Welcome to another edition of the OrvisNews.com Friday Film Festival, in which we scour the Web for the best fly-fishing videos available. This week’s collection features stunning footage of leaping tarpon, big brown trout slurping dry flies, and some of the least likely Polish anglers you’ll ever see. And, of course, there’s Rolf. It seems we can’t have an FFF without this young man and his quirky Swedish sense of humor (and dedication to the dry fly). So whether you prefer fresh or salt water, serious filmmaking or amateur tomfoolery, there’s something here for you. Remember, we surf so you don’t have to. But if you do stumble upon something great that you think is worthy of inclusion in a future FFF, please post it in the comments below. See you next week with a fresh set of films!
Riding High: A Season on the Fly from Waterline Media on Vimeo.
One of the entries in the Drake Magazine Five Minutes of Fly Fishing contest, held at the recent International Fly Tackle Dealer Show in New Orleans, this film won “Best Fishing” and “Best Cinematography” awards. I think you’ll see why. “Riding High” follows a group of anglers chasing the migration of tarpon from the Keys up the western coast of Florida. Plus, you’ll see the creation of a new dog breed, the ‘Poon Retriever. WARNING: a bit of strong language here.
Big Brown Bugs from Silver Creek Outfitters on Vimeo.
Idaho’s Silver Creek is known for its fantastic hatches of mayflies, and this film focuses on the brown drakes. The huge bugs bring very large browns to the surface, making for some of the year’s best dry-fly fishing. Plenty of great shots of rising fish and powerful strikes.
Heart of the Marsh from Waterline Media on Vimeo.
This is a gorgeous video that explores the effects of the giant Gulf oil spill on the fishery in the Louisiana marshes where anglers cast for big redfish. What the filmmakers found might surprise you. “The fishery is alive—as alive as its ever been.”
While one might question the soundtrack choice here, there’s no doubt about the beautiful shots of wild cutthroat trout in the high country of Colorado. From tiny mountain streams to lakes nestled at the bottoms of majestic stone bowls, these anglers search for these colorful, spotted trout in style.
Catching char from Inwaders Media on Vimeo.
I’ve always wanted to fish in Greenland, which seems wildly exotic despite the stark landscape. This film is the first of a four-part series following a group of Danish fly fishermen in search of big char. The English subtitles are certainly helpful, but the language of angling—mostly smiles and laughter—is universal.
Satori Trailer 2011 from william benson on Vimeo.
Back in April, we featured a trailer for “Satori,” the upcoming film from WorldAngling Productions, and here’s a new teaser focused on the obsessive nature of permit fishermen. Lots of great aerial photography, underwater shots, and a strong conservation message make this one a must-see.
Rolf Nylinder from Stefan Ågren on Vimeo.
Ah, Rolf, how we love your hijinks. Just look at his face when the cameraman accuses him of using a nymph. More fun stuff from the boys at FrontsideFly. Rolf has the excited, whispered narrative style pegged, even as he complains that English is difficult for him. As always, the humor is punctuated by gorgeous Swedish brown trout.
Finally, I believe we have our first saltwater film from Poland, featuring a rather underdressed angler casting to a bonefish. Wait…bonefish in Poland? I suspect that this is an entry in the Jazz & Fly Fishing Shadow Cast Competition we announced last month. Have a great weekend!