We're officially a week into the fall season, and October is coming up fast. It's been one of the most idyllic Septembers I've seen. Each day has been stunning. It's the kind of weather that makes you want to just sit on a hillside for an afternoon and soak it all up.

Our first, and only, wild fire of the season flared up this week in Yellowstone. The Arnica Creek Fire is burning in a large area of old growth forest on the west side of Yellowstone Lake near Bridge Bay. For the first time all summer, we've had some smoke to deal with, but by the looks of the forecast, it won't last long.

We're well over due for the first shot of winter weather, and it looks like it's on the way. Snow is in the forecast from Wednesday to Thursday, and again on Saturday. We've been so spoiled with beautiful weather this month that it's hard to complain. Skuzzy weather should put the hold on our prolonged hopper season, and jumpstart our fall fishing with baetis and streamers.

I spent a few days guiding my good friend Gene Pawlick recently, and he sent these shots from his trip. We had a nice mix of some out-of-the-way cutthroat fishing, and gulpers on Hebgen. Thanks for an awesome trip, Gene. I'll look forward to some saltwater fishing this spring.