Cool in the Air

What a comfortable week this has been. Days of 70's F dropping to the 50's F at night.
Rivers are still low but water temperatures have stayed near 60 F. The Pigeon, Black and Sturgeon Rivers are in great shape. The tannin is minimal and water clarity is at it's best. The weather should begin to cool and evaporation subside causing rivers to rise and trout behavior to change. 
Brook Trout will begin to turn a dark orange. The males will begin to develop a distinct hook jaw as September approaches. This phenominum is a salmon trait of which the Brook Trout ( Samonidae/ Salvelinus Fontinalis ) belongs. Brown Trout will begin to break cover and travel to gravel areas in the river for spawning. The King Salmon ( Chinook ) will be in the streams in about 3 or 4 weeks. 
Fall is in the air. The weather forecast for this up coming week is some 90 F temperatures for a few days then back to the 70's F. With day light hours only about 12 hours, this warm front will not be of any consequence to river temperatures. Rain is predicted and it is sure welcome to bring rivers up to higher levels for the spawning salmon and trout.
The Maple River is undergoing some big changes. In the last few years, five bridges have been replaced. The old culvert system is being replaced by free flow bridges. This is indeed washing the Maple River clean however with the quick spring run off, the river may take time to repair itself. Years of sentiment will be traveling to Burt Lake. The opening of the Maple River will allow planted trout species to travel much further up the river. The removal of the Woodland road power dam will be the biggest change. When, or if, that is ever scheduled I do not know, but there will be change to the rivers personality now, for sure. 
Beavers are a different situation. This time of year their dams can slow down or even stop the rivers flow. The Maple River is the most affected. The massive Pleasant View swamp allows beavers an undisturbed environment to build some big dams. This has always affected water levels in the Maple. 
Mid August begins the "Great Migration" of summer resorters back to school and their city responsibilities. September brings a quieting of the North that we locals really enjoy. It is our time to enjoy the peaceful northern country side and get out and fly fish our favorite spots.