Chapter VII -The Compleat Angler

The focus of Chapter VII in “The Compleat Angler” by Izaak Walton on the Salmon characterizes this fish as the monarch among freshwater inhabitants, revered for its cycle of life intertwined with rivers connected to the sea but distant enough to avoid saltwater contamination. The salmon’s spawning process in August is depicted with an intriguing blend of natural instinct and miraculous development, where eggs are laid in meticulously prepared gravel nests only to be left under divine care until they emerge as fry in spring.

The narrative then transitions to describe the salmon’s journey back to the sea post-spawning, underscoring the challenges faced by those obstructed, which ultimately lead to their deterioration and eventual death. Waltons marvels at the salmon’s relentless endeavor to return to freshwater for spawning, emphasizing the extraordinary leaps over obstacles, a journey powered by instinct and necessity.

Furthermore, Walton compares the salmon’s migration and life cycle to the seasonal residences of the elite, suggesting an innate desire to return to one’s origins for reproduction. He mentions observations and experiments highlighting the salmon’s rapid growth and the hypothesis that salmon return to their birthplace, drawing parallels with pigeons and swallows’ homing instincts.

The discussion shifts towards methods of catching salmon, including the use of well-prepared worms and the intriguing use of scented bait to enhance success. Walton shares not fully tested yet intriguing methods involving the application of certain oils to bait, hinting at the potential for olfactory attractions in fishing.

The chapter encapsulates the revered status of the salmon, its significant life cycle, and the intricate relationship between nature and anglers. Walton concludes with a reflection on the diversity within salmon species and a contemplative note on the broader implications of angling, blending scientific observation with poetic musing on the nature of beauty in the aquatic realm.