Finalist for the Washington State Book Award • From the award-winning author of The Mushroom Hunters comes the story of an iconic fish, perhaps the last great wild food: salmon. For some, a salmon evokes the distant wild, thrashing in the jaws of a hungry grizzly bear on TV. For others, it’s the catch of the day on a restaurant menu, or a deep red fillet at the market. For others still, it’s the jolt of adrenaline on a successful fishing trip. Our fascination with these superlative fish is as old as humanity itself. Long a source of sustenance among native peoples, salmon is now more popular than ever. Fish hatcheries and farms serve modern appetites with a domesticated “product”—while wild runs of salmon dwindle across the globe. How has this once-abundant resource reached this point, and what can we do to safeguard wild populations for future generations? Langdon Cook goes in search of the salmon in Upstream, his timely and in-depth look at how these beloved fish have nourished humankind through the ages and why their destiny is so closely tied to our own. Cook journeys up and down salmon country, from the glacial rivers of Alaska to the rainforests of the Pacific Northwest to California’s drought-stricken Central Valley and a wealth of places in between. Reporting from remote coastlines and busy city streets, he follows today’s commercial pipeline from fisherman’s net to corporate seafood vendor to boutique marketplace. At stake is nothing less than an ancient livelihood. But salmon are more than food. They are game fish, wildlife spectacle, sacred totem, and inspiration—and their fate is largely in our hands. Cook introduces us to tribal fishermen handing down an age-old tradition, sport anglers seeking adventure and a renewed connection to the wild, and scientists and activists working tirelessly to restore salmon runs. In sharing their stories, Cook covers all sides of the debate: the legacy of overfishing and industrial development; the conflicts between fishermen, environmentalists, and Native Americans; the modern proliferation of fish hatcheries and farms; and the longstanding battle lines of science versus politics, wilderness versus civilization. This firsthand account—reminiscent of the work of John McPhee and Mark Kurlansky—is filled with the keen insights and observations of the best narrative writing. Cook offers an absorbing portrait of a remarkable fish and the many obstacles it faces, while taking readers on a fast-paced fishing trip through salmon country. Upstream is an essential look at the intersection of man, food, and nature. Praise for Upstream “Invigorating . . . Mr. Cook is a congenial and intrepid companion, happily hiking into hinterlands and snorkeling in headwaters. Along the way we learn about filleting techniques, native cooking methods and self-pollinating almond trees, and his continual curiosity ensures that the narrative unfurls gradually, like a long spey cast. . . . With a pedigree that includes Mark Kurlansky, John McPhee and Roderick Haig-Brown, Mr. Cook’s style is suitably fluent, an occasional phrase flashing like a flank in the current. . . . For all its rehearsal of the perils and vicissitudes facing Pacific salmon, Upstream remains a celebration.”—The Wall Street Journal

"Unlock the secrets of salmon fishing and embark on an unforgettable adventure." Discover the secrets of salmon fishing with "The Salmon Whisperer: A Guide to Mastering Salmon Fishing." This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the exciting world of salmon fishing, from selecting the right gear and understanding salmon species to mastering fishing techniques and exploring iconic destinations. Whether you're new to the sport or a seasoned angler looking to up your game, this book will become your go-to resource for all things salmon fishing. Key chapters in "The Salmon Whisperer" include: The World of Salmon Fishing: Dive into the rich history and cultural significance of salmon fishing. Salmon Species and Their Habitats: Learn about the different salmon species, their life cycles, and the diverse habitats they call home. Fishing Gear for Salmon Anglers: Discover the essential gear and accessories for successful salmon fishing. Bait and Lures for Salmon Fishing: Uncover the most effective bait and lure options for targeting various salmon species. Knots and Rigging for Salmon Fishing: Master the essential knots and rigging techniques for salmon angling. Additionally, "The Salmon Whisperer" covers a wide range of fishing techniques, from drift fishing and trolling to fly fishing, helping you develop the skills needed to excel in this sport. You'll also find expert advice on selecting the best salmon fishing destinations, planning your trips, and capturing beautiful photographs of your adventures. Filled with practical tips, expert guidance, and inspiring stories, "The Salmon Whisperer: A Guide to Mastering Salmon Fishing" will help you build your skills and deepen your appreciation for the thrilling sport of salmon fishing. Embark on your salmon fishing journey today and become one with the water, just like a true Salmon Whisperer. Contents: The World of Salmon Fishing Introduction to Salmon Fishing The History and Evolution of Salmon Fishing The Cultural Significance of Salmon Fishing Salmon Species and Their Habitats Identifying Different Salmon Species The Life Cycle of Salmon Salmon Habitats Across the Globe Fishing Gear for Salmon Anglers Choosing the Right Rod and Reel Selecting Line, Leaders, and Swivels Must-Have Salmon Fishing Accessories Bait and Lures for Salmon Fishing Live Bait Options for Salmon Artificial Lures and Their Uses Matching Bait and Lures to Salmon Species Knots and Rigging for Salmon Fishing Essential Knots for Salmon Anglers Setting Up Your Line and Terminal Tackle Advanced Rigging Techniques Techniques for Catching Salmon Drift Fishing for Salmon Trolling for Salmon Fly Fishing for Salmon Timing Your Salmon Fishing Adventures Understanding Salmon Runs and Seasons Identifying Prime Salmon Fishing Times Fishing in Different Weather Conditions Reading Water and Salmon Behavior Recognizing Prime Salmon Holding Areas Interpreting Water Currents and Temperature Observing Salmon Behavior and Feeding Habits Boat-Based Salmon Fishing Choosing the Right Boat for Salmon Fishing Boat Safety and Etiquette Boat-Based Fishing Techniques Shore and Riverbank Salmon Fishing Locating Productive Shoreline Spots Riverbank Fishing Strategies Gear Considerations for Shore-Based Anglers Salmon Fishing Destinations Iconic Salmon Fishing Locations Discovering Hidden Gems International Salmon Fishing Hotspots Planning Your Salmon Fishing Trip Preparing Your Gear and Tackle Packing Essentials for a Successful Trip Choosing Accommodations and Guides Salmon Fishing Ethics and Conservation Catch and Release Best Practices Supporting Sustainable Salmon Fisheries Involvement in Salmon Conservation Efforts Cooking Your Catch Cleaning and Filleting Salmon Delicious Salmon Recipes Safe Handling and Storage of Salmon Salmon Fishing with Family and Friends Introducing Salmon Fishing to Others Planning Group Salmon Fishing Outings Building a Salmon Fishing Community Fishing Tournaments and Events Participating in Salmon Fishing Competitions Celebrating Salmon Festivals Attending Salmon Fishing Workshops and Seminars Photographing Your Salmon Fishing Adventures Tips for Capturing Memorable Moments Composition and Lighting Techniques Sharing Your Salmon Fishing Photos Improving Your Salmon Fishing Skills Learning from Experts and Mentors Setting Personal Goals and Challenges Embracing a Growth Mindset Fishing for Salmon in Unique Environments Urban Salmon Fishing Opportunities Remote and Wilderness Salmon Fishing Ice Fishing for Salmon Salmon Fishing and Mental Well-being The Therapeutic Benefits of Salmon Fishing Mindfulness and Salmon Fishing Building Resilience Through Salmon Fishing Women in Salmon Fishing Female Pioneers and Role Models Women-Specific Gear and Apparel Encouraging and Supporting Women in Salmon Fishing Youth and Salmon Fishing Introducing Salmon Fishing to Children and Teens Youth Salmon Fishing Programs and Camps Fostering a Lifelong Love for Salmon Fishing Salmon Fishing for Persons with Disabilities Adaptive Gear and Techniques for Anglers with Disabilities Accessible Salmon Fishing Destinations and Facilities Inclusive Salmon Fishing Programs and Events The Future of Salmon Fishing Technological Advancements in Salmon Fishing Emerging Trends and Techniques The Role of Anglers in Salmon Conservation

Rivers have played an extraordinarily important role in creating the world in which we live. They create landscapes and provide water to people, plants and animals, nourishing both town and country. The flow of rivers has enthused poets and painters, explorers and pilgrims. Rivers have acted as cradles for civilization and agents of disaster; a river may be a barrier or a highway, it can bear trade and sediment, culture and conflict. A river may inspire or it may terrify. This Very Short Introduction is a celebration of rivers in all their diversity. Nick Middleton covers a wide and eclectic range of river-based themes, from physical geography to mythology, to industrial history and literary criticism. Worshipped and revered, respected and feared, rivers reflect both the natural and social history of our planet. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.

This history offers a peek into the lives of the ranchers, farmers, working cowboys and those that tend the land and stock of the American West. Take a guided stroll through the five-hundred-year evolution of the ranching and rodeo industry of the American West with this tribute to those who get their hands dirty and work the land. Author Mike Gould believes that ranchers, farmers, and those who work the stock are the foundational stones upon which all civilizations are built. Although he has encountered a wide range of people from all classes of society, he has found the intrinsic wisdom of the people of the land to be the greatest element of human understanding and accomplishment. In this history, he honors them. Those who work the land and the stock represent the finest of people, and they protect our secrets to survival and our prosperity as a nation. Take a peek into their lives and set your sights on restoring our natural resources with The Sewells of the Salmon River

With facts and figures on geography, history, economy, cultures, and peoples of the Last Frontier, the 29th edition is packed with all-about-Alaska information for people who dream of visiting Alaska, as well as long-lasting sourdoughs.

"Fundamentally, the salmon's decline has been the consequence of a vision based on flawed assumptions and unchallenged myths.... We assumed we could control the biological productivity of salmon and 'improve' upon natural processes that we didn't even try to understand. We assumed we could have salmon without rivers." --from the introduction From a mountain top where an eagle carries a salmon carcass to feed its young to the distant oceanic waters of the California current and the Alaskan Gyre, salmon have penetrated the Northwest to an extent unmatched by any other animal. Since the turn of the twentieth century, the natural productivity of salmon in Oregon, Washington, California, and Idaho has declined by eighty percent. The decline of Pacific salmon to the brink of extinction is a clear sign of serious problems in the region. In Salmon Without Rivers, fisheries biologist Jim Lichatowich offers an eye-opening look at the roots and evolution of the salmon crisis in the Pacific Northwest. He describes the multitude of factors over the past century and a half that have led to the salmon's decline, and examines in depth the abject failure of restoration efforts that have focused almost exclusively on hatcheries to return salmon stocks to healthy levels without addressing the underlying causes of the decline. The book: describes the evolutionary history of the salmon along with the geologic history of the Pacific Northwest over the past 40 million years considers the indigenous cultures of the region, and the emergence of salmon-based economies that survived for thousands of years examines the rapid transformation of the region following the arrival of Europeans presents the history of efforts to protect and restore the salmon offers a critical assessment of why restoration efforts have failed Throughout, Lichatowich argues that the dominant worldview of our society -- a worldview that denies connections between humans and the natural world -- has created the conflict and controversy that characterize the recent history of salmon; unless that worldview is challenged and changed, there is little hope for recovery. Salmon Without Rivers exposes the myths that have guided recent human-salmon interactions. It clearly explains the difficult choices facing the citizens of the region, and provides unique insight into one of the most tragic chapters in our nation's environmental history.

Long Way Home By: Clifford L Ambers Jr. After about 35 days travel, the 20 Norsemen landed their long boat on the rocky shore. They had found the fabled land west of their normal travels. They found good timber and started loading their boat with it. A local tribe raided their camp, when 10 of them were gone, the 10 in camp were killed, boat and weapons burned. The 10 who were alive had no weapons or boat, they were stranded. They thought there only chance of getting home would be to travel west and go around the round world. They traveled all the way to the big water to the west, where they were found almost starved to death. They were saved by a local tribe. Their problems traveling, and obtaining food and other obstacles are overcome. A little known legend that needed to be told. It could have happened like this.