Knock, Knock, It's Winter

The weather forecast for tonight is a low temperature of 21 F. I guess you could say that it is unusually cold. According to records the all time low for this date is 24 F set in 2005.
This week I spent time in the outdoors and the sky looked down right angry. The high black snow clouds rolled off Lake Michigan pelting me with freezing rain and snow. The trees last leaves were blowing in the wind and an eerie feeling that is Halloween was all about. With leaves floating in the river, the wind whipping the water and the trees waving in the high winds, all of nature is spooked.
The Pigeon, Sturgeon, Black and Maple rivers are all deep and swift. Water clarity is silted. Fishing is tough on our streams and dangerous on the Great Lakes. Those of you who did fly fish surpassed passion to an obsession. It was a week to stroll along the trails of the river and dream of better days ahead.
NOAA has the temperatures to continue below normal for another week with above normal temperatures to return to the north  8-10 days from now. I would like to believe that one more warm weather pattern will bring a hatch to the river before streamers and nymphs become the rule. Winter is at the door. Gloves, insulated waders, and knit hats are now a necessity.

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