What to expect at Bear Cove Retreat in October?
Highs in the mid 40’s F, lows in the lower 30’s F
October is also on average a wet month in Bear Cove. Again, we will push through it for our excursions if the wind is manageable. We strongly encourage bringing raingear that is insulated or is large enough to allow a couple layers underneath. You can escape the weather while on the boats, both have cabins that get you out of the elements.
We are down to around 10 hours of daylight in October. When the sun is up on an excursion day, we are generally on the move to take advantage of the light.
In our opinion, October offers one of the more interesting opportunities for visitors. Most years there is a Tanner Crab season that starts October 1.
A typical day of fishing in October is heading out to drop the crab pot at first light. If the pot soaked overnight, we will pull the pot to check and rebait. While the pot soaks during the day, we troll king salmon in one of a few areas that tend to be productive. We are usually fishing an area that allow us to get out of the wind/waves.
Prior to heading back to the cove, we check and pull the pot or rebait to soak again. There is nothing better than fresh snow crab after a long day at sea!
Hiking conditions are getting tougher this time of year. The trails are typically a bit muddy. A solid hiking shoe/boot with good treads are important for hiking. We may encounter snow as we go up in elevation in October.
Bears are much less abundant at lower elevations in October.
Sea otters, river otters, harbor seals, bald eagles…are all around us in October. Eagles are actually more abundant in Bear Cove, they are typically very interested in tracking down any fish carcasses from our adventures that wash up on shore. Still a great opportunity to get some wildlife pictures from the retreat.
Trent and Brock holding up part of the days catch! Tanner season typically starts on October 1st!