This week started my month of guiding upland bird hunters. The dogs and I are spending most of October at Libby Camps chasing grouse and woodcock. So far the season is off to a pretty slow start due to the incredibly warm weather. Thursday it was 82 degrees on the thermometer in the Yukon when I checked at about 2 in the afternoon. Yesterday was a little cooler but not what you would consider fall temperatures. This morning is very cool and windy.
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 afternoon was spent scouting the Saint George River here in Union. I have a learn to fly fish trip on Monday and the ladies are very interested in wading the river. I usually recommend against it because wading and moving water add additional elements to fly fishing that are a lot for a beginner to grasp all at once. I also find it easier to coach when we are all standing in the boat. But the river is very low since it has been so dry and I though I might check out the possibilities.
