Rahm Emanuel is an American diplomat, politician, and former White House Chief of Staff. He served as the United States Ambassador to Japan, appointed by President Joe Biden in 2021. Rahm previously held office as the Mayor of Chicago from 2011 to 2019 and was a senior advisor to President Bill Clinton before serving as a U.S. Congressman from Illinois. Outside of public service, Rahm is a dedicated fly angler who finds solace and clarity on the water. Fly fishing has long been one of his favorite pastimes—a balance to the intensity of his professional life and a testament to his appreciation for patience, nature, and precision. In this episode of Anchored, we learn more about his story.
This episode of Anchored is brought to you by Terns.
What happens when one of America’s most recognizable political figures sits down to talk about fly fishing instead of politics? In this episode, Rahm Emanuel shares how a trip to Argentina unexpectedly pulled him into the world of fly fishing and why time on the water became one of the few places where he could completely shut out the pressure of public life.
From serving as White House Chief of Staff and Mayor of Chicago to fishing around the world, Rahm opens up about the role fishing has played throughout his career and why the sport continues to challenge and ground him.
Outline Of This Episode
[0:16] Why this was such a unique guest for April
[3:33] Discovering fly fishing later in life
[10:42] How fly fishing became an escape from the pressure of politics and public service
[14:12] Fishing adventures in Brazil, New Zealand, Japan, and across the American West
[29:31] Conservation work, restoring Chicago waterways, and protecting public access
[35:50] Reflections on public service, life after politics, and what comes next
Why This Was Such A Unique Guest For April
Rahm talks about discovering fly fishing later in life during trips to Patagonia with family and friends and how quickly the sport pulled him in. Learning in Argentina meant jumping straight into technical water and challenging conditions, which only made him more interested in figuring it all out. The conversation also covers annual trips to Montana, becoming fascinated with reading water, and why learning something completely new later in life became such a rewarding experience for him.
Discovering Fly Fishing Later In Life
Rahm explains that he did not grow up fly fishing and actually came into the sport later in life through trips to Argentina with family and friends. Fishing in Patagonia immediately challenged him and sparked an obsession with learning how to read water, improve his casting, and better understand the technical side of the sport. The conversation also touches on annual trips to Montana, how fishing gradually became part of his routine, and why learning something completely new later in life felt so rewarding.
How Fly Fishing Became An Escape From The Pressure Of Politics And Public Service
Fishing eventually became one of the few places where Rahm could completely disconnect from the pressure that came with public life. He explains how being on the water forced him to slow down and focus on one thing at a time instead of constantly thinking ahead. The conversation also explores why fly fishing creates such a strong mental reset and why so many people rely on time outside to clear their heads during stressful periods of life.
Fishing Adventures In Brazil, New Zealand, Japan, And Across The American West
The episode moves through fishing stories from Brazil, New Zealand, Japan, Wyoming, and Montana, along with the experiences that made each place memorable. Rahm shares stories about remote rivers, different fishing cultures, and some of the moments that stayed with him long after the trips ended. One especially meaningful story involves receiving a historic bamboo fly rod while serving as Ambassador to Japan and the connection that formed through fishing tradition and craftsmanship.
Conservation Work, Restoring Chicago Waterways, And Protecting Public Access
Conservation becomes a major part of the discussion as Rahm reflects on efforts to restore waterways throughout Chicago and improve environmental conditions around the Great Lakes. The conversation touches on how badly polluted rivers slowly transformed over time and why public access to outdoor spaces matters so much. Healthy fisheries, clean water, and accessible outdoor areas all play an important role in strengthening communities and preserving outdoor traditions for future generations.
Reflections On Public Service, Life After Politics, And What Comes Next
Toward the end of the episode, Rahm reflects on life after politics, the emotional weight that can come with public service, and the experiences that shaped him over the years. He also talks about future projects, thoughts on what may come next professionally, and how fishing remained a constant source of balance through every stage of his career, from the White House to international diplomacy and beyond.
Discover More From Rahm Emanuel
To follow Rahm Emanuel’s latest work, interviews, and public appearances, you can find him online here:
Instagram: @rahmemanuel
Facebook: Rahm Emanuel
X/Twitter: @RahmEmanuel
LinkedIn: Rahm Emanuel
Connect With Anchored Outdoors
Website: AnchoredOutdoors.com
Instagram: @Anchored_Outdoors
Facebook: @AnchoredOutdoorsOfficial
YouTube: Anchored with April Vokey
