The October Caddis

October in New England is special.   I mean everyplace has october, but as Patricia Watson says not everyplace has our october.   The leaves seem to come alive, a riot of colors brought on by a looming change of season.   How nice it must be, to be at your very best at the very end of things.   What a joyous time to be on the water with what little time we have left, fish now or forever hold your peace my friends.  Winter is coming.....

The other day on my way out the door I was greeted by another lover of the month October.  The October Caddis.  I often seen them fluttering about this time of year near my house.

A very large and vibrant fellow he is, I think a size 14 bushy dry will do.

The day I chose to end my season was a nice one, sunny and in the mid 70's.   I walked among the forest up into the hills eating an apple picked the day before.   Taking my time, no rush, enjoying the feel of the sun on my back.....glorious.   Hopefully the fish would feel the same.   The leaves were not quite at peak but they are close, a peek up into the canopy of the forest reveals much.  Another week or so till the apex of color arrives.

Before long I hear the song, my favorite tune.  Its pull is irresistible, the siren of the small stream calls, can you hear it?

On the second drift I am fortunate, a mighty splash erupts around my caddis, my offering is deemed acceptable.

As I step into the water to release the fish, I feel the shock on my now wet feet.  Its cold, it feels good.

This indeed is a very good start to things, what would follow would turn out to be one of my very best trips of the year.

Pool after pool I am greeted by natures best.

Something in the deep catches my eye.  I can't help but reach, is this all part of the sirens trap?  To lull me deeper?

I succumb, the prize is mine.

The light is dimming, this season is coming to an end.  On my walk out in the twilight I can hear the siren still calling.  I resist...for now.  The next time you find yourself in the wild, take a moment, slow down and listen.   If your lucky enough you'll hear it......every moving body of water sings a unique song, here amongst the hills where the cold water flows it is sweet and it is LOUD.