Ep. 920: News from the Fish Shack - Cornell Bans Butchering, The Alaska Fishing Report, and America’s Youth Speak Out

August 20, 2026

AI Summary

5 min read

A Field Report from Southeast Alaska: Fishing, Youth, and the Klamath Basin Crisis

The MeatEater crew is broadcasting this episode from a porch on an island in Southeast Alaska, where the fishing has been "spectacular" this season—"almost as good as the weather," according to Steve Rinella. From gear talk and youth interviews to a devastating botulism outbreak in the Klamath Basin, this field report weaves together the practical realities of fishing in Alaska with a sobering look at what happens when water runs out in the West.

What's Working on the Water

The fishing report from Southeast Alaska this year is unusually good. Kings, which have been heavily restricted in recent years due to low returns, are showing up in numbers that surprised even the experienced anglers on this trip. The secret weapon? Flutter jigs. "Kings like flutter jigs," Rinella reports. "Everything likes flutter jigs." The technique involves bouncing these jigs off the bottom in 180 to 200 feet of water—not how most people picture catching a king salmon, which typically runs near the surface. Instead, these fish are "grubbing in the mud," feeding deep.

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What you'll learn

1 (02:31) **Opening and Field Report Setup** - The hosts kick off a special edition of the news show reporting live from Southeast Alaska, setting the tone with banter about their remote fish camp location.
2 (13:17) **Alaska Fishing Report: A Spectacular Season** - The hosts report on an exceptional fishing season, detailing techniques, gear, and a critical public service announcement on logging catches.
3 (31:09) **Interview: Hayden Henderson (Age ~15)** - The first youth interview, focusing on a missed king salmon, fishing highlights, and the tension between hunting and school sports.
4 (40:21) **Interview: James (Age ~16)** - The second youth interview, covering spearfishing for salmon, the ethics of bringing a friend, and insights into teen vernacular.
5 (50:15) **Interview: Kaya Yelchin (Age ~16)** - The final youth interview, focusing on a first-generation immigrant's embrace of hunting, fishing highlights, and more teen social dynamics.
6 (61:05) **News: Anti-Drone TSS Loads and Alberta Grizzly Program** - The hosts discuss two news items: specialized ammunition for shooting drones and a unique Canadian program for hunting problem grizzlies.
7 (66:03) **News: Cornell Bans Wild Game Processing in Dorms** - The hosts report on Cornell University's new rule banning the butchering of game animals in dormitory kitchens, following an incident with bear meat.

+ Full timestamped outline available in the app

Guests on this episode

Steve Rinella

Show Notes

Steven Rinella and the MeatEater Crew discuss: Saving ducks from botulism; Alaska fishing conditions; why kids these days are so screwed up; and more!

Presented by Can-Am: maker of the best ATVs, SxS, and Utility Vehicles www.can-am.brp.com

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