Salomone: The fly fishing films.

The fly fishing this winter has been stellar. There was never a real reason to put away your rod. And now, typical bug hatches on the Eagle River are progressing in the warmth of an early spring. Trout are responding to the increased presence of food. If the recent fly fishing hasn’t pumped you up for the upcoming summer, then the Fly Fishing Film Tour will invigorate your angling desires.

For years, F3T has been a moniker for spring and an announcement that fly fishing in our neck of the woods is about to flourish. The collection of short films about fly fishing from all around the world combine stories, scenery, angling and more into an exhilarating viewing experience. If you have never experienced the F3T shows, you deserve an evening such as this. If you have attended in the past, then you can feel the anticipation for the 2026 shows.

The time before the show gathers a tremendous array of like-minded fly fishers together to reconnect. Friends who may have not seen each other since last year’s films smile and laugh, talk smack and tell lies. There are a lot of phones with fish photos getting passed around.

Don’t forget the raffle. A pile of desirable gear gets distributed during the show, pumping extra excitement into the air. You can’t win if you don’t buy a ticket. Give yourself a chance and at least feel good knowing the proceeds benefit our local Trout Unlimited chapter. Even if you don’t win, it is still fun to play.

The event is held at the Riverwalk Theater in Edwards, Colorado on March 12, at 7 p.m.

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Beers — the first 100 of which are free — crack open at 5:30 p.m. Plan to arrive early and visit old friends and possibly meet some new ones. Vail Valley Anglers, located across the parking lot from the theater, has purchased the first 100 beers. Grab a cold one before the show for free as long as they last.

The trailers for the shows are available for viewing. Some of the brief glimpses have stoked my excitement for the upcoming evening. What follows is a quick rundown of a few of the short films: Some are surprises, some are inspirational and some include old friends.

“Black Sheep,” “Rooster Fly Project” and “Mako” are three of the films I can’t wait to see in their entirety. As films that are centered around a specific fish, I really appreciate learning about new challenges.

“Black Sheep” follows the fly fishing pursuits of Jako Lukas, world renowned angler, and his quest for Pacu in Bolivia. Jako has appeared in F3T films in 2019, 2020 and 2023. His affection for Pacu drives this short film. I have chased Pacu in some waters they are known to inhabit in southern Florida without any luck. This film will have me paying attention.

“Rooster Fly Project” centers on the industry that has arisen from the pursuit of rooster fish on the fly. Little is known about this highly sought after fish. “Rooster Fly Project” seeks to fill that void.

“Mako” should put fear into your heart. These fast and fierce looking sharks are the target species for captain Conway Bowman. He has developed a fishery for fly fishers to push the envelope of our sport in the ocean waters near San Diego. I first met Conway at a Hooked on a Cure celebrity fly-fishing event held in Vail a long time ago. Since then, a mako on the fly has been on my “must do” list.

“Guardians of the Snake” is a film about the guides who spend their life on the Snake River. I am curious to hear the guides around Jackson Hole talk about how they protect their river.

“Carried by the Current” follows the healing strength found in water and fly fishing. Kara Armano leads a Casting for Recovery event in Colorado and then ventures to Montana to gather up a custom drift boat, the Jane Project, to raise awareness about breast cancer. This film should reach a little deeper as far as the connection fly fishing can play in healing.

The Fly Fishing Film Tour is coming soon. Get your tickets early and plan on a night of entertainment, fundraising and camaraderie all centered around our common connection — fly fishing. I’ll see you at the movies.

Michael Salomone has lived in the Eagle River valley since 1992. He started his professional guiding career in 2002 and currently guides for Vail Valley Anglers. He lives on the bank of the Eagle River with his wife, Lori, his youngest daughter, Ella and a yellow Labrador named Poppy. His published writing has appeared in Southwest Fly Fishing, Fly Rod & Reel, Eastern Fly Fishing, On the Fly, FlyLords, the Pointing Dog Journal, Upland Almanac, TROUT, American Fly Fishing, USA Today Hunt & Fish and Fly Fisherman magazines.