Posted on November 06 2024
Heading down to the Lordville Estate tomorrow morning. Will be stopping at Vicky's Unisex Hair Salon at 10:00 AM for my last hair cut there until next spring. The Troutfitter is closed and David is probably down at Hilton Head by now after spending over two-hundred straight days at the fly shop and inn.
Down in Lordville, I've got work to do. It'll take me the better part of two days to finish the closedown. It's for me, a sad time, another year gone by, and at 81 you know there can't be many years left. When all the items are checked off the shutdown list, the place will be neat as a pin, the 'fridge turned off with it's door left open, stove ashes cleaned out, hot water heater shut off, the pipes drained, anti-freeze in the traps, the heat turned off, the bed stripped, and fly-tying materials moth balled, leaving the Lordville Estate nothing but a dark, cold, empty, unappealing place. When I come down later to rake up the leaves from my neighbor's huge Norway maple, I probably won't even go inside.
The fishing - This year was special. When you're my age with eroding skills, and have your second best year ever, on the Delaware River System, there's just nothing else to say. The FFMP release program has allowed far more fish to live in the system than did during my earlier years on the river. The relentless fishing pressure that the river is subjected to, makes it's fish a challenge to catch, but the cold water, season long bug hatches and a plentiful supply of fish, makes the river, for me, heaven on earth. Hopefully I'll still be able to fool a few when the Hendrickson's start hatching next spring.
The hunting - So far has been a bust. If it weren't for my trail cams, I'd swear there wasn't a deer in the woods. I live seven miles from Syracuse and have but 13 acres of land to hunt on. The area is hunted hard. Almost all of the deer restrict their movements to the hours well after sunset and long before sunrise. I've been out over a dozen times and have seen only three does, all just before dark. My four trail cams, however, tell a different story. Two ten pointers, one nine, at least four eights, a seven, and a 2.5 year old six, in addition to several 1.5 year old's, have all posed for pics. Until two days ago there wasn't a single photo of a deer taken in the daylight. In the last couple of days there have been a few pictures of bucks moving during daylight hours. I'm hopeful.
Dennis, an ardent deer hunter, was good enough to give me a can of "Nose Jammer" which he swears by. I've dutifully sprayed some up each nostril every time I've gone out, but so far all it has done is make my eyes water. Maybe I'm not shaking the can enough.
A119, I’ve enjoyed your blog and meeting you at cemetery pool parking lot. Enjoy your winter and I hope to see you in the new season.
A-119, thanks for another great year of fly fishing blogging. Your musings delve delightfully into the art and science of it all — along with celebrating the awe and wonder of the natural world. And with plenty of good humor! As one who lives 400 miles from the Catskills I can’t get there often; but vicariously I am there frequently via your blog, and your book! Thank you.
First thing I do when I get to my desk in the morning from April-October is check your report. Thanks so much for taking the time. I’m amazed at your knowledge and success fishing the Delaware. You give me hope that age does not deter ability! I still haven’t met you on the river but maybe next year!
Thank you so much for your stories. It kept me engaged, entertained, and endlessly jealous of your success. The river, the fish, the bugs, and your stories made me a better fisherman every time I fished the Upper Delaware this year. Keep it up. See you in the spring.
Angler 119, Thanks for another season of invaluable reports and advice. Hope you manage to draw a bead on a nice buck. Wishing you a fishy winter. Look forward to starting my days with you again in the spring. Tusen Takk! (Norwegian for “a thousand thanks”)
A119-
You are the man, and next year you’ll be back and better than ever! You should hunt NJ. Deer almost outnumbering people. Have a great winter! DM
Nice of you to post one final music post of the year..scratched my head and came up with an old Willie Nelson tune.. thanks to you for all your support and wisdom for fishing a remarkable area..we are blessed we don’t have to fly halfway across the country to fish in prime water. Safe travels to your winter home and look forward to a successful 2025. Cheers
Thanks for your companion ship on the blog all year … Some of us vicariously live through your posts .
A119, thank you for another great season on the Delaware! I look forward to reading your reports and will be re-reading them over the winter. You have made me a better angler and fly tier with all of the information you so generously share with us poor hackers. And your accounts of life at the Lordville Estate are a delight to read!
Thank you for sharing your experiences with us. Wishing you good health and many more seasons on the water!
Angler119 and Dennis. – I didn’t understand the “nose jammer” reference until I looked the product up. Angler119- Great joke, very cool. Ed
A119 not only a fisherman but a comedian!! It works!!
Thanks again for the advice and reports. I know I am a much better fisherman following your advice and watching your skills the times we have fished together.
Don’t give up on the deer the rut is coming and there will be reckless abandon in the woods. Oh I forgot to tell you the nose jammer works well as a deodorant also.
Angler119 -Thank You again for your insights, advice but most of all your friendship.?Wishing You and Jean a happy and healthy winter. All my best Ed
A119
Thanks again for a year of great stories and reports. It was great to connect in person again and share some stories and flies (alive and tied). I hope you have a relaxing winter and I look forward to your first post next year.
All the best,
Jim