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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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.

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We're joined by Captain Jacob Meier, a guide whose fly fishing career has taken him from the flats of Florida to the rivers of Alaska, the marshes of Louisiana, the jungles of South America, and the fisheries of Baja and beyond.

Jacob grew up fishing Tampa Bay and neighborhood ponds before serving six years in the U.S. Army. After his military service, he turned his passion into a profession and has since guided across some of the most diverse fisheries in North America and the Caribbean. Along the way, he's built a reputation as an angler who is always eager to explore new water and help others experience incredible fishing destinations.

In this episode, we dive into Jacob's journey from Florida kid to world-traveling guide, the lessons he's learned from guiding in wildly different environments, and the adventures that have shaped his career. We also talk about Baja, Alaska, Puerto Rico, jungle fishing in Brazil and Colombia, DIY adventures in Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula, and why the pursuit of new experiences keeps him moving.

Whether you're dreaming about your next fishing trip, curious about life as a professional guide, or simply enjoy hearing stories from anglers who have dedicated their lives to the water, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

BOOK JACOB HERE

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We recorded this episode straight from the shores of The Lodge at Ten Mile Lake, just north of Elliot Lake in Northern Ontario. After spending a week chasing lake trout, exploring the back lakes by boats and canoes, and experiencing everything the lodge has to offer - from the comfortable cabins to the beautiful waterfront - we sat down with owners Tyler and Krista for an on-location conversation.

We talk about what inspired them to take over the lodge, what life is really like running a remote Northern Ontario fishing destination, and why Ten Mile Lake has become such a special place for anglers, families, and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Along the way, we dive into lake trout fishing, the history of the property, memorable moments from our stay, and what guests can expect when they make the trip north.

Whether you're planning your next fishing adventure or simply love hearing stories from the people who keep Ontario's outdoor traditions alive, this episode is a great glimpse into life at one of Northern Ontario's hidden gems. GO VISIT THE LODGE AT TEN MILE LAKE! You won't be disappointed! And keep an eye out in 2027 for our PALM and Scale of Change film, which will be playing the festival!

BOOK YOUR STAY: https://www.moveheallearn.com/

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In this episode of the So Fly Fishing Podcast, we sit down with fly fishing guide Sam Breault of Gaspé Coastal in Quebec's Gaspé Peninsula. Sam guides for Atlantic salmon, striped bass, and sea-run brook trout in Eastern Canada, while also spending part of the year guiding in Chilean Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego for sea-run brown trout.

Growing up in Northern British Columbia and Alberta, Sam taught herself to fly fish through determination, mentorship, and countless hours of learning solo. Her journey to becoming a professional guide wasn't a straight line - after studying film and forestry and working as a forestry consultant, she eventually followed her passion full-time into the fly fishing world.

We talk about Atlantic salmon, guiding in Gaspésie, chasing trout in Patagonia, conservation, storytelling, building a career in fly fishing, and what it's like helping anglers connect with wild fish in some of the most beautiful places on earth.

Follow Sam on Instagram: @sambreault https://www.instagram.com/sambreault/

Keywords: fly fishing, Atlantic salmon, Gaspé Coastal, Gaspésie, Quebec fly fishing, striped bass, sea-run brook trout, Patagonia fly fishing, Chile trout fishing, sea-run brown trout, fly fishing guide, salmon fishing, So Fly Podcast.

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We sit down with Brita Fordice, a full-time product developer at RIO Products who designs and tests flies for a wide range of freshwater and saltwater species.

Raised on Washington's Stillaguamish River, Brita started fly fishing at eight years old and taught herself to tie flies at ten. She later guided throughout Puget Sound and Hood Canal before helping build RIO's fly program from the ground up.

We talk about her journey into fly fishing, fly design, working in the industry, and the lessons she's learned along the way.

Follow Brita on Instagram

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We sit down with Jim McLennan and Jonathon Wescott from The Trout Trust to talk about the future of Alberta’s trout fisheries. From fish entrainment and river conservation to advocacy and uniting anglers across the province, this conversation dives into the challenges facing cold-water ecosystems and what anglers can do to help protect them for generations to come.

LEARN MORE: https://www.thetrouttrust.com/

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