The final days are always bitter sweet. I want to squeeze in a few more guide days, and work the last few hours on the water, and catch a few more fish, and spend a little quality time with my best friends. But, as I watch the snow creep lower on the mountains, and the swans begin to fly, I feel the heart strong tug of my family in Montana, and I can’t wait to migrate again. My son wants to go fishing!
Trumpeter Swans on the Migration move from Alaska
The trout are sucking eggs off the last remaining, living, spawning sockeye. Over a million fish are dead, and their bodies are fertilizing another cycle – circle of life. Many of the trout and dollies are migrating to winter areas in the deeper holes or sanctuary of the big lakes. The remaining fish are opportunistically scrounging on carcass, a few nymphs, salmon parr and sculpin. The easy days are done.
What's left?
The bears are left with a few putrid freezing carcasses, long ignored during the days when the cupboard was full. The berries are crisp and bitter.
Where's the fish?
A strong reason for migration is that its getting cold. Most highly evolved creatures are heading south, chasing the sun.
26 Degrees @ 10 a.m. Time to head South!
The cigars have been smoked.
Its been another season to celebrate!
Got enough salmon to eat a weekly meal though the winter months.
Winter Harvest
Ice Dog Fish Licker
October Moon over the Kenai River
There are a few other strong reasons for migration, but I’ve got to get busy getting on. Got a few thousand long cold miles ahead.
Thanks OBN
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Fishing is good down south here Fred… can’t believe I’m calling this south… looks like things wrapped up pretty well up there. I suppose we need our annual LOG trip with brian sometime soon. Maybe we can see him catch his 2nd swung fish this year ?
I’m ready for some Double Haul IPA and some Montana swing time with some PBR and fried chicken back. Maybe even drop some ducks. See you soon.
Sounds like you had a good year Fred. Thanks for taking us on so many wonderful trips.
Thanks for following along. On my way south in the a.m. With more stories to tell.