By ROB DEHARPPORT/for The Herald — Can you feel the morning chill in the air? My last couple of early morning trips to fish Odell Lake have made me question wearing shorts in the wee hours of dawn. Here at Crescent Lake this morning, the mercury has dipped below freezing once again. I believe that is the fifth time in the last couple of weeks.
Cooler temps, football season, kids starting school, seeing folks in camouflage clothing, and keeping a jacket handy are surely heralding the arrival of Fall.
Fall brisk mornings and evenings
For myself, it’s my favorite season. I love the brisk, cool mornings and evenings. Seeing the Labor Day weekend in the rear-view mirror signals a quieter time up here on the mountain. Many of the rowdy weekend warriors are turning to other activities. The trails, beaches, lakes, and resorts take on a calmer and peaceful vibe.
However, to some extent the rowdy bunch is replaced annually with folks hunting Matsutake mushrooms as well archery hunters prowling the woods for deer, elk, and bear. Camp spots become easier to find unoccupied and the fishing is often the best in the Fall. In fact, fishing off the Oregon coast has been awesome when the ocean allows calm seas and safe bar crossing. Both wild and hatchery Coho Salmon can now be kept. Halibut and rock fishing has also been great. As well as the tuna which have recently been within reach of Oregon’s ports.
Fire season is finally receding
As an extra bonus, recent rains have aided fire fighters in allowing a more direct attack on the Fall Creek and McKenzie River fires. This has greeted us with much better air quality and clear blue skies.
Let’s hope that the worst of the fire season is also in our rear-view mirrors! It’s no time to get complacent with fire as we still have a ways to go before fire danger recedes to safer levels.
I’ve been busy picking Huckleberries this last week. Our weather seasons have helped to produce a bumper crop of berries this year. There is plenty to share with the bears. Find a patch and pick a pail!
Odell fishing is up and down
Fishing at Odell has varied between good and bad, depending on what day your go and how your luck is running! That’s why we call it fishing rather than catching!
It’s the perfect time of year to get out and enjoy your favorite outdoor pursuit. Get out there and explore and enjoy it while it lasts! Winter isn’t too far around the next corner…
George Custer lives in Oakridge with his wife Sayre. George is a former smokejumper from his hometown of Cave Junction, a former captain in the U.S. Marine Corps. and ran a construction company in Southern California. George assumed the volunteer duties as the Editor of the Highway 58 Herald in 2022. He loves riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle, building all things wood, and playing drums on the weekends in his office.
📣 Support Your Local News Publication: Donate to Highway 58 Herald! 📣
The Highway 58 Herald is your trusted source for all things local, from community events to breaking news. But we need your help to keep delivering the stories that matter most to you. Your generous donation ensures we can continue providing in-depth reporting and vibrant coverage of our community.
Every dollar helps us maintain high-quality journalism and keep you informed. Please consider making a donation today and support the voice of our community. Donate today!
Thank you for helping us keep Highway 58 Herald strong and vibrant!
OFFICE SERVICES AVAILABLE: Copying, Scanning, Emailing & Faxing Services are now available at The Herald’s office in Oakridge.
