Water temperatures are dropping fast and fishing is improving. Stripers are becoming more active, but with lake levels at all-time lows, ramp access is very limited. Many ramps are officially closed and boaters who use them do so at their own risk.

Marking of exposed dangers is only in the major navigable channels and the upper reaches of lakes have many dangerous hazards unmarked. Reduce speed and proceed with extreme caution if you are planning on boating or fishing in the near future.

Stocking of delayed harvest trout streams began again in October, but low water conditions and poaching are taking a toll on the trout populations. Concerned trout fishermen must speak out against poaching and report illegal poaching and use of illegal bait for trout. This resource is too precious for misuse by uninformed, unconcerned, or careless anglers.

The early frost and cold weather will be causing the leaves to fall in earnest soon. When the foliage drops, visibility on foothill and mountain trails increases. It is a wonderful time to hike and capture the gorgeous images with photography.

In the Upstate, we have numerous maintained trails that offer scenic vistas, fresh air and exercise. Raven Cliff Falls trail, near Caesar’s Head is a moderately strenuous trail that offers a view of the cascading Matthews Creek from an observation platform. It is about 2.4 miles each way and is a pleasant hike to a beautiful destination.

If you are not up to a long hike, Twin Falls is a short walk to an interesting waterfall. Drive north from Pickens on Hwy 178, turn left at Bob’s Place and several miles later, you will “T” into another road. Turn right and you will see a sign on the right a few hundred yards up the road directing you to the falls.

Your local library or bookstore has many volumes available listing waterfalls, trails and interesting destinations in the upstate. Don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy the fall colors and the scenic vistas that we often take for granted.

Deer hunters and small game hunters, don’t waste those hides. Tanning hides is easy and can add to your enjoyment of the hunt. Deer hides are useable for various leather working projects. I use a small hand stitcher and waxed thread to stitch small utility bags and other items that are useful. This “Speedy Stitcher” forms a lockstitch that is durable and easy to master.

Save your bucktails to tie streamers for bass, panfish and trout. Squirrel tails also are useful for tying flies and the Mepps spinner lure company still buys squirrel tails to decorate treble hooks on certain spinners.

Turkey feathers make great fletching for arrows and excellent trout flies. Nothing beats Mallard and Wood Duck flank feathers for making outstanding trout flies.

Whitetail antlers are usable for handles for small tools or knives, lamps, picture stands, gun racks, buttons and a number of rustic items that you will enjoy for years to come.

It adds a new dimension to your fishing when you catch fish on flies tied from natural materials that you harvested during hunting season.

Don’t waste those items that can be recycled into other projects. If you don’t tie flies, pass on the feathers or bucktails to a friend that does. He will thank you for them and might even reward you with a few trout flies or bass streamers.

Contact me at lross3871@charter.net or (864) 238-1944 with questions or comments.