On this episode of So Fly, we’re joined by Nathan Wilbur, President of the Atlantic Salmon Federation (ASF), to talk about one of the most iconic fish on the planet: the wild Atlantic salmon.

Based in Fredericton, New Brunswick, Nathan has spent more than a decade with the ASF working to conserve and restore wild Atlantic salmon across eastern Canada. His work has ranged from developing conservation programs and building coalitions and Indigenous partnerships to advocating for stronger salmon management at the government level. In July 2025, Nathan stepped into the role of President of the organization.

Nathan is also a Professional Engineer with a background in rivers and fluvial geomorphology. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Forest Engineering from the University of New Brunswick before completing a Master’s in Civil Engineering, where his research focused on cold-water habitat for Atlantic salmon. But for Nathan, salmon and rivers are more than a career.

He’s also a lifelong angler with a deep connection to fish, flowing water and the natural world. We chat with Nathan about the current state of wild Atlantic salmon, the biggest challenges facing populations today, habitat and river restoration, conservation and management, and the work being done to give these incredible fish a better future. Plus, we learn a little about Nathan the angler. Enjoy!

Explore the ASF: https://www.asf.ca/

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We sit with Dr. Steven J. Cooke, a professor at Carleton University in Ottawa and one of Canada’s leading researchers in fish ecology, conservation, and recreational fisheries. We chat about what happens to fish when we catch them, and get into just how effective the practices of catch and release actually are.

Dr. Cooke has spent his career studying some of the biggest questions facing fish and freshwater ecosystems, from fish migration and habitat restoration to stress physiology and more.

Dr. Cooke has published more than 1200 research papers, is a Fellow of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society, and was inducted into the Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame - just to name a few of his accomplishments and recognitions, but there are many more. To put it succinctly, he has spent decades working to turn conservation science into something that can actually make a difference on the water.

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To download Birocratic’s 60+ song discography, visit http:// birocratic.bandcamp.com.

Thanks to all our listeners.

Joe Conrad is a mechanical engineer whose passion for fly fishing has led him to a career designing some of the gear anglers rely on every day. Based out of Sage's research and development facility on Bainbridge Island, Washington, Joe specializes in fly reel design and plays a key role in bringing new products from concept to reality. Most recently, he worked on Sage's new Shift series, helping develop equipment built to perform across a wide range of fishing situations.

When he's not in the shop engineering fly reels, Joe spends his time chasing fish in both fresh and saltwater, or exploring technical rock climbs, and tackling the occasional mountaineering objective. His curiosity and creativity extend well beyond the outdoors. Joe is also a musician, and a weaver - he brings the same thoughtful approach to his creative pursuits that he does to engineering.

Whether he's designing gear, fishing, scaling rock faces, or creating something with his hands, Joe is driven by a love of craftsmanship, problem-solving, and adventure. Today, we're excited to dive into the intersection of engineering, creativity, and fly fishing.

HOW TO HELP SO FLY: Please go leave us a review on APPLE PODCASTS. It really helps our show get out there, which means we get to make MORE episodes.

Thank you to our sponsors:

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To download Birocratic’s 60+ song discography, visit http:// birocratic.bandcamp.com.

Thanks to all our listeners.