Bluegrass Music and Fly Fishing Share a Rhythm in Mountain Towns

The organic, analog nature of bluegrass mirrors the meditative experience of fly fishing, creating a natural pairing in Colorado's mountain communities.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

In mountain towns like Steamboat Springs, Colorado, the sounds of bluegrass music and the rhythms of fly fishing go hand-in-hand. Bluegrass musicians and anglers alike describe the parallels between the two pursuits - the focus, the details, and the sense of being present in the moment. Bluegrass, which has its roots in Appalachia, thrives in mountain communities where the carefree, pastoral nature of the music mirrors the draw of the outdoors.

Why it matters

The connection between bluegrass and fly fishing highlights how certain art forms and outdoor activities can be deeply intertwined, particularly in regions where both are woven into the local culture and lifestyle. Understanding these connections can provide insight into mountain town communities and the ways in which people find meaning through creative expression and immersion in nature.

The details

Bluegrass musicians like Chris Pandolfi of the Infamous Stringdusters and Brad Larrison of Clay Street Unit describe the parallels between the focus and attention to detail required in both bluegrass and fly fishing. Just as a smooth, effortless-looking fly cast requires extensive practice, a virtuosic bluegrass solo is the result of mastering numerous small techniques. The organic, analog nature of bluegrass mirrors the meditative experience of being present on the river, with hours passing in the blink of an eye.

  • The WinterWonderGrass music festival in Steamboat Springs, Colorado takes place over three days each year.
  • The author attended the festival, splitting time between the music performances and fly fishing on the nearby Yampa River.

The players

Chris Pandolfi

Banjo player for the Infamous Stringdusters and a lifelong fly angler and conservationist.

Brad Larrison

Pedal steel guitarist for the Colorado-based band Clay Street Unit.

Jesse Davis

Mandolin and guitar player for the Montana-born band TopHouse.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Bluegrass music is a very organic, analog, in-the-moment activity, and fly fishing is very much the same.”

— Chris Pandolfi, Banjo player, Infamous Stringdusters (SI.com)

“Both are very simple on the surface, but the more you get into either one, it gets so much more complex, and you can just get lost in the minutiae.”

— Brad Larrison, Pedal steel guitarist, Clay Street Unit (SI.com)

“Being around mountains clearly influences the sound of the music that you play. I couldn't point to a specific thing that's 'mountain music,' but there's a carefree, pastoral sense to it.”

— Jesse Davis, Mandolin and guitar player, TopHouse (SI.com)

What’s next

The author plans to continue exploring the connections between bluegrass and fly fishing, potentially by incorporating more bluegrass music into their time on the river.

The takeaway

The deep ties between bluegrass music and fly fishing in mountain towns like Steamboat Springs reveal how certain art forms and outdoor pursuits can be inextricably linked, creating a rich cultural tapestry that draws people to these communities and the experiences they offer.