A hundred people gathered at the beautiful Log Cabin at the Presidio in San Francisco to celebrate the extraordinary accomplishments of Guido Rahr, director of Wild Salmon Center, and present him with the museum’s 2024 Izaak Walton Award.

The evening began with a lively reception and guests enjoyed a special cocktail, the Deschuter, named after the honoree’s childhood fishing waters. After dinner, newly elected AMFF President Gardner Grant Jr. addressed the attendees and introduced guest speaker Tucker Malarkey, Guido’s cousin and author of Stronghold: One Man’s Quest to Save the World’s Wild Salmon. While musing on qualities that make Guido so good at what he does, Tucker said, “Like every fish, every river is unique. To find protection for these diverse places you have to keep an open mind and not be attached to outcomes or strategies in your search for one that works. You look at the people, the industries, the stakeholders, the natural stewards. You tie a fly that will work. And when that fly stops working, you tie another.”

Guido then took to the podium and spoke of his early childhood as a reptile expert, his wonderful family, and all the places his work has taken him: “[S]himmering rivers framed by mountains and forest, changing constantly. Each river and its species have their own stories; the Wilson, Smith, Skeena, the Kvijak in Alaska, the Sopochnaya, Utkholok and Tugur in the Russian far east. The Dean in British Columbia—a river so beautiful that we drop to our knees in gratitude.” About Wild Salmon Center’s success amidst adversity, he said, “We have focused on the protection of the strongholds . . . and the threats came . . . (and) we have won every battle.” Applause filled the room, the audience delighted in being part of this very special evening for Guido.

AMFF would like to thank our silent auction donors: Jim Beattie, Doug Biederbeck of Bix, C. D. Clarke, Paul Dixon, Tucker Malarkey, Patrick McKenzie, Orvis, Guido Rahr, Paul Schullery, the Travel Creel, VAER, Emily Whitlock, and Yellow Dog. The auction was a great success due in no small part to their exciting donations. Additionally, we extend heartfelt appreciation to our event committee: John Atwater, Doug Biederbeck, Amy Errett, Tucker Malarkey, Philip Sawyer, Mike Sutton, Brooks Walker, Pic Walker, and Mitch Zuklie. Thanks also to Guido and Wild Salmon Center for helping make this inspiring event possible.

Snapped!

Our favorite shots from the night. Photos by Finn Brown.