End of the Rainbow

With the final day of the season rapidly approaching will this be the end of the brown trout. A proposal to stock only rainbow trout was presented late last spring. This was due to the high rate of return. For christmas sakes, they're fish not bearer bonds.

Octobers presidents line:

In a blink of an eye, the season is ended and a new one starts. The fishing was good, bad and indifferent this year. Not enough rain, low rivers, not enough bugs, too much heat, and bright days the excuses are limitless. Some had a great season, some had a mediocre season, if you did not get out then you had no season. I had a great season, just being there to do it! The outdoors has been a big part of my life. From my earliest memories, walking in the woods, hiking up a mountain, canoeing and kayaking, fishing and being with friends around the campfire all great experiences and memories.

Wading in the Carmens, the other morning reminded me of what a gift it is to be alive. A deer crossed the stream a few feet way, only glancing up to see what I was up to. Ducks, geese and swans float past not even a bother as I scanned the waters. Trees are turning color and the water willow leaves have all turned brown and shriveled up. The willows we planted upstream still alive and someday will shade that little riffle that we planted them by. Therefore, as fall advances into winter a reminder that the best is yet to come.

However, it will only be there if we fulfill our mission as a chapter. Protecting our waters, habitat and preserving our river is our number one priority. The day-to-day threats: climate change, pollution, development, runoff, habitat destruction and more are still there. As a chapter, we have a proud tradition of public outreach and education, we cannot let our guard down and forget why we are here.

October starts our fly tying seasons at the library. Come on down, no experience needed. A perfect setting to learn a new skill, or spend some time refilling your fly boxes for next season. The camaraderie is outstanding as veteran tiers share their secrets and war stories.

Due to the holiday, the meeting this month is on October 19 at 7:30pm at the Blue Point Town Rec. Center. As usual, an entertaining meeting is planned, with refreshments and a raffle. We look forward to seeing everyone then. For those who cannot attend a meeting, you can join us on Facebook. All you have to do is type in “Art Flick TU” and ask to join the group. It is a great form to post your fishing pictures, tell your stories and catch up on chapter news. Since it is a closed group, there is no worry about who will see your stuff, just Rich, Doug, Chris and a couple of other members. Check our website for the schedule of events and news and read our blog “Art Flick's Fly Box”