Last Monday Labor Day marked the unofficial end of the summer season and the beginning of fall. There are noticeable changes outdoors. The air is cooler, I need a jacket most mornings. The hummingbirds are migrating and at the same time arguing, sometimes loudly, over who has rights to the feeder in our yard. Kids are back in school meaning that family fishing trips are mostly over for the year, I no longer need to always have life vests for them in the 4 runner at all times. The big personal news is that all of the firewood for the winter is in the garage guaranteeing that we will be warm until next spring. Certainly my season is not over I count eight more weeks to go but the pace slows and now that I no longer head to the North Woods for the month of October gets to be quite enjoyable.

Looking back, it was a very different summer for sure. The drought continues and we are now looking at even lower water levels than last fall. Luckily the freshwater fishing is holding up quite nicely and now is getting better every day. I did have more cancellations than I can ever remember mostly for health related issues. My policy is still if you or anyone in your party is sick we are not going and I look forward to seeing you another day.

The saltwater fishing was much slower than years past but while there were fewer stripers they were all trophies. I still have a few striper trips booked and I will be very interested to see how long the fish hang around. If we get a little more rain the juvenile alewives begin to pour out of the freshwater and that can result in good numbers of stripers well into October. Part of the fun is that one never really knows on any day.

On the freshwater I am looking forward to the pike fishing as temperatures drop and they become active again. Bass fishing is always a blast in the fall as making me look forward to the next couple of months on the water.

Finally I will be giving up my separate cell phone line and using the Maine Outdoors number (207)785-4496 as my office and cell phone number. Technology has come a very long way in the last 40 years and one less phone to manage is a clear benefit in this guides life. Please change it in your address book.

Come write or call if I can help you create your outdoor adventure as the cooler weather begins. Or make your reservation online at this link.

I'm looking forward to sharing some time on the water with you before the snow flies!

Best regards,