Behind The Print: It’s All About The Trout
Welcome to the latest episode of Behind The Print, where we bring you the creative stories of industry leaders shaping the world of professional printing. In this episode of Behind the Print, we dive beneath the surface, literally, with underwater trout photographer, fly fishing guide, and storyteller Lisa Savard of Fly Fishing Waters. Based on the banks of Rock Creek in Montana, Lisa captures the unseen world of trout through stunning underwater time-lapse photography. From the accidental beginnings of her blog to creating a wildly popular trout calendar, she’s redefining what it means to blend art, science, and storytelling through print. Whether you’re a nature lover, a marketing pro, or a small business owner, Lisa’s unique approach will inspire you to see branding and print through a whole new lens.
Below, you’ll find the transcript of our conversation, edited for clarity to ensure easy reading. If you want the full, authentic experience, make sure to check out the video attached below.
7-minute read
“A calendar in someone’s home is top-of-mind awareness every day. It’s different than scrolling on Instagram. It’s focused attention. When it’s a calendar and you’re looking at a photo, you’re more concentrated on that. That’s what print can get for you.” Lisa Savard of Fly Fishing Waters
Transcripts from Behind The Print with Lisa Savard of Fly Fishing Waters
Welcome back to Behind The Print podcast, where we feature industry leaders and uncover the creative minds behind businesses in the professional printing world. Our mission is to provide you with inspiring, actionable resources to elevate your business projects and accelerate your journey to excellence in profit and print.
Today’s episode is It’s All About The Trout, and I’m here with fly fishing guide, photographer, and blogger Lisa Savard of Fly Fishing Waters.
Lisa Savard: Hi!
Zoe Fisher: Hey, how’s it going?
“Everybody says print is dead, but it is not. Especially like the calendars or posters.” Lisa Savard of Fly Fishing Waters
Lisa Savard: It’s good. It’s spawning season for the trout, so I’m a busy girl here at Fly Fishing Waters.
Zoe Fisher: I believe it. So tell me the story behind Fly Fishing Waters. What inspired you to start all of this?
Lisa Savard: I’ve been a fly fishing guide for a lot of years, and now I’m more or less retired. I started a blog focused on travel and fishing, but I live on Rock Creek in Western Montana, a blue ribbon trout stream. One day, I noticed a lot of trout activity and started photographing them, which eventually led to putting cameras in the water. Over the past six years, I’ve learned a lot about a trout’s life through underwater photography here on Rock Creek and all over the West.
Zoe Fisher: That’s awesome. What do you think makes your content and approach stand out from other fishing or outdoor brands?
Lisa Savard: It’s a unique perspective on the trout’s life. A lot of content is about people fishing or destinations or gear. Mine is about where trout live, who they live with, and what they do down there.
Zoe Fisher: What does a typical content day look like for you?
Lisa Savard: I have a background as a guide, so I know where fish are likely to be. I’ll go into a shoot with eight GoPro cameras. I make my own mounts, set them in different spots, and shoot either time-lapse or video. If I’m shooting photos, it’s raw files every five seconds for about three hours. I end up sorting through thousands of photos to find the gems.
Zoe Fisher: Have you ever lost a camera?
Lisa Savard: Yes, there’s one in Rock Creek that’s been in a log jam for two years. I think about it every time I drive past. I’ve almost lost others but managed to recover them. I’m cautious not to disrupt the environment trying to retrieve them.
“What I like and what people like isn’t always the same, but usually when I like a photo, it’s because of the story behind how it was taken.” Lisa Savard of Fly Fishing Waters
Zoe Fisher: How do you choose which images go into your calendar?
Lisa Savard: Some are award-winners. Others are special because of how they were captured like a photo taken under ice. Sometimes it’s the story behind the shot that makes it meaningful to me. And yes, some of the fish I name. Especially the ones I see regularly, like Ham Bone. If I photograph them, I won’t fish them. I respect my models. Haha.
Zoe Fisher: How do you use the calendar as a marketing tool?
Lisa Savard: I sell them in gift shops, fly shops, and online. It’s a way to make my work more accessible. Large prints are expensive, but a calendar is affordable and reaches more people. It’s become something I plan to do every year.
Zoe Fisher: What’s the biggest challenge of running an outdoor brand like this?
Lisa Savard: Balancing time between travel, fishing, and managing the business. There’s also the financial side like buying gear, producing prints and calendars. But it’s worth it. Selling prints helps me buy more cameras.
“Selling prints helps me buy more cameras. That means more fish, more stories, and more people who get to see this underwater world.” Lisa Savard of Fly Fishing Waters
Zoe Fisher: How important is personality in building your audience?
Lisa Savard: It’s huge. I try to share more than just pretty photos. People follow me for the stories and adventures. My social media and YouTube help people connect with me and the fish. I give people a real window into my world.
Zoe Fisher: What advice would you give other small businesses using print, blogging, or YouTube to grow?
Lisa Savard: Use them all. Social media connects you fast. YouTube lets people see you in action. Print has staying power. A calendar in someone’s home is top-of-mind awareness every day. It’s different than scrolling on Instagram. It’s focused attention.
Zoe Fisher: If you had a completely free day, how would you spend it?
Lisa Savard: I just did that. Sat on the edge of a frozen lake watching fish while the cameras ran. That’s my happy place.
“I try to give my followers even more than just a little snippet into my world. We do so many cool things and I want to share that.” Lisa Savard of Fly Fishing Waters
Zoe Fisher: Where can listeners find you and your work?
Lisa Savard: My site is flyfishingwaters.com. I’m on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and LinkedIn as Fly Fishing Waters. You can also find my work in Phillipsburg, Montana and at the Rock Creek Fisherman’s Mercantile.
Zoe Fisher: Be sure to check out her stunning trout calendar and follow along with Fly Fishing Waters.
That’s a wrap on another episode of Behind The Print. Thanks to our listeners for joining us as we explore the artistry and innovation of the printing world. Remember, have a strong vision, build the right strategy, and use tools like print to amplify your message and make your brand stand out.
If you enjoyed today’s episode, be sure to get your sample pack today from PrintingCenterUSA.com and share it with your fellow business enthusiasts. Until next time, keep your creative sparks flying, and remember, there’s always more to discover behind the print.
Where Nature Meets Narrative
Through an artist’s eye and a guide’s experience, Lisa Savard is capturing more than just fish. She’s documenting the lives of trout in ways few ever see. With cameras sunk into Western Montana’s streams and a heart full of respect for her underwater subjects, Lisa’s work brings the magic of the natural world into homes, shops, and calendars across the country. Her story is a reminder that the right print piece can do more than inform. It can connect, captivate, and create lasting impact. Whether you’re building a brand, selling your art, or just trying to get seen, tools like calendars, cards, and content can help you make your mark. Order today!
