A stiff wind and high water brings September to a close.

With the freestones blown out and both tailwaters colored, a 15 to 20 mph wind blowing and bow season opening tomorrow, I went home. 

The good news - when things settle down again the fish should be back where they belong, except for the big browns who will be busy doing their best to insure that there is good fishing two to three years from now.  The days are much shorter and the fish will be feeding on top about the same time as they do when the Hendricksons are hatching.  Two until five is when the action will be taking place.  Warm days may result in some early evening spinner falls but don't count on it. Your hourly catch rate can be good, there just aren't enough hours.

If you want to enjoy the fall colors get in the car now.  Last Friday north of Binghamton was beautiful, today it was more subdued, a lot of rusty orange has replaced the brilliant reds and oranges.  The Catskills with their huge stands of oak still have a lot of green but the hillsides with a mix of trees are showing lots of color. The sumacs are for the most part, past their peak but there are still some in protected areas with green leaves. The fall asters are in full bloom wherever the DOT mowers have left them standing.  Last night's rain was sorely needed but it and today's wind put a lot of leaves on the ground. 

If I don't fallout of a tree tomorrow I'll try to increase your odds of hooking up on blind casts.  But wait, if you order now  - - - 

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