It's funny how some years seem to just go by in a blur. 2001 was like that. It was our 12th year as owners of the Lodge, and our 16th summer spent there. WOW!

Last summer proved to be another season of above average temperatures and less than typical rainfall. Though it was the second dry year in a row, we were spared the daily smell of wood smoke and accompanying restrictions. Fortunately, the St. Joe was not plagued with a great many forest fires, nowhere near the number of the previous year.

Once again, it was a year of FISH - they came upstream in numbers and packing some real size! Go to the gallery and see for yourself, we've added some new fish pictures including one of a 21 ½" lunker. Remember, these are wild westslope cutthroat trout, not hatchery-raised, pellet-fed hybrids!

Speaking of fishing, we once again (hooray), had an incredible spruce moth hatch in September. The first four or five days of the hatch, the fish were keying on them and anything floating on the water that even remotely resembled a spruce moth was getting gobbled up at a steady, yet, alarming rate! After gorging themselves, when every fish was sated, there were still so many moths floating by that interest waned somewhat. At that point, it took a measure of stealth and skill to get them to bite. Then, about a week or so later, as the hatch was winding down, there was a renewed frenzy and the game was on again!

Don't get me wrong, September was not the only time you could catch fish. In fact, we had real good hatches of golden stones, different mayflies and a robust return of our caddis, to name a few. And, don't forget the terrestrials (oh, that hopper!).

No newsletter would be complete without a tip of the hat and a heartfelt "thanks" to our longtime returning friends/guests. We hope you know what you mean to us and how much we enjoy seeing you each year.

Another thing we really enjoy is meeting the folks who are on "the Joe" for the first time. We really feel that this country and this river are unique and special places, and we enjoy showing them off. We try hard to make your trip one that you will remember and want to repeat.

We just can't close this newsletter without mentioning the fall colors. It was, beyond a doubt, one of the MOST colorful years in memory. Riding anywhere on horseback was like venturing into a storybook - magical!

Speaking of fall, it's a great time for a pack trip. The cool mornings, changing colors and opportunity to see wildlife, make it a memorable time to be in the backcountry. However, pack trips take a lot of planning, so let us know of your interest well in advance.

Until we see you again, our hope is that you all stay happy and healthy!

Will & Barbara Judge
St. Joe Outfitters & Guides