Throwback: The Atlantic Salmon Treasury: Vol II

“Few fish have captured the souls and minds of men and women quite like wild Atlantic salmon.” — Bill Taylor, President, Atlantic Salmon Federation

Talented novelists, editors and conservationists Monte Burk and Charles Gaines have compiled the best writing in the last half-century imploring the humble reader to behold a “curated selection of the most compelling, evocative, and insightful” essays, articles, pictures, poems and paintings. Such is the lure of the splendid Atlantic Salmon Journal compendium of premier writing: The Atlantic Salmon Treasury (AST) (1975-2020).

The ASF was founded in Montreal in 1948, and now resides in picture perfect St. Andrews by the Sea, New Brunswick. Its webpage has a mission to marshal more than twenty-five thousand members and volunteers to make their passion the conservation, restoration and legislation to protect, preserve, and thereby increase the ecosystems that spawn the majesty of the majestic Salmo Salar. “Catch a fish today, but release it for tomorrow”.

The AST composes over 50 stories of impassioned fly fishers, conservationists, philanthropists and sometimes welcomed celebrities.

Joan Wullf, a master and innovator of dry fly techniques easily transitions from casting technique to the stirrings of philosophic poetic ardour.

“It puts with another of nature’s species, in beautiful surroundings that are as old as time. That is where I want to be; that is how I’m renewed.” — Joan Wullf

Lee Wullf as an artist, pilot, fly fisherman, author, filmmaker, outfitter and conservationist who made significant contributions to recreational fishing, especially fly fishing and the conservation of Atlantic Salmon.

“A tranquility that comes to all wild creatures, be they predators or prey—an integral part of the joy of living.” — Lee Wulff

Another matriarch of the magical, mystic Miramichi is the indomitable spirit of Katherine Parsons, in her 90’s standing in her canoe, casting a tight loop. To infinity.

Many men go fishing all of their lives without knowing that it is not fish they are after.” — Henry David Thoreau

Flyfisher and wild fowl hunter John Swan is a master at “the painterly uses of brushes and pigment to “contain the powerful emotions that the wilderness arouses.” No artist has been as prolific a contributor, fundraising anchor, and patron of ASF generosity. He was renowned for fishing landlocks whose name and location “He does not care to tell the world.”

“A beautiful and bright grilse leapt in a desperate dance across the pool, pulling line from my soul as it raced from the sinister force that held it.” — Hugh W. McKervill

Another no lesser art is fly tying. As Alexander Bruce learning how to tie a good fly makes you a better fly fisher notes “Crosley says the relationship between learning how to fly tie and fly fish makes you a better fisherman. In the end you learn to adapt to the conditions and pay attention the environment and water.”

The majesty of the fly is “like fishing inside a Neruda poem, of a Faberge egg.” — Wilf Carter

Bill Taylor states that “Atlantic Salmon can and will be saved … The conservation battle turned a very significant corner … Effectively shutting down commercial Atlantic Salmon fishing in Canada.”

“With the recent extreme swings of weather, added to all the old problems of water diversion, dams, pollution, commercial fisheries, fish farms, disease and sea lice, these great creatures need help.” — Yvon Chouinard- Founder of Patagonia, brands, philanthropist, and change-maker.

The ASF continues its mission to provide spawning grounds, shelter, conservation, and enhanced public awareness of the need to preserve our natural environment to the benefit of the Atlantic Salmon, their delicate ecosystem, and ultimately our own well-being. As Bill Taylor says “Wild Atlantic Salmon define the North Atlantic ecosystem, and their return to our rivers is a symbol of hope.”

“The river was your great wife, and the very hem of her skirt must be honoured.” –Thomas McGuane

On the Miramichi, Karen Pincion says: “striped bass have come back with a vengeance … Atlantic Salmon are on the menu, A sustainably managed First Nations fishery paired with increased recreational catch limits will help bring the river back into balance.”

“Some are lucky enough to call the greatest salmon river home…just say that is why you live here.” — Wayne Curtis

Monte Burke opines that a new generation need be “focused, talented, conservation-minded and loving it, a new generation goes down the river … a 16-year-old [says] very few of his class-mate’s fish. His friends are into Instagram, spectator sports, and fast food and girls.”

Baseball’s greatest modern era hitter, and WWII and Korean veteran, fighter pilot Ted Williams became one of the first, if not most prominent to practice, promote, and disavow critics of live release salmon fishing on his beloved Miramichi.

Richard Adams has been called the greatest guide and fisherman of his generation, if not all time. He said “all salmon fishermen (and women) go to heaven.”

Let’s pray for this honourable devotion to manifest for the sake of the earth, Its ecosystem, our fish, flora, and fauna, and ultimately ourselves.

Charles Gaines is an international bestselling author, known for writing about fishing, the outdoors, and bodybuilding. In 2020, he received the Truman Capote Prize for lifetime achievement in non-fiction.

Monte Burke is a New York Times-bestselling author, who is currently a staff writer at Forbes. He is the author of Saban, 4th and Goal, and Lords of the Fly.

Publisher: Goose Lane Editions (April 4, 2023)
Hardcover 10″ x 8″ | 240 pages
ISBN: 9781773103013

Jeffery D. Muzzerall

Jeffery D. Muzzerall is a university lecturer, publication editor, writer, keynote speaker, entrepreneur and career coach. Between fly fishing retreats on the Miramichi, he has contributed to The Globe & Mail, National Post, Toronto Star, Maclean’s, CBC, Financial Times, The New York Times, Businessweek, The Wall Street Journal, Monacle Radio and The Economist. www.linkedin.com/in/jeffmuzzerall