The River Man: How Declining Salmon Stocks Affects More Than Sport Fishing

Author
  • FM Editors
Photographer
  • Richard Gorodecky

A fated love story between one of Ireland’s great salmon fishing guides and the river that’s shaped him


Published: 03-05-2019

About the author

Field Mag Editors
Field Mag Editors
Insight and inspiration from the Field Mag editorial team, sharing decades of hard-earned experience and knowhow.

On the banks of the River Blackwater is where filmmaker, writer, and director Richard Gorodecky first met Connie Corcoran. After sharing some casts, a few stories, and a couple cups of tea, it become apparent that not only was Connie one of Ireland’s great salmon fishing guides, but he was a deeply caring man with a story to tell. The River Man does just that.

Corcoran has dedicated his life to the mighty Blackwater River and, over the years, its currents have shaped him. He is one of Ireland’s most respected salmon fishing guides, but if the salmon stocks continue to decline, he may be one of its last. The River Man is a fated love story between a man and a river.

Whether you’ve grown up fly fishing or never known the pull of a rod, this short documentary film is well worth a watch. Though it is focused on a single man, the underlying story speaks to all lovers of nature, no matter where you call home.

See more inspiriting documentaries and short adventure films here