Fall Transition

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’s smallmouth bass fishing trip was excellent with the fish actively taking topwater plugs but you could see the action slow as the daylight faded and the temperatures cooled. Today is my last canoe trip for the season on a nearly perfect fall day. Which means that when I return paddles and life vests will need to be put away for the last time this season.
 
October also means that the upland bird hunting equipment comes out. I will be loading the Yukon with dog boxes and orange clothing for the month this afternoon. I do plan to take a fly rod along to Libby’s and fish some of the open ponds on any days off that I have in the next few weeks. Each year I look forward to the bird hunting season but am sad to see the transition away from fishing and canoe trips. But I am looking forward to having some time off in November and December.