Slowing Down

The second week of October is upon us. The days are noticeably shorter and cooler; the auto and pedestrian traffic around town has diminished. The local streams are quiet and the fishing is good. I've just about wrapped up the 2010 guiding season. Although there is still fantastic fishing to be had, the pool of potential fishing clientele is virtually empty. The guiding season went by very fast for me this year. May and June brought us some very wet and cold weather, which produced very high water. Before we knew it, it was early July and the fishing was beginning to turn on. The "summer" consisted of only July and August. Fortunately, September was spectacular: great weather and fine fishing. The Green, South Fork and Snake all produced consistently good fishing, and I was fortunate to guide some really great people this year. Thanks to all of my clients and guiding colleagues for such a great summer. If you are thinking about fishing the Snake this week, I'd go for it. The weather is still great, and the river is low (377 cfs our of Jackson Lake Dam), so the fish are stacked! Look for mayflies early near the Dam, and later in the day on the lower river. I wouldn't hesitate to throw a hopper either late in the day. The Jack Dennis fishing guides are headed to the South Fork later this week for an overnight trip to celebrate the end of our season, and to usher in some serious fall fishing. After that, it will be time to head north to the grand Missouri River to experience fall fishing Montana style. Stay tuned for more reports. Here's a few fresh photos to enjoy. Fall colors at the Oxbow Bend in Teton Park; a healthy brown that fell for a dry fly; the joy of a large fish exploding on a surface fly, and the exhilaration of a bent rod and a tight line. More soon!