Part of offering packages with the Samoset Resort is an annual review of what is and is not working. When we looked at the past two years the canoe trip packages were not performing. As I continued to review my own sales information I saw the same pattern. A declining number of canoe trips while family fishing and other fishing trips were on a steep upward curve. So I got the same message twice in less than a month, canoe trips are not performing well.
This is one of the times of year when change is very noticeable to me. I have guided my last striper fishing party for the season and no longer need to get up and out by 5:15 AM, which makes it possible for Argy and I to walk each morning. Our morning walks are now in the near darkness marking the noticeable shortening of the day. I still have fishing parties at the end of the month and into November but the focus changes to mid day to take advantage of slightly warmer water temperatures.
Yesterday I had a canoe trip under perfectly clear fall skies. With the foliage changing a little more every day and a pleasant breeze the entire trip was picture perfect. The river is very low due to the dry weather and the beavers have completed the dam right below the Union fair grounds. I was able to slide the canoes over the dam easily and we were able to paddle up to the lodge and beyond. I did notice a few groups of trout in the sandy bottom behind the harness track. Only after I was home did it occur to me that they must be getting ready to spawn.
