To fish the Alta, which has some of the biggest salmon in the world, you need a “rod.” Shugrue’s rod grants him angling rights for a section of river for six days every year. Fewer than a hundred rods exist. “They’re handed down, father to son,” Shugrue said. “I’ve heard stories—wealthy, keen anglers—letting it be known, ‘Hey, I’d pay a million bucks for a rod.’ Actual numbers today, it’s like buying into a golf club.” Shugrue bought his, in 2019, from an heirless angler friend. (There’s also a public lottery.)journey-inline-newsletterinline-newsletter