I am an avid angler and outdoorsman. ', 'AVG', 'Min.' Consequently, discharge data may not . 2: { color: '#FF8C00', targetAxisIndex:0 }, Long term average surface water temperature compared to current year (csv data files in degree Celsius or degree Fahrenheit) Superior. Lake Michigan now averages 74 degrees on the surface, which is 11 degrees warmer than the historical average water temperature on this date. Lake Michigan is one of the five Great Lakes of North America. This site is owned and operated by Eric Matechak. Morning fishing is not suitable for anglers, who want to wake up early. 4.3],]); Warmer water temperatures are causing ice to form later in the year and terminating the ice season early. USGS Current Water Data for Michigan. Its a good idea to fish Lake Michigan during afternoon hours at any time of the year. Time of day and wind direction may have a temporary local effect as can water flows from neraby rivers. As a result of improvements to the Welland Canal in 1918, an invasion of sea lampreys and overharvesting, there has been a decline in native lake trout populations, ultimately causing an increase in the population of another invasive species, the alewife. The bar chart below shows the average monthly sea temperatures at Lake Michigan over the year. Fishing is productive in the late spring and during the summer months. [Milwaukee] The biggest surprise is Lake Superior with water temps near 70F along the western shore near Duluth, Ashland, and Ontonagon. The month with the lowest is March with an average water temperature of 32.9F / 0.5C. Anglers who fish Lake Michigan in the fall get excellent results between the early morning and afternoon. Monthly Lake Michigan water temperature chart. Air temperatures in Michigan vary from 33F to 72F during the fall months. This is noticeable after heavy rain or after prolonged periods of strong winds. August is the month with the hottest water temperature at 77.9F / 25.5C. ['December', El Nino If you have interesting photos of this place, you can upload them here. October was exceptionally warm, with air temperatures at land sites around the lakes ranging from 5 to 10 degrees above long-term norms. The central element of the Port District, Calumet Harbor, is maintained by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.[45]. 2.4, As air temperatures trend upward, global lake surface water temperatures (LSWT) have warmed by an average of 0.21 C/decade 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. NOTE: During winter months, stage and discharge may be significantly affected by backwater from ice, resulting in incorrect discharge data. The map shows Lake Michigan average temperature water in July in some coastal cities, To find out what the water temperature was in Lake Michigan any day over a period of the last ten years, select the month, Want to know where the water temperature in July is good for swimming? [Central Northern Region] var options = { The economy of many communities in northern Michigan and Door County, Wisconsin, is supported by tourism, with large seasonal populations attracted by Lake Michigan. August: Late summer provides anglers with a good chance to catch trophy fish on Lake Michigan. Lake Michigan water temperatures in spring vary from 44F to 69F. [23], The Milwaukee Reef, running under Lake Michigan from a point between Milwaukee and Racine to a point between Grand Haven and Muskegon, divides the lake into northern and southern basins. We have no information as to whether it is valid and what flights it receives or sends. [Northern Region] A lot of Chinook and Coho salmons can be found in the lake. The map shows Lake Michigan temperature water in some coastal cities in real time, To find out what the water temperature was in Lake Michigan any day over a period of the last ten years, select the month, If you want to plan a vacation on the beach and enjoy the warm sea, choose the day of the year, region and the minimum comfortable sea/ocean temperature that interests you. Lightning Are the Great Lakes a Microplastic Soup With PFAS On the Side? FreshwaterFishingAdvice is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. [42] The prime commercial species is the lake whitefish. Photos will be available to all users after verification by the moderator. The warmest water temperature is in August with an average around 70.5F / 21.4C. [18] In the 19th century, Lake Michigan was integral to the development of Chicago and the Midwestern United States west of the lake. Commercial tug-and-barge traffic on these waterways is heavy. Lake Michigan, like the other Great Lakes, supplies drinking water to millions of people in bordering areas. Close Modal Despite their vast size, large sections of the Great Lakes freeze in winter, interrupting most shipping. Today water temperature in Lake Michigan is 35.4F. The waters of Lake Michigan are full of largemouth bass. Our report for Great Lakes is compiled using satellite data together with in-situ observations to get the most reliable daily data of sea surface temperatures, surf forecasts, current temperatures and weather forecasts. [36], Lake Michigan has many beaches. Privacy Policy Disclaimer Drought Monitor, Past Weather Knowing the best and worst conditions can have an outsized impact on how many bass you will catch. By the late 18th century, the eastern end of the straits was controlled by Fort Mackinac on Mackinac Island, a British colonial and early American military base and fur trade center, founded in 1781. ", "Chart: 14901 Edition: 15 Edition Date: August 2006 Clear Dates: NM 12/17/2011 LNM 12/6/2011";"Soundings in feet and fathoms", "Low Great Lakes water levels plague shipping, recreation", "Two Great Lakes hit lowest water levels since record keeping began nearly a century ago",