Fishing: Roger’s Remarks for Sept. 15

OK, I’m going to take a leap of faith! I hereby proclaim that the fall fishing season is officially open! There, I said it.

I’ve been waiting anxiously for this time, because I believe that it not only signals the end of our oppressive summer doldrums, but more importantly that we made it through this drought year in better shape than we could of hoped for earlier.

I’m sure that you, too, can feel the sudden change in the whole environment. Just going to the lake and only seeing a couple of cars and trailers in the parking lot can be nearly overwhelming. Pulling up to the ramp all by myself and launching in nearly empty conditions is almost a religious experience. I found myself taking deep breaths, realizing that I didn’t have to be “on task,” frantically trying to maneuver around everyone while also keeping the peace with desperate people fully bent on relaxing.

On the water, it’s more of the same, with big stretches of clean, untouched calm water just waiting for a boat to cruise over it. A guy could get very relaxed and excited about fishing where you’ve got it all to yourself! No more huge cruisers throwing up big waves and cutting you off as you try to navigate the chaos. Most of them already are resting comfortably in their storage stalls – all done for the year – covered and prepped for the winter. Yes!

Guess they don’t realize that the best boating is after Labor Day, but I’m biased toward the golden silence of a few vessels. Other folks seek out crowds no matter where they are. Guess I’m a little backward and anti-social (so some have said).

I just love the overall feel of this time of year, when all the indicators are trending down. And even when we get a short spell of warm weather, I have hope it’s going to change back soon. Many avid anglers are also taking advantage of the fact that most folks are tuned into Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday football games. Yes, I watch for big pro and collegiate games and plan my trips to be on the water while they’re airing!

If there actually are any guys on the water, I can usually set my clock and watch many of them disappear as game time nears. You don’t think the fish feel the difference when most of the anglers on a lake head home?

Add to that all the kids going back to school, plus those cutting down their after-hour and weekend activities, and you’ve taken another good chunk of potential anglers out of the equation! People are busier and more distracted than ever with all sorts of things, some of which can be pretty predictable. Fall can be one of the best/least contested fishing times of the year, as well as an underrated big fish period.

Yes, my wife, Elaine, gets on my case about going out fishing in the smoky “bad air,” but you know that I’m just going to be doing something outside anyway. Besides, the overcast was just too good to pass up and guess what: There were only a few other “crazies” like me out fishing in the smoke and falling ash.

Hey, I’ve been breathing bad air for decades; we just didn’t call it that back then, so what the heck? Not another equally stupid angler for miles. In my mind, just pared down the competition that much more!

I love the meager boat traffic, empty parking lots and launching ramps. Having lots of empty untouched water and early falling shadows sets off all my bells and whistles, reminding me of other past successful fall fishing trips. Things just feel right!

After a tough hot summer, I have to admit that feeling things changing all around us gives me hope that we have turned the corner and are in for a good fall and winter season – including the new chance and possibility of a wet season! Seriously, I have to say that “hope reborn” might be the right way to explain how I feel about the coming year. Never give up!

This story was originally published September 15, 2015 at 3:26 PM with the headline "Fishing: Roger’s Remarks for Sept. 15."