follows Norman and Paul’s relationship as they grapple with life’s toughest challenges while taking on the best trout streams Montana has to offer.

A River Runs Through It is a deeply affecting story about family relationships, but also a celebration of nature’s beauty and man's ability to find solace in its embrace.

2. Fly Away Home (1996)

Jeff Daniels stars alongside Anna Paquin in this heartwarming family drama about an orphaned girl who takes it upon herself to teach Canada geese how to migrate south for the winter, with the help of her father’s ultra-light aircraft.

Fly Away Home is charmingly told from both perspectives—the people teaching birds and those being taught—and features some incredible fly fishing scenes set among stunning New Zealand scenery.

3. The River Wild (1994)

Kevin Bacon stars alongside Meryl Streep in this intense thriller about a white water rafting adventure gone wrong when they encounter three dangerous criminals.

To make matters worse, the crew is stranded in the middle of a raging river, with no way out but to fight their way back home.

The River Wild offers up some of best fly fishing sequences seen on film and proves that even when nature turns against you, you’ve still got hope—as long as your fly rod is ready.

4. Reel Injun (2009)

This documentary explores how Native Americans have been portrayed in Hollywood films for over a century and details both the negative stereotypes that were propagated about them and how these depictions evolved over time, becoming more complex and nuanced as filmmakers began to recognize Native American identity in its many forms.

Though fly fishing isn't central to this story, it does feature prominently in many of the clips, as it has been a popular activity among Native Americans for centuries.

5. A Good Day to Die Hard (1988)

This classic action flick starring Bruce Willis follows hero John McClane as he heads up to Alaska for a little fly fishing, only to return and find his hometown under siege from criminals.

Despite the overwhelming odds and danger, McClane dives in head first, proving that sometimes only a good man with a fly rod can save the day.

6. Run of the Arrow (1957)

In this Western directed by Samuel Fuller, actor Rod Steiger plays an Irish Confederate soldier who is taken prisoner after refusing to surrender at Gettysburg during America’s Civil War.

As he journeys westward with Cheyenne Indians seeking refuge in Montana’s Rockies, our hero finds unexpected serenity while playing out some epic scenes of fly fishing on pristine streams along the way.

7. Deliverance (1972)

Burt Reynolds stars alongside Jon Voight in this cult-classic thriller about four city slickers whose weekend canoe trip down Georgia’s Cahulawassee River turns deadly when they cross paths with some backwoods hillbillies hellbent on violence—and worse still: moonshine-making!

Although best remembered for its shocking opening sequence, Deliverance also features some surprisingly authentic fly fishing scenes that will leave viewers with a newfound respect for the sport.

8. A River Runs Through It (1992)

Robert Redford directs this classic drama starring Brad Pitt and Craig Sheffer as the Maclean brothers, two young men growing up in early 20th-century Montana whose lives are shaped by their love of fly fishing.

The film follows Norman and Paul’s relationship as they grapple with life’s toughest challenges while taking on the best trout streams Montana has to offer. A River Runs Through It is a deeply affecting story about family relationships, but also a celebration of nature’s beauty and man's ability to find solace in its embrace.

9. The Silver Salmon (1985

This comedy stars Tim Matheson as an inept fisherman who sets out for Alaska for what he hopes will be his best catch ever: “the silver salmon.”

But when his luck turns bad, he finds himself stuck with three eccentric locals—and learns that sometimes your best catch isn’t always found on a reel!

The Silver Salmon captures the spirit of fly fishing perfectly and offers plenty of laughs along the way.

10. Fly Away Home (1996)

Jeff Daniels stars alongside Anna Paquin in this heartwarming family drama about an orphaned girl who takes it upon herself to teach a flock of geese how to migrate south for the winter.

Featuring some stunning footage of Canada’s beautiful landscapes and fly fishing on the way, Fly Away Home is a beautiful story of courage and resilience that will move even the most stoic of viewers.

11. The River (1984)

This classic John Sayles film stars Mel Gibson and Sissy Spacek as two strangers thrown together by fate while fly fishing on a remote river in the Appalachian mountains.

While they search for the best trout streams, they discover secrets about each other that will bind them forever.

With its stunning scenery and captivating performances, The River is an unforgettable story of love, loss, and redemption.

12. McCanick (2013)

David Morse stars alongside Cory Monteith in this crime thriller about an aging police detective who's determined to take down an ex-convict he believes is out for revenge.

Alongside his partner, our hero embarks on a manhunt full of surprises, including some rather unexpected moments of relaxation—in the form of fly fishing!

13. A Fly In The Champagne (2006

British actor Timothy Spall takes center stage in this romantic comedy set against France’s stunning Loire Valley wine country and starring Diana Quick as his long-suffering wife and best friend all rolled into one.

With plenty of laughs along the way and amazing scenes showcasing fly fishing at its best, A Fly In The Champagne proves that love can conquer all–even when it comes with a rod & reel attached!

14. Mayfly (2016)

Up-and-coming actor Sam Heughan stars in this romantic drama about a man who returns to his hometown after a long absence and finds solace fly fishing the local streams as he struggles with a painful past.

Mayfly is an uplifting tale of healing, reconciliation, and ultimately redemption that will leave you feeling inspired — and maybe even tempted to head out and wet a line!

15. The Freshman (1990)

Matthew Broderick stars in this classic fish-out-of-water comedy about a college freshman who takes on a summer job working for a pair of fly fishing guides in the remote wilderness of Montana’s Bitterroot Valley.

Along the way, he learns some invaluable lessons about life and love — as well as how to tie some pretty impressive flies!

16. Red Mountain (1951)

This western classic stars Alan Ladd and Robert Preston as two down-on-their luck prospectors who embark on an adventure into Arizona’s Superstition Mountains in search of lost treasure—and plenty of unparalleled fly fishing along the way.

17. Wild River (1960)

Montgomery Clift stars alongside Lee Remick in this gripping drama set against Tennessee’s Great Smoky Mountains during the 1930s, when rural communities were threatened by big business interests determined to dam up rivers and flood out farmland with rising waters.

Clift plays an idealistic government worker charged with convincing local residents to move away from their homes before it’s too late—but despite best efforts, our hero finds himself torn between loyalties and his own growing attachment to the people he is supposed to be helping.

With amazing scenery and some truly heart-wrenching moments, Wild River is a timeless story about the conflict between progress and tradition.

18. A River Runs Through It (1992)

Brad Pitt and Craig Sheffer star in this beloved adaptation of Norman Maclean’s best-selling novel about two brothers coming of age during the 1920s in rural Montana, where fly fishing stands as a metaphor for life itself.

With stunning cinematography by Philippe Rousselot, this beautiful film takes us on an inspiring journey filled with insight and emotion — and plenty of trout!

19. The River Why (2010)

Zach Gilford stars alongside Amber Heard in this romantic drama based on the best-selling novel by David James Duncan about a young man trying to find himself through fly fishing—and along the way learns just how challenging it can be when you have too much time alone with nothing but your thoughts!

20. Flyboys (2006)

This World War I drama follows six American pilots who join France’s Escadrille Lafayette squadron, becoming known as “The Iron Men of Metz.”

Alongside some spectacular aerial combat scenes are quiet moments spent away from battle by our hero–fly fishing at a small lake outside their base camp!

21. The River Wild (1994)

Meryl Streep and Kevin Bacon star in this thrilling adventure about a family whose white-water rafting trip down a treacherous river takes an unexpected turn when their path crosses with that of two armed criminals on the run from the law.

As tensions rise, our heroes must find courage from within to face whatever danger lies ahead—and along the way enjoy some spectacular fly fishing!

22. Sweet Water (2013)

This indie drama stars Gary Graham as an aging fly fisherman struggling with his own mortality as he reflects back on life’s successes and failures while searching for one last chance at redemption–which may just come in the form of a lifelong dream of spending time fishing in Alaska’s wilderness!

23. Trout Fishing In America (1989)

Richard Brake stars alongside Jeff Bridges in this whimsical comedy based on Richard Brautigan’s best-selling novel about two men who embark on an epic quest across America to search out “the best trout stream ever seen by mankind!” Along their journey they discover plenty of laughs—as well as some unparalleled opportunities to try out their fly casting skills!

24. A River Runs Through Ya

The best fly fishing movies list wouldn’t be complete without a nod to the classic “A River Runs Through It.” This timeless drama about two brothers coming of age in rural Montana stars Brad Pitt and Craig Sheffer, and features some outstanding fly fishing scenes that will have you hooked (no pun intended!) from start to finish!

25. A River Runs Red (2019)

This gripping drama stars Lance Henriksen as a retired fly fisherman who must confront the demons of his past when tragedy strikes close to home and a corrupt mining company threatens to rip apart the small town he loves. With stunning photography, an engrossing plot, and plenty of breathtaking fly fishing scenes along the way, this is one film that should not be overlooked!

Fly fishing is an activity enjoyed by many people around the world, and these best fly fishing movies provide a great way to enjoy its beauty on the big screen!

Whether you’re after action or romance, suspense or comedy – there’s something here for everyone. So grab your poles and get ready to cast away with some of cinema's best tales of angling journey and adventure!

All these best fly fishing movies are guaranteed to give viewers plenty of entertainment while also reminding us all why we love this sport so much: its beauty, its solitude, its connection to nature—and how it can take us away from our everyday lives for just a little bit longer. So grab your popcorn and get ready for some reel-y good fun.

Happy viewing!

Which movie about fly fishing had best opinions?

One of the best movies about fly fishing is The River Why, released in 2010. It starred Zach Gilford and Amber Heard as a couple who are struggling to find their place within a family legacy of legendary fishermen.

This movie follows the characters' journey to understand why their love for fly fishing must be shared with everyone, despite them having their own unique views on life.

With stunning cinematography that brings viewers into the beauty of nature, great acting performances from its two leads and an important story about finding balance in life – this movie has earned itself best opinions from critics and fans alike.

Is fly fishing a sport for rich people?

Fly fishing has long been considered an exclusive activity, often enjoyed by those of higher income. It is true that the necessary gear and equipment for fly fishing can be a bit costly, so it is not typically accessible to everyone.

However, there are many great deals available on fly-fishing gear today that make the sport more affordable than ever before!

Furthermore, there are also a variety of ways to fish without spending much money at all – such as making use of natural materials or even just using your hands to catch fish.

Fly fishing can be an enjoyable activity regardless of one's financial standing. When done right with quality gear, the experience can become even more spectacular!

How can I watch fishing on TV or Internet?

If you're looking for a way to watch fishing shows and movies from the comfort of your home, there are several options available.

For starters, Netflix offers dozens of great fly fishing movies, documentaries and series that feature best-known anglers like Ted Williams, Gary Borger, Tom Rosenbauer and more.

You can also check out services such as YouTube TV or Amazon Prime Video to watch dedicated fishing channels such as The Fly Fishing Network (FFN) and World Fishing Network (WFN).

Finally, many cable providers offer specialty sports packages that include a selection of fishing shows on various networks. So get ready for an exciting view on the best fly fishing films!

Why is fly fishing so difficult a sport?

Fly fishing is a challenging sport that requires skill, patience, and knowledge. It involves casting a line with an artificial fly in order to lure the fish and requires good aim and accuracy.

Unlike other types of fishing where you can quickly cast multiple lines, in fly fishing you must make precise casts each time.

Many anglers even put together their own custom flies to best match the insects available at their local waters.

Additionally, mastering the best techniques – such as differentiating between trout feeding behaviors or catching sighted fish – takes practice and dedication to perfect. In summary, Fly Fishing is a hard but rewarding sport that tests your knowledge and patience as an angler.

How long on average does it take to master fly fishing and have good results?

Generally speaking, it can take a few months, up to a year or two of diligent practice to gain proficiency in fly fishing and start seeing good results.

Experience plays an important role here as well; the more you fish, the better your chances of mastering techniques and improving your skills. It's best for beginners to spend time with an experienced mentor who can teach them best practices and answer questions.

Additionally, watching instructional videos on YouTube or reading books about fly fishing will help improve one’s knowledge base quickly.

With enough dedication and passion for the sport, anyone can become a master at fly fishing in no time.

The best 10 pieces of equipement for fly fishing

1. Fly Reel: A fly reel is an essential piece of equipment for any fly fisherman, as it is responsible for storing the line and providing drag when casting a line or fighting a fish.

It is important to note that a quality fly reel will not only store the line properly, but also provide positive drag to ensure that you can cast at distance with accuracy and consistency. Quality fly reels will cost upwards of $100.

2. Fly Rod: Another essential piece of equipment for any angler, the fly rod is what provides the power and control needed in order to properly cast a line and make accurate presentations to your target species.

Quality rods are typically made from graphite or fiberglass and can offer different actions depending on desired fishing style.

Quality rods generally start around $100 and go up significantly from there.

3. Waders: Waders are necessary for any angler who wants to wade into deeper waters in order to access more productive parts of the river or stream.

Waders should be chosen based on desired warmth, as well as breathability in order to ensure comfort during use.

While basic waders may be found under $100, quality waders often begin at $150+.

4. Fly Line: Fly Line is used in conjunction with a reel and rod to create an efficient casting system with both accuracy and precision.

It is important to choose a line weight that matches both rod type and intended species, as this will help improve accuracy while casting long distances. While quality lines exist under $100 they are few and far between, with most quality lines starting around $125+.

5. Floatant: Floatant is used by anglers to help keep dry flies afloat throughout their drift downstream or across lakes/ponds/etc…

This ensures that insects imitations appear realistic while being presented to fish in their natural environment - improving hookups significantly! Quality floatants typically start around $10+, but full kits can cost up towards the $100 range depending on brand/variation/etc...

6. Tippet Material: Tippet material comes in multiple sizes (pound test) so it’s important to find one that best matches your application (dry flies vs nymphs).

The last thing you want when targeting wary trout is for your tippet material (or leader) to be too bulky which could scare off potential targets!

Quality tippet materials usually start around $10+, but multi-packs of larger sizes can run up towards the $90+ range depending on brand/quality/etc...

7. Fishing Vest: A quality fishing vest helps keep all essential items close by while out on the water making sure that you have everything you need right at hand when you need it!

Quality vests come with various pockets specifically designed for essential items like tippets, floatants, leaders, etc…

Vests generally cost upwards of $50+, but higher end models can easily exceed $100+ depending on features offered including storage capacity/color options/waterproofing protection/etc…

8. Nippers & Forceps: Essential tools for those who choose using traditional methods such as dry flies or nymphs - having a pair of quality nippers & forceps ensures that hooks stay extremely sharp after being sharpened throughout their life span!

High-end models usually feature surgical grade steel paired with ergonomic grips designed specifically for delicate tasks such as unhooking small trout without damaging them further - these types of models usually reach up towards the $60+ range depending on brand/model variation etc...

9. Polarized Sunglasses: Polarized sunglasses are key when trying to sight fish due to their ability reduce glare coming off the water surface allowing you clearer underwater visibility - this makes spotting those skittish trout much easier!

High-end polarized glasses start out around$50+, with top tier models reaching up towards over$100+ depending on special features such as enhanced light transmission capabilities or interchangeable lenses etc...

10. And when you have enoough of manouvers - just a Fish Net: Most anglers don’t think about nets until they actually need them; however owning one allows you land large fish quickly without manhandling them further which could cause injury or worse yet stress them out too quickly resulting in death due mortality shock!

Most net varieties begin around$40+, however larger frames designed specifically for bigger game fish like salmon can easily reach upwards of$150+ depending on size /materials used etc…

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