Great Fly Fishing Year

Northern Michigan is experiencing a "Low".  A counter clockwise circulating air mass that brings cool weather down from Canada. Thus the clouds and rain will be over the Great Lakes basin for a couple of days. The clouds are high in altitude and the rain is usually spotty. This is not unusual for us during the summer. Locals used to call it a three day rain. More importantly, how does it affect the rivers?
Small inland trout streams need cool water temperatures for good fly fishing results. 65 degree Fahrenheit is a perfect river temperature. This year we have been lucky, water temperatures have been holding steady between 62 to 66 F with day time air temperatures in the 70's F and night time lows in 50's F. In the past few years we have seen very warm temperatures forcing fishing times to 6:30 AM or 9:30 PM. This year we can fly fish just about any time of day. On very sunny days stay away fro a mid-day fish.
Right now I could not be happier. Comfortable weather for both trout and man. Throw in timely rain of every few days and voila, very healthy streams. Hard on the sailors, hard on the golfers, and fewer beach parties...but the all day fishing is great.
It's been a summer of big trout. Thirteen inch plus Brook Trout every evening. Many fly fish anglers have landed their biggest trout of their lives. For sure there must be a hot spell coming in the near future. One that brings temperatures in the 90's F. With just 4 weeks left to a traditional mid-August cool off, just maybe we'll be extra lucky this year. After all, cooler temperatures is what made our northern Michigan area a resort destination. You can, however, always return to southern cities to perspire or stay indoors with an air conditioner.
It's a great fly fishing year, get out on a river and wet a line!

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