34.2, 71.6, The primary driver of water levels are precipitation, evaporation, and river flow into the lakes, also referred to as "net basin supply." 0.7, The southern and eastern beaches are typically sandy and dune-covered. Weeks of hot weather, scant precipitation, and low winds have pushed the water temps into near-record temps in four of the five Great Lakes. The long term trend for both precipitation and evaporation has been upward over the last several decades. The warmest water temperature is in August with an average around 70.5F / 21.4C. In June water temperature throughout Lake Michigan is not yet warm enough for swimming and does not exceed 68F. Lake Michigan water temperatures in spring vary from 44F to 69F. A lot of largemouth bass can be found in the tributaries of Lake Michigan. NOAA is reporting that water temperature is running 6 to 10 degrees above normal, resulting in setting new records on lakes Michigan-Huron, Erie, and Ontario. 20 mph. Traditionally, a lot of anglers visit the lake in June, July, and August. Air temperatures in Michigan vary from 33F to 72F during the fall months. If you do make sure you are wearing a top end drysuit and all the accessories. The graph below shows the range of monthly water temperatures over several years. Their culture declined after 800 AD and for the next few hundred years, the region was the home of peoples known as the Late Woodland Native Americans. Fishing for rainbow trout is always exciting. Steelhead can be found in the lakes tributaries. var chart_waterF = document.getElementById('chart_waterF'); [South Haven] Study: Depths Of Lake Michigan Are Getting Warmer. Photo courtesy ofDeb Mann. Text Products The water heats up in the afternoon during cold months. Hazards * Fact - Actual value of water temperature, feels like 23F, Clouds (overcast clouds: 85-100%), feels like 22F, Clouds (overcast clouds: 85-100%), feels like 22F, Clouds (scattered clouds: 25-50%), feels like 23F, Clouds (scattered clouds: 25-50%), feels like 24F, Clouds (scattered clouds: 25-50%), feels like 27F, Clouds (scattered clouds: 25-50%), feels like 33F, Clouds (overcast clouds: 85-100%), feels like 34F, Clouds (overcast clouds: 85-100%), feels like 35F, Clouds (overcast clouds: 85-100%), feels like 26F, Clouds (broken clouds: 51-84%), feels like 24F, Clouds (broken clouds: 51-84%), feels like 27F, Clouds (overcast clouds: 85-100%), feels like 31F, Clouds (broken clouds: 51-84%), feels like 27F, Clouds (broken clouds: 51-84%), feels like 29F, Clouds (overcast clouds: 85-100%), feels like 24F, Clouds (overcast clouds: 85-100%), The warmest water today in United States recorded. Twelve million people live along Lake Michigan's shores, mainly in the Chicago and Milwaukee metropolitan areas. Local anglers can catch a variety of fish species in the lake during the fall months. Water temperature throughout Lake Michigan is not yet warm enough for swimming and does not exceed 68F. Ocean Color Located on the southern side of the straits is the town of Mackinaw City, Michigan, the site of Fort Michilimackinac, a reconstructed French fort founded in 1715, and on the northern side is St. Ignace, Michigan, site of a French Catholic mission to the Indians, founded in 1671. 53.1, 17.7], Also indicated are the maximum and minimum water temperatures that were recorded this month for the last ten years. Lake Michigan water levels remain near the highest observed monthly levels (since at least 1918). Anglers receive meals and drinks during full-day fishing trips as well. The best time of the day to go fishing on Lake Michigan in spring is between early morning and midday. Lake Superior's long-term average surface water temperature is around 46 degrees now, but the lake is. 0.4], June is a good time to target coho salmon as well as rainbow trout. [Southern Region], Lake Michigan Port Images Photos will be available to all users after verification by the moderator. This is likely to lead to decreasing native habitat and to adversely affect native species survival, including game fish. The most recent period with similar lake levels was 1986-1987. Whether the data are measured in 'mm' over the lake surface or cubic meters per second ('cms', for those variables dealing with water volumes) For temperatures, whether the data are for the average 'max'imum, 'min'imum, or 'mean' air temperature over a particular month, and whether the temperatures are 'mod'elled (water temps). There is a mean difference in summer water temperatures of 5 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit (2 to 5 degrees Celsius) between the Wisconsin and Michigan shores. var data = google.visualization.arrayToDataTable([ National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [42] The prime commercial species is the lake whitefish. [13] In the earliest European maps of the region, the name of Lake Illinois has been found in addition to that of "Michigan", named for the Illinois Confederation of tribes. To find out the sea temperature today and in the coming days, go to Current sea temperature in Lake Michigan Lake Michigan surface temperature in July In the early 17th century, when western European explorers made their first forays into the region, they encountered descendants of the Late Woodland Native Americans: the historic Chippewa; Menominee; Sauk; Fox; Winnebago; Miami; Ottawa; and Potawatomi peoples. Water surface temperature values are available in real time. Minimum water temperature in Lake Michigan in June is 41F, maximum - 62F. Commercial tug-and-barge traffic on these waterways is heavy. [20] In 2007, a row of stones paralleling an ancient shoreline was discovered by Mark Holley, professor of underwater archeology at Northwestern Michigan College. Average monthly sea temperatures in Lake Michigan Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec C: 3.4: 2.7: 2.7: 3.4: 4.7: 11.3: 19.6: 21.4: 19.3: Small silver spoons and power lines work well for fishing the lake during the summer months. A lot of steelhead can be found in the Manistee, Muskegon, and Pere Marquette rivers. Since then, he has authored a vast range of content and established a loyal base of 75,000 visitors per month. [26] Lake Michigan has a surface area of 22,404sqmi (58,030km2); (13,237 square miles (34,280km2) lying in Michigan,[6] 7,358 square miles (19,060km2) in Wisconsin, 234 square miles (610km2) in Indiana, & 1,576 square miles (4,080km2) in Illinois) making it the largest lake entirely within one country by surface area (Lake Baikal in Russia is larger by water volume) and the fifth-largest lake in the world. [Holland/Saugatuck] temperature is around 72.5F / 22.5C, August is the month with the highest temperature. Flooding impacts along the immediate shore are typically closely tied to wave height. Lake Michigan is one of the largest lakes in North America and is home to some of the best trout and salmon fishing in the country. 2.7, [24], Hydrologically Michigan and Huron are the same body of water (sometimes called Lake Michigan-Huron) but are normally considered distinct. For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish Lake Superior, please check out this helpful guide. Knowing the best and worst conditions can have an outsized impact on how many bass you will catch. National Briefing Its more comfortable to fish during the morning hours in summer because anglers can avoid heat. ], Midday fishing on Lake Michigan is productive during the cold months of the year. The sand is often soft and off-white, known as "singing sands" because of the squeaking noise (caused by high quartz content) it emits when walked upon. This was, in order of volume: iron ore, grain and potash. Alternate names for Lake MichiganLac Dauphin, Lac Des Ilinois, Lac Ilinois, Lac Michigan, Lac des Eaux de Mer, Lacus Ilinois, Lago Michigan, Lake Ilinois, Lake Illinese, Lake Michigan, Le Lac de Saint Joseph, Machihiganing, Match-I-Hi-Gan-Ing, Match-i-hi-gan-ing, Michigami, Michigan Lake, Michigansee, Misch-I-Gon-Ong, Misch-i-gon-ong, Mishigan Lake, Missihiganin, Mitchiganons. [35] In March 2014 BP's Whiting refinery was responsible for spilling more than 1,600 US gallons (6,100L) of oil into the lake. The Conference came into force, in December 2008, with the enactment of laws in all of the states and the two provinces, and the enactment of a United States federal law. We also take into account data for other resorts in United States. 7], NWS [17] French coureurs des bois and voyageurs established small ports and trading communities, such as Green Bay, on the lake during the late 17th and early 18th centuries. Sharma co-authored a startling article entitled Forecasting the Permanent Loss of Lake Ice in the Northern Hemisphere Within the 21st Century. Whihala Beach in Whiting, IN. Lake levels are now high enough to impact more inland areas, such as protected harbors and overbank areas along some rivers. Average monthly sea temperatures in Lake Michigan Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec C: 3.4: 2.7: 2.7: 3.4: 4.7: 11.3: 19.6: 21.4: 19.3: Air temperatures in Michigan vary from 18F to 34F during the winter months. The Straits of Mackinac were an important Native American and fur trade route. It was originally home to lake whitefish, lake trout, yellow perch, panfish, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and bowfin, as well as some species of catfish. The graph below shows the range of monthly Lake Michigan water temperature derived from many years of historical sea surface temperature data. The best time to fish Lake Michigan is April to May for yellow perch and bass, from May to June for lake steelhead and trout, July to August for king salmon, and June through October for coho salmon. The best time of the day to fish Lake Michigan in March is between the late morning and midday. Photos will be available to all users after verification by the moderator. The Lake Michigan division of the Michigan Islands National Wildlife Refuge is also within the lake, as is the Green Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Klump reached the bottom via submersible as part of a research expedition. 1: {gridlines: {color: 'black'}, Disclaimer 52.5, Watch/Warning/Advisory Criteria, Local Forecasts [31], Lake levels tend to be the lowest in winter. Salmon continues to bite until the late summer. Accessed: 4/12/2022. 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. Minimum water temperature in Lake Michigan in September is 57F, maximum - 75F. Even minor events on the lake may cause flooding of low-lying areas near the lake such as beaches, parks, and trails. USGS Current Water Data for Michigan. The Chicago lakefront is accessible for about 24 miles (39km) between the city's southern and northern limits along the lake. 32.5, Based on average water temperature observations over the past ten years, the warmest water temperature in Lake Michigan in July was 74.3F (in Green Bay), and the coldest 63.3F (in Kewaunee). For more inland areas such as marinas, protected harbors, and the lower reaches of some rivers, the average lake level plus storm surge is important. Long term average surface water temperature compared to current year (Graphs) Superior. Marine It makes sense to fish in Muskegon Lake port. Lake Michigan water temperature right now Below are the cities and resorts in Lake Michigan with the values of water temperature today and yesterday. I've been watching Lake Michigan water temperatures drop a lot. air temperature is around 72.5F / 22.5C, August is the month with the highest temperature. Also indicated are the maximum and minimum temperatures in July for these locations based on observations over the past 10 years. The Lake Express, established in 2004, carries passengers and vehicles across the lake between Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and Muskegon, Michigan. [Central Region] ['January', The Michigan City water temperature sensor is located at a water intake one mile offshore and 60 feet below water surface. 68.4, Fish can be found in the rivers around the lake. Sorry, the location you searched for was not found. National Weather Service 33.8, Anglers who fish Lake Michigan in the fall get excellent results between the early morning and afternoon. Oftentimes, largemouth bass bites well on Indianas shoreline and near rocky areas. October: A lot of salmon can be found in the Muskegon River between the middle of October. Water temperature in Grand Traverse Bay is . When algae die it floats to the surface and acts like a sponge, capturing E.coli and fecal runoff from farm fields sprayed with animal waste and overflow septic systems. Lake Michigan Regions. If we continue to generate greenhouse gases at current rate, Lake Superior would not freeze after the 2060s, said researcher Sapna Sharma. Last summer, Lake Michigan was 10 degrees above normal, which resulted in the water taking longer to cool down in the winter. Severe Weather Preparedness This makes for pleasant swimming but curbs its temperature moderation along the shore. ['October', Salmon bite well in the early morning and late evening. [33] Keith Kompoltowicz, chief of watershed hydrology for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' district office in Detroit, explained that biggest factors leading to the lower water levels in 2013 were a combination of the "lack of a large snowpack" in the winter of 2011/2012 coupled with very hot and dry conditions in the summer of 2012. The French explorer Jean Nicolet is believed to have been the first European to reach Lake Michigan, possibly in 1634 or 1638. Traditionally, fishermen get a lot of bites in the afternoon. The great lakes are notorious for unstable and unpredictable ice conditions so be careful and never fish alone. 1.1], September: Its possible to catch a trophy Chinook salmon in September. More information about factors affecting lake levels is available from the US Army Corps of Engineers. Lake Michigan does not freeze completely during the winter months. Once you arrive here, you will find that there is no shortage of activities or entertainment. The main inflow to Lake Michigan from Lake Superior, through Lake Huron, is controlled by the locks operated by the bi-national Lake Superior Board of Control. 39.4, The captains are knowledgeable, friendly, and are sure to put you on fish. Spring fishing in Lake Michigan is good between the middle of April and May. Enhanced Hazardous Weather Outlook Based on average water temperature observations over the past ten years, the warmest water temperature in Lake Michigan in August was 73.4F (in Michigan City), and the coldest 67.1F . Below are the cities and resorts in Lake Michigan with the values of water temperature today and yesterday. Lake Michigan, like the other Great Lakes, supplies drinking water to millions of people in bordering areas. Lighthouse Place Outlet Shopping Mall, Blue Chip Hotel, Blue Chip Casino, Michigan City Marina, Michigan City East Pierhead Light, Lubeznik Center for the Arts, Monkey Island, Australian Aviary, Alligators, Petting Yard, Hawks, Otters, Cougars, Bears, Wolves, Bengal tiger, Lions, Fallow deer, Zebras, Australian Walk About: Wallaby and Emu, Bald eagles, Bobcats, Upper Aviary, Tortoise, Raptors. During this twelve-month period, water levels ranged from 1.38to 0.71 feet (4222cm) below Chart Datum. Presented weather data are now available for each of the resorts. In this article, we will discover the best times of day to fish Lake Michigan for a variety of species. The most recent period with similar lake levels was1986-1987. Jetstream Terms and conditions | Privacy Policy | Contacts. Lake Michigan water temperatures in spring vary from 51F to 74F. Lake Michigan's fishing is very productive in the fall. It started in 2009 as a fun-loving site covering Michigan's Upper Thumb. Elevated lake levels increase impacts along the shore during storm events. [36], Lake Michigan has many beaches. Enhanced Data Display (EDD) In 2002, 162million net tons of dry bulk cargo were moved via the Lakes. Anglers can fish for brown trout and lake trout as well as Coho salmon and Chinook salmon in May. 33.1, Steelhead bites well during low light conditions. 44.2, [24], The sand dunes located on the east shore of Lake Michigan are the largest freshwater dune system in the world. Discover the best time of day to catch bass, trout, catfish, panfish, walleye, carp, and many more depending on the season, moon phases, and weather. Best Water Temperatures for Perch Fishing (Complete Guide). I am an avid angler and outdoorsman. [Beaver Island] Lake Michigan beaches in Northern Michigan are the only place in the world, aside from a few inland lakes in that region, where Petoskey stones, the Michigan state stone, can be found.[39]. ['November', Average water temperature in the first decade is 68F, in the middle of the month - 70F, and at the end - 71F. August is the month with the hottest water temperature at 77.9F / 25.5C. Find out the temperature of sea water in more than 12000 cities and resorts around the world. Some beaches have sand dunes covered in green beach grass and sand cherries, and the water is usually clear and cool, between 55 and 80F (13 and 27C),[38] even in the late summer months. 44.6, There is a concern that the record-setting Great Lakes water temps could lead to the growth of cyanobacteria; specifically with high Saginaw Bay water temps. Large dune formations can be seen in many state parks, national forests and national parks along the Indiana and Michigan shoreline. ['September', NWS Training Portal Seasonal Guide: Best Times to Catch Big Bass. Fish starts feeding actively at the beginning of the month. Wind direction is a significant factor for the Lake Michigan water temperature. Warmer water temperatures are causing ice to form later in the year and terminating the ice season early. ', 'Max. Aviation Local anglers can catch a variety of fish species in the lake during the fall months. ['June', Contact: Data Questions oar.glerl.data@noaa.gov General Information oar.glerl.www@noaa.gov Updated: 02/23/2023 You can travel to the Lake Michigan area by plane, train, car or boat. June: The run for steelhead is coming to an end in the early summer and they can be found in warmer waters in the lake. [Chicago] [6][27] It contains a volume of 1,180 cubic miles (4,918km) of water. Want to Know the Best Time of Day to Fish? The month with the lowest is March with an average water temperature of 32.9F / 0.5C. Today water temperature in Lake Michigan is 35.4F. [Central Northern Region] These maps are mostly helpful for determining locations below the lake level at a given elevation. GLERL [Milwaukee] To find out the sea temperature today . var options = { The Chicago Tribune reported that BP is a major polluter, dumping thousands of pounds of raw sludge into the lake every day from its Whiting, Indiana, oil refinery. [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. [30] The monthly average high-water records were broken for several months in a row in 2020. However, because prevailing westerly winds tend to move the surface water toward the east, there is a flow of warmer water to the Michigan shore in the summer. Salmon go to deeper waters of Lake Michigan during the spring months. Parts of the shoreline are within the Hiawatha National Forest and the Manistee National Forest. GLSEA Consequently, discharge data may not . Fall steelhead are well-known for their aggressive bites. However, several introduced invasive species, such as lampreys, round goby, zebra mussels and quagga mussels, continue to cause major changes in water clarity and fertility, resulting in knock-on changes to Lake Michigan's ecosystem, threatening the vitality of native fish populations. This is one of the longest vertical temperature records in existence anywhere in the Great Lakes. ['May', For example, 90% of the grain shipped from Chicago traveled by ships east over Lake Michigan during the antebellum years.