MONONGAHELA R AT MORGANTOWN LOCK & DAM (LOWER), WV

Water temperature for trout, salmon and steelhead

From USGS 03062445 (MONONGAHELA R AT MORGANTOWN LOCK & DAM (UPPER), WV), on the same river at the same spot; this gauge does not measure water temperature.

Federal guidance. West Virginia DNR publishes no water-temperature line for trout anglers that we found. The lines below are the National Park Service's, federal guidance, not a West Virginia rule:

• Under the federal 68°F line. Water 59.4°F now; the highest in the last 24 hours was 60.3°F. That is under the 68°F at which the National Park Service, at Grand Teton National Park, recommends anglers stop fishing in the afternoon (“cease fishing at 2 p.m. when water temperatures are likely to exceed 68°F”). Water warms through the afternoon, so check again later in the day: “Carry a pocket thermometer to monitor water temperature.”

  High water temperatures prompt fishing advisory in Grand Teton National Park (29 July 2022) (National Park Service)

Species

Species list not on file for this gauge. Check the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources: West Virginia fish stocking schedule · West Virginia fishing regulations.

Safety

• Below NWS action stage. The National Weather Service reports this gauge below its action stage. That is not a statement that wading is safe.

  Flood categories: action stage, minor, moderate and major flooding (National Weather Service)

• Cold water. Water 59.4°F. NWS: “Cold shock can be just as severe and dangerous from water temperatures of 50-60°F (10-15°C) as it is from water at 35°F (2°C).” “Always wear a life jacket in and around the water.”

  Cold Water Hazards and Safety (National Weather Service)

• Turn Around Don't Drown. “A mere 6 inches of fast-moving flood water can knock over an adult.” No flow number makes a crossing safe; if in doubt, stay out.

  Turn Around Don't Drown (National Weather Service)