The Best Fly Fishing is Everywhere Playlist, Vol. 2
Since making the last playlist, I’ve been keeping a running list of songs that would apply to this theme. So, as a follow-up to The Best Fly Fishing is Everywhere Playlist, Vol. I, below is a baker’s dozen of fun, fishing-, river-, or water-related tracks for your next angling road trip.
Here’s a link to these songs assembled as a playlist on Spotify and here’s the playlist on YouTube. Enjoy!
“River” by Leon Bridges
This is my favorite track from Bridges’ first album and this particular version, live at Austin City Limits, is especially haunting and easily repeatable while in morning angling preparations.
“Laughing River” by Greg Brown
It’s common knowledge that Greg Brown is a fly angler and he references this in several of his songs. In this live version, he gives a little context and backstory to his angling. Prior to a live show on Bainbridge Island years ago, I tied him some trout flies and gave them to him; I couldn’t tell if he was unimpressed by my tying abilities or annoyed that he’d have to carry them around.
“I Heard It Through The Grapevine” by Creedence Clearwater Revival
There’s a fly fishing lodge and guiding operation in northeast Oregon that used to be based out of CCR’s John Fogerty’s private ranch. You could almost hear the walls telling stories. They played CCR when guests arrived and this track has been a favorite for its extended jam-out.
“Mr. Powell” by Ozark Mountain Daredevils
This is another band that I’d listen to with my father driving to and from ponds in northern Maine as a boy. In this song, they tell the story of John Wesley Powell, on his Grand Canyon expedition.
“Love Is All” by The Tallest Man On Earth
Not that this song needs a reason to be added to a playlist but I suppose it was the first line that made it write it down: Well I walk upon the river like it’s easier than land.
“Gravel Pit” by Wu-Tang Clan
While exploring on the Olympic Peninsula a while back, my good buddy Paul and I ended up parking at an old gravel pit to start a bushwhack. The run we found was worth returning to, and we did. Fair warning - the lyrics of this song and this video are probably PG-13.
“Oceans” by Pearl Jam
Admittedly, I’m a late fan to Pearl Jam. So when I first came across their MTV Unplugged show, I was absolutely blown away. Eddie dedicates the opening track to his surfboard.
“One More River” by Clinton Fearon
Thanks to KEXP and DJ Kid Hops, I’ve been listening to a lot of reggae in the last decade. Through them I found Clinton Fearon and his album Mi an’ Mi Guitar, an entirely acoustic collection, has this lovely song. I also love the brief intro he gives in the live version above.
“Rockin’ With The Rhythm Of The Rain” by The Judds
The Judds will always be dear to me because I would listen to them with my paternal grandmother as a kid. This is an upbeat track that is hard not to turn up.
“The River” by King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard
This song was sent to me recently by my friend Kevin. It’s another extended, jam-out track and the title obviously stuck with me.
“River” by Evan Nicole Bell
I follow a handful of musicians on Instagram and I love when they post music recommendations. I found this record through Todd Snider and gravitated to this track. Bell’s voice is stop-you-in-your tracks.
“Perfect Day” by Lou Reed
I have a friend who lives in Washington - many of you also know him - and he loves this song. He has put it on so many times while on the way to the river that it’s synonymous with fishing with him.
“Greenland Fishery” by Bonny Light Horseman
There’s something about the combination of the unique voices of the two singers of Bonny Light Horseman that just does it for me. Here’s a soft, sweet track of theirs about fishing.
