Posted on October 01 2024
It doesn't seem possible but it's the last day of September and therefore time for my sporadic and intermittent message.
Have to go home tomorrow and drive Jean to her 2nd cataract operation. The first one was last week and already Jean's crowing about how well she can see out of that eye. My GHOF is retired but he was able to schedule Jean with the surgeon that he says is the best resident he ever had. Found out at the post op meeting that the surgeon is retiring at the end of the month, (September), and that Jean is one of his very last patients. During the course of the cataract thing, it occurred to me that my GHOF is way younger than me, and that one of his residents is retiring. It's why I look at the obits before doing the eggs each morning, if my name isn't there, I crack the shells and scramble the eggs.
As most long time readers are aware, I both dry-fly fish and bow hunt. At 81, I'm not embarrassed to say that 30 yards is my maximum shooting distance and I have to hope that the deer considers me no threat and will just stand there and wait for the arrow to arrive.
If the weather remains warmer than "normal", I'll be spending most of my time the first three weeks of October fishing, and will post reports. If there is a cold snap, or more importantly, if a big buck shows up taunting me on my trail cams, all bets are off and I'll be up in a tree,(against my doctor's advice).
It's been a great season on the Delaware, already my second best EVER, (I think). I've enjoyed writing the reports, hopefully a few of you've learned something from them. I'm sad that another trout fishing season has flown by, I just can't have many left and I treasure every one. I'm happy that through the reports, old friends that are fishing where wind knots and refusals never happen, have been replaced by a multitude of new friends who are flyfishing, reading the reports, and either saying "crazy old fool", or actually learning something.
The fishing today was just like the last couple of weeks, bugs 1:00 until 3:00, and rising fish that have been reminded not to suffer fools.
I haven’t fished the Delaware in a month cause I’ve been fishing the Salmon River, but still read your blog everyday. Thanks for all the info and all you do. Good luck hunting and be safe.
With regard to your tree stand comment I started using a safety harness with the safety rope when I turned 70. You clip in while still on the ground and remain so until your back on the ground. If your not already using such a device I suggest you give one a try.
Being a younger guy in the fly fishing world I hope you know that you are passing this amazing tradition down! No one in my family or my friends fishes at all. I’ve learned everything I have about the Delaware system from you and your sons at the shops. Thank you for all you done, and I look forward to more! PS I’d love to get my hands on one of your sulfur patterns some day lol
Thank you, Sir. It is a pleasure and a privilege to read your reports and learn from you. Next springs Hendrickson hatches can not come fast enough. Waiting with a great anticipation to read your reports in the spring.
best of luck to Jean
Dear Mr. Angler 119, I’m fairly new to your blog and have really enjoyed your writing. I look forward to your daily goings on and wisdom of the river. Yes, I have learned much from your experiences and look forward to more. Have a great autumn and many thanks.
D. Von
Thanks for letting us come along and for all of the insights and experience you shared his season. The Kris Kristofferson reference is timely and poignant. My favorite version is Al Green’s.
A119
As always thanks for the reports. It’s hard to believe it is now October and before too long I’ll be stuck inside at the vise. It’s been a good year and connecting in person with you and the editors was clearly a high spot this season. Maybe we will bump into each other one more time this month.
Wishing you and Jean the best. Hoping all of you tree climbers stay safe.
Angler119- My thoughts echo those of Dennis, Jim and Greg. Love your blog and your friendship. Looking forward to the remainder of this season and the next. Hope Jean’s surgery goes well. All My Best Ed
I am in the NC mountains and fish the East Tn tailwaters. I think our fishing might be done for a longtime. I used to fish the Delaware system before moving down here and that is why I still check in .
Let’s face it, I live vicariously thru you as you go about your “daily chores” and stalk trout. Keep it up. We out here very much look forward to your daily musings.
Your blog is the first I look at every morning with my first cup of coffee..inspiration not only comes with personal discoveries but also with like minded individuals such as yourself. Keep writing as long as you can and enjoy every minute you have knee deep in the Delaware or up 15 feet in a tree..we are very lucky to have this sport as an escape from all the detritus that surrounds us. I like Ray Price as well..
I fished the lower WB last night and did ok. 4 landed fish and 3 refusals. The largest was 13 in rainbow. I used BWO and iso.
A119 thanks so much for all the reports and all the advice. I hope you have a successful archery season. I will be in a tree this afternoon myself.
I am glad Jean is doing well.
I will report any fishing excursions