Hobo Stensgar: As I approached and photographed Hobo Stensgar, I was taken by the contrast between the massive concrete hydro-electric dam built to block the Columbia River and make electricity for the native people, like Stensgar, who have fished the river for thousands of years. I was preparing a story about salmon and the new fish hatchery planned for the area. Taking fish by dragging a giant hook to snag the fin or body is deemed unsportsmanlike under Washington state law, but I was reminded that Stensgar and his ancestors fished to survive, not for sport. And the right to take fish by whatever means are at hand continues to be a way of life.
Section:Photo
