Water Monitoring Stations
Water Monitoring Stations
Since 2019, PMTU, in partnership with Trout Unlimited National and Michigan TU, has deployed 50+ water monitors throughout the Pere Marquette River watershed. The monitors will capture readings throughout the summer months and into October when they will be retrieved. The data gathered will be critical to understanding and prioritizing the initiatives needed to maintain the health and vitality of our cold-water fishery.
You can view real-time and historical data from these stations:
The Beginning
The project began in September 2019 when PMTU volunteers worked with TU National to install two water monitoring stations that collect real-time water conditions and temperature data on the Pere Marquette River. The stations are located near the M-37 bridge (start of the flies-only section) and near Bowman Bridge.
These monitors will help protect trout in summer, when temperatures are too warm, and fishing becomes lethal by stressing fish beyond their ability to recover. For example, brook trout begin to stress at 65 degrees. When water temperatures reach 68 degrees, both rainbow and brown trout become stressed, and temperatures over 70 degrees can be lethal. The optimal feeding and movement water temperatures for rainbow and brown trout are 44 to 67 degrees. PMTU is working with local shops, outfitters, and other conservation groups to share its link to their websites and Facebook pages. By promoting awareness, the fishing public and fishing guides can seek out sections of cooler water or opt for warm-water species at times when temperatures are too warm.