Fly fishing is a rhythm. Cast, drift, mend, repeat. It’s the cadence of the river, the whisper of the line, the sudden, electric pull of a strike. But should it have a soundtrack?
Some anglers swear by the purity of silence—just you, the water, and the fish. Others like a little background music, maybe even headphones tucked under a cap, providing a personal playlist while they work a hatch. Is one approach better than the other? Let’s wade in.
The Advantages of Fishing with Music
1. It Sets the Mood
Music can shape the experience. A slow morning with mist rising off the water? Maybe some jazz, something with a little swing to match the rhythm of a dry fly landing just right. Chasing aggressive browns at dusk? Some bluesy rock or even a little outlaw country might fit the mood.
2. It Can Keep You Focused
If your mind tends to wander, music can be a good way to stay dialed in. A steady playlist might help you keep a patient rhythm while waiting for the right moment to strike.
3. It Drowns Out Distractions
Wind noise, distant highway hum, the occasional weekend warrior shouting about the one that got away—music can keep you in your zone and help block out anything that disrupts your flow.
4. It Adds Personal Enjoyment
Not every fishing trip is about hardcore technical casting. Sometimes, it’s about relaxing. If music helps you unwind while you stand knee-deep in cold water, why not?
The Disadvantages of Fishing with Music
1. You Lose Some of the Natural Soundscape
One of the greatest parts of fly fishing is the soundtrack nature provides: the murmur of the current, the slap of a tail, the sudden, sharp rise of a trout breaking the surface. Music can drown out these subtle cues and make you feel less connected to your surroundings.
2. Safety Concerns
Headphones can block out important sounds—like a fast-moving drift boat, a startled bear crashing through the brush, or a buddy calling out a warning. Even just background music on a speaker can dull your awareness of what’s happening around you.
3. It Might Affect Your Fishing Instincts
Fly fishing isn’t just about seeing the fish; it’s about feeling them. Sometimes, you hear the rise before you see it. If you’re locked into a song, you might miss that soft plop that tells you where to cast next.
4. It Can Distract from the Experience
Some anglers fish to disconnect. Adding music—especially if it’s coming from a phone—might keep you tethered to the world you’re trying to escape. Notifications, texts, even the temptation to check the time can pull you out of the moment.
The Verdict? It’s Personal.
There’s no right or wrong answer here. Some days, a little background music enhances the experience. Other days, the river itself provides all the sound you need. If you go for headphones, maybe keep one ear open. If you play music out loud, keep the volume low and be mindful of others who might prefer the quiet.
Because at the end of the day, the river has its own music. Sometimes, it’s worth listening to.
Glenn On The Fly 