Transition

Summers last hot days (may be)...The near 90 F of this past Wednesday stopped all trout activity. However highs near
80 F are in the forecast next week. Soon the northern Michigan attire will be drifting away from those madras shorts, Polo knit shirts, and Top-Siders to long sleeve flannel shirts, cargo pants, and hiking boots. This time of year weather patterns can change rapidly from hot to cold to hot again, so lean on that water thermometer for accurate fishing conditions (water temp 65 F or less) and thus success.
Weather forecasts for fall are seasonally warmer temperatures. That means highs could possibly reach the 80's F with lows in the upper
40's F through September. With shorter days and the autumnal equinox coming, river temperatures should drop below 65 F for the remainder of the season. The lower sun can still cast a blinding reflection on the river, so I try to fish afternoons in an easterly direction. Brook Trout and even smaller Browns in the 7-9 inch class will be feeding in the afternoon if high air temperatures stay at least in the 70's F and some hatches take place.
The Pigeon, Sturgeon, Black and Maple rivers were on the edge of too hot, but with the coming forecast, should nicely cool down. Mornings might be a good window of opportunity for the weekend. Water levels are low and any precipitation would be welcome. There is some much needed rain in the forecast. With the cooler temperatures and some rain, the rivers' water levels should raise.
Spawning trout will attack terrestrials like the hopper or ant patterns. This past week a small Adams hatch (size 22 / 5X) made fishing tough as the smaller trout have been feeding on them. 
In retrospect this summer has been good to man and trout, and it appears comfortable weather is going to continue. If temperatures stay in the high 70's F and at least in the low 50's F at night we could get some good afternoon fishing. I love afternoon fly fishing and evening high school football...Go Northmen...or whomever you root for?

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