Northern Michigan Streams, Cool Weather, Nature's Work of Art

Cool is the rule.  August arrived with a cool heavy rain fall. We are approaching the time of year when the thermometer starts to drop and evaporation is no longer a problem for river water levels and temperatures. 
I'm sure some of those log cabins north of Little Traverse bay along the cold Lake Michigan shore line have had fires burning in their gorgeous field stone fire places. A warm fire is a great way to take the chill off these cool evenings. Yet a crackling fireplace can cast a romantic aura from a time when a Winchester 94 and a deer mount  hung above them. When cabin walls were covered with wicker creels, bamboo fly rods, and hand carved landing nets. When a small writing desk with an ink well and kerosine lantern was found in a quiet corner of the cabin to send letters to family and friends in hot southern cities. That serene peace is still here in Northern Michigan along with the trout.
Fly fishing starts in late afternoon with a warm sun on your shoulders and the evening drops a cold blanket of dew that has one reaching into their backpack for a fleece at sunset. I could not be more content with the weather even if the trout weren't biting...but they are!
More of the same is in the forecast, mild days and cool nights continue. The Brown trout remain the rivers biggest challenge, with the major hatches gone, they hold tight to deep holes and cover. You have to get your streamer down deep to them.  Snags will frustrate you.
The Brookies and Rainbows are still feeding on a cornucopia of terrestrials and may flies . Para-Adams, Royals and hoppers are working. Hook sizes 12-14-16 work best.
That dreaded Trico hatch is appearing on the rivers and 7X is the tippet most recommend, but 5X works as well and much easier to use. You better be light on your rod with 7X or you will snap the fly off. Tricos will get the trout feeding but it is very hard to deliver a good float.
The Pigeon and Sturgeon rivers have settled down after last Wednesday's rain and the Black river is clear and below it's banks. High water temperatures are still in the low 60s Fahrenheit. The Maple River is in great shape and the Brookies are active.
The Jet stream is over northern Michigan for yet another week. Temperatures will be low 50's to low 70's with partly cloudy skies and a late Monday thunder storm in the forecast coming in from the West. Whatever you do to entertain yourself here in the north, the fact is the weather is perfect for man and trout. Thank You Very Much!

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