Dry fly and nymph on wild rivers. The Dordogne, the Tarn, the Wye, the Usk. Honest films for people who know how it feels to get it wrong.
River Dordogne, France
Failed Fly Fisherman is a YouTube and Instagram channel documenting one angler's ongoing, largely unsuccessful attempt to become a competent fly fisherman.
No highlight reels. No expert instruction. Just honest films from beautiful rivers, made for anyone who has ever tangled their leader, spooked a rising fish, or gone home empty-handed — and loved every minute.
Watch the filmsFailed Fly Fisherman has been fly fishing for nine years. Primarily dry fly and nymph, primarily for trout and grayling, primarily on rivers that are too good for his casting.
The channel began as an honest record of what fly fishing actually looks like when you are not an expert — the tangles, the spooked fish, the beautiful days that end without a take, and the occasional, slightly miraculous fish that reminds you why you keep going back.
Films are shot on location in France (the Dordogne, Tarn, Lot and Ariège), Wales (the Wye, Usk and Irfon), with expeditions to Sri Lanka and Slovenia. The music is original, composed and performed by a long-standing collaborator.
The name was suggested by his daughter. It stuck.
"The fish are always there. I am frequently not quite good enough to catch them."
Full-length films, Shorts, and the complete archive. New films every Monday at 9am.
Watch on YouTubeBehind the scenes, river moments, and weekly teasers every Sunday at 4pm.
Follow on InstagramFailed Fly Fisherman is open to creative collaboration — with musicians, filmmakers, brands and anyone who shares a love of wild places and honest storytelling. Here is what that can look like.
Some films need more than footage. River Winding — a cinematic portrait of the River Dordogne — was scored by Andy Brotherton, a professional guitarist with over 50 years of experience across jazz, classical and contemporary styles.
Andy and Failed Fly Fisherman have been friends for 30 years. When the Dordogne footage arrived, the collaboration felt natural. The result is something neither would have made alone — a film that moves between river and music the way light moves across water.
If you work in music, film, or any creative field and see a collaboration worth exploring, the contact form below is the place to start.
For brand partnerships, media enquiries, or if you just want to talk about rivers — use the form below.
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