Wisdom River: Meditations on Flyfishing and Life Midstream

Wisdom River: Meditations on Flyfishing and Life Midstream is a collection of stories, essays, poetry, photos, art and recipes that celebrate the wonders of fly fishing and the wisdom that can be gained from spending time on the river. Contributors from Alberta, Montana, and Nova Scotia each bring a unique perspective and voice as they share adventures and memories from times they have spent riverside and midstream. Story authors include Jim McLennan, Larry Kapustka, Kaitlyn Okrusch, Jerry Kustich, Rayelynn Brandl, Greg Allard, Pat Munday, Kayla Lappin, Paul Vang, David McCumber, Kelly John Dick, John McKee; and Chris Pibus. Poets are Doris Daley, Al “Doc” Mehl and Larry Kapustka. Artists and Photographers are Rich Théroux, Tyler Rock, Mike Forbisher and Tim Foster.

Royalty donations from the book go to the Oldman River and the Clark Fork Watershed Conservation Councils.

Larry Kapustka PhD is an emeritus senior ecologist. He marvels at the intricacies of social-ecological systems and understands that we must be humble about what we think we know. His work has allowed extensive travel across North America, Europe, as well as portions of Africa and Asia Pacific. In retirement, he lives on an acreage near Diamond Valley, Alberta and enjoys hunting and fishing.

Chad Okrusch PhD is a visual artist, moral philosopher, communication professor, singer-songwriter, and walker of the Zen path. He plays music in backwoods bars and honky-tonks near his favorite trout rivers from Alberta to Montana and Oregon. His album, Wisdom Road (2008), received critical acclaim and made the playlists on radio stations throughout the West. Chad lives in Butte, Montana.

Foreword writer Greg Shyba is the CEO of the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area in the foothills of Alberta. Prior positions have included Interim COO of Calgary’s Telus World of Science, Special Advisor, Water Initiatives, Alberta Research Council, Executive Director, Alberta Ingenuity Centre for Water Research, and CEO of Trout Unlimited Canada. Greg is active on many community boards and has a particular interest in water and conservation. Greg has a passion for the outdoors with a particular love of fly fishing. Greg lives in Calgary, Alberta.

Authors: Larry Kapustka, Chad Okrusch, Jerry Kustich, Rayelynn Brandl, Doris Daley, Al "Doc" Mehl, Pat Munday, Kaitlyn Okrusch, Kayla Lappin, Paul Vang, David McCumber, Kelly John Dick, John McKee, Matt Vincent, Jim McClennan, Chris Pribus.