The Saint Joseph River is a freestone river in Michigan, listed as Steelhead / salmon water by Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
4 USGS gauges on the water report flow; Michigan Department of Natural Resources lists 2 species, including chinook salmon and steelhead.
Saint Joseph River is a freestone river in Michigan.
Pick one of its USGS gauges and hear from us when the flow moves into or out of its usual range for the date, or crosses a flow you set. We check the public USGS reading every 2 hours and email only when it crosses, at most once every 6 hours. Flow alone is not a fishing forecast or a safety call.
Signed in: one step. Otherwise we email a confirmation link first. Every alert has one-click links to stop it.
Start from the agency's public access map. Nothing on this page grants or implies access: check the agency map, posted signs and landowner permission before you fish.
Nothing on this page grants or implies access.
Gauges, shops and guides within 40 miles
Map of Saint Joseph River: gauges, shops and guides
Map of Saint Joseph River with 4 USGS gauges.
Restrooms within 2 miles of Saint Joseph River in a straight line, nearest first, with what anglers found when they went. The map says a restroom is there, not whether it is clean or open today.
No restroom mapped within 2 mi yet — add one you know.
Campgrounds, fishing access sites and boat ramps often have one that isn't on the map yet.
Restroom locations and map details: © OpenStreetMap contributors, Open Database License, read Oct 24, 2026. Ratings, answers and photos are members' own; who shared them is never shown, and every photo is reviewed before it appears. Visits older than 18 months no longer count. Distances are straight-line miles, not driving. Nothing here grants access to private land. Community guidelines.
Steelhead / salmon waterThe Huron River at Ann Arbor, Michigan, from the Broadway Street bridge. Photo: Chris Rycroft from Madison, Wisconsin, United States, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Steelhead / salmon waterThe Muskegon River near Newaygo, Michigan. Photo: Marc Steensma, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Steelhead / salmon waterRepresentative photo · not Kalamazoo RiverThe Pere Marquette River in autumn, Manistee National Forest. Photo: Yetiwriter, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons Not Kalamazoo River.
Steelhead / salmon waterRepresentative photo · not Grand RiverThe Manistee River, Michigan. Photo: Eric Schmuttenmaer, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons Not Grand River.
Blue RibbonRepresentative photo · not Maple RiverThe Au Sable River from the Highbanks, Huron-Manistee National Forests. Photo: Jessica Piispanen / USFWS, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons Not Maple River.
Michigan · about 94 mi
Blue RibbonRepresentative photo · not White RiverThe Boardman River in the Brown Bridge Quiet Area, near Traverse City. Photo: Phoenix-Five, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons Not White River.
Michigan · about 110 mi
Seasons, limits, special regulations and closures for each reach are on the agency pages below. Read them before you go.
Each comes from the agency's own published list; where the list names a reach it is quoted. A designation applies to the listed reach, not necessarily the whole water. Listed in the finder under salmon & steelhead.
On the Showcasing the DNR: Generations of Michigan steelhead fishing (popular steelhead rivers) list (Michigan Department of Natural Resources, read 2026-10-16). All waters with this designation
Listings marked Unclaimed are built from open map records and the business's own website: confirm licensing, rates, dates and hours directly.
No guide within 40 miles yet.
No shop nearby yet.
The species the agency lists here; presence varies by reach and season.
Listed by the state agency
Species guide
Winter steelhead fishing on the Skagit River, Washington (Doug Wilson, U.S. National Archives and Records Administration). Photo: Doug Wilson, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Species guide
Chinook salmon moving upstream in the lower Tuolumne River, California (Dan Cook, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service). Photo: Dan Cook (USFWS), public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
2 hatches charted for the region, not measured on this water. From Michigan DNR.
Hex (Hexagenia) (June to July) · Mayflies, stoneflies and caddisflies (June)
None of our destination hubs is within 40 miles in a straight line. The trip planner builds a trip around the water itself: the guides and shops listed within 40 miles of it, its gauges and its nearest towns and airports.
No hub within 40 miles
Matched on the fish the agencies list for both waters first, then the same water type, an official designation or flagship listing on both, and a similar mapped size where USGS hydrography covers both.
At most two waters per country. A shared fish is a listing, not a promise: presence varies by reach and season.
Like the Saint Joseph River? Same fish, overseas.
Flagship waterThe Hurunui River on the Jollie Brook Circuit, Canterbury. Photo: Michal Klajban, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Freestone riverThe Santa Cruz River from National Route 40, downstream of Lago Argentino. Photo: Fredlyfish4, CC BY-SA 4.0, cropped, via Wikimedia Commons
Flagship waterThe Rakaia River where the Wilberforce joins it, Canterbury. Photo: Michal Klajban, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Freestone river
Freestone riverThe Río Futaleufú, Los Lagos. Photo: Kaaty.7, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Freestone riverRepresentative photo · not Río PetrohuéThe Río Puelo at Las Gualas, Cochamó. Photo: Nicolás from seno de reloncaví, Chile, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons Not Río Petrohué.
Southern seasons open while ours close.
Flagship waterPenstock Lagoon, Central Highlands, Tasmania. Photo: Mike Cline, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Freestone riverRepresentative photo · not Río PetrohuéThe banks of the Río Palena near La Junta, Aysén. Photo: Lin linao, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons Not Río Petrohué.
Lake or reservoirRepresentative photo · not Lago LlanquihueThe Río Simpson passing Coyhaique, Aysén. Photo: Manxuc, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons Not Lago Llanquihue.
Lake or reservoir
Flagship waterRepresentative photo · not Mataura RiverThe Oreti River near Lumsden, Southland. Photo: Krzysztof Golik, CC BY-SA 4.0, cropped, via Wikimedia Commons Not Mataura River.
Flagship waterGreat Lake, Tasmania. Photo: Peripitus, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
A practical checklist for fly fishing small mountain trout streams: a short 3–4 weight rod, light line, a few buoyant dries and simple wet-wading gear, with estimated prices and where to buy.
7′6″–8′6″ rod, 3–4 weight, floating line · Brook, cutthroat, rainbow and brown trout
Open the checklistSeams, shelves and soft water, shown on real rivers.
Public YouTube videos from established channels, chosen by us to support this page. Not sponsored; the creators are not affiliated with Legendary Fly Gear.
Not sponsored All videos on reading water
Indicator rigs, depth and detecting the take.
Public YouTube videos from established channels, chosen by us to support this page. Not sponsored; the creators are not affiliated with Legendary Fly Gear.
Not sponsored All videos on nymphing
Trip stories anglers chose to share publicly and tagged with Saint Joseph River.
No stories from here yet.
Not a statement of access, fish presence or conditions.
A water page organises discovery. It does not assert public access, legal access, current fish presence, guide availability or fishing conditions.
Flows, gauge statistics and flood stages come from USGS and the National Weather Service when the page is shown. Regulations, stocking, species and season statements link to the agency that publishes them; this page copies only the species names and the quoted sentences. Guide and shop listings come from the Legendary directories. Position: the USGS gauge ST. JOSEPH RIVER AT THREE RIVERS, MI. Water type is our own classification.
Limited data: Normal flow for the date: no water temperature here
No water temperature here.
At ST. JOSEPH RIVER AT BURLINGTON, MI (USGS 04096405) · 1 of 4 gauges below Provisional USGS data
USGS 04096405 · NWS BURM4
What the agencies suggest
Carry a pocket thermometer to monitor water temperatureNational Park Service
General guidance from the readings and the published lines named above, not a fishing forecast. Local rules and closures come first.
Reading Nov 5, 6:00 PM EST · provisional USGS data
Normal for Nov 5 Steady · 24 h Below NWS action stage
Discharge, last 7 days: 169 readings from Oct 29, 7:30 PM EDT to Nov 5, 6:00 PM EST; ranging 75.1 to 77.4 ft³/s; latest 77.4 ft³/s.
USGS provisional data may be revised. Source: USGS instantaneous values.
| Time | Discharge (ft³/s) | Gauge height (ft) |
|---|---|---|
| Nov 5, 6:00 PM EST | 77.4 | 3.31 |
| Nov 5, 5:00 PM EST | 77.4 | 3.31 |
| Nov 5, 4:00 PM EST | 77.4 | 3.31 |
| Nov 5, 3:00 PM EST | 77.4 | 3.31 |
| Nov 5, 2:00 PM EST | 77.4 | 3.31 |
| Nov 5, 1:00 PM EST | 77.4 | 3.31 |
| Nov 5, 12:00 PM EST | 77.4 | 3.31 |
| Nov 5, 11:00 AM EST | 77.4 | 3.31 |
| Nov 5, 10:00 AM EST | 77.4 | 3.31 |
| Nov 5, 9:00 AM EST | 77.4 | 3.31 |
| Nov 5, 8:00 AM EST | 77.4 | 3.31 |
| Nov 5, 7:00 AM EST | 77.4 | 3.31 |
| Nov 5, 6:00 AM EST | 77.4 | 3.31 |
| Nov 5, 5:00 AM EST | 77.4 | 3.31 |
| Nov 5, 4:00 AM EST | 77.4 | 3.31 |
| Nov 5, 3:00 AM EST | 77.4 | 3.31 |
| Nov 5, 2:00 AM EST | 77.4 | 3.31 |
| Nov 5, 1:00 AM EST | 77.4 | 3.31 |
| Nov 5, 12:00 AM EST | 77.4 | 3.31 |
| Nov 4, 11:00 PM EST | 77.4 | 3.31 |
| Nov 4, 10:00 PM EST | 77.4 | 3.31 |
| Nov 4, 9:00 PM EST | 77.4 | 3.31 |
| Nov 4, 8:00 PM EST | 77.4 | 3.31 |
| Nov 4, 7:00 PM EST | 77.4 | 3.31 |
| Nov 4, 6:00 PM EST | 77.4 | 3.31 |
| Nov 4, 5:00 PM EST | 77.4 | 3.31 |
| Nov 4, 4:00 PM EST | 77.4 | 3.31 |
| Nov 4, 3:00 PM EST | 77.4 | 3.31 |
| Nov 4, 2:00 PM EST | 77.4 | 3.31 |
| Nov 4, 1:00 PM EST | 77.4 | 3.31 |
| Nov 4, 12:00 PM EST | 77.4 | 3.31 |
| Nov 4, 11:00 AM EST | 77.4 | 3.31 |
| Nov 4, 10:00 AM EST | 77.4 | 3.31 |
| Nov 4, 9:00 AM EST | 77.4 | 3.31 |
| Nov 4, 8:00 AM EST | 76.3 | 3.3 |
| Nov 4, 7:00 AM EST | 76.3 | 3.3 |
| Nov 4, 6:00 AM EST | 76.3 | 3.3 |
| Nov 4, 5:00 AM EST | 75.1 | 3.29 |
| Nov 4, 4:00 AM EST | 75.1 | 3.29 |
| Nov 4, 3:00 AM EST | 75.1 | 3.29 |
| Nov 4, 2:00 AM EST | 75.1 | 3.29 |
| Nov 4, 1:00 AM EST | 75.1 | 3.29 |
| Nov 4, 12:00 AM EST | 75.1 | 3.29 |
| Nov 3, 11:00 PM EST | 75.1 | 3.29 |
| Nov 3, 10:00 PM EST | 75.1 | 3.29 |
| Nov 3, 9:00 PM EST | 75.1 | 3.29 |
| Nov 3, 8:00 PM EST | 75.1 | 3.29 |
| Nov 3, 7:00 PM EST | 75.1 | 3.29 |
| Nov 3, 6:00 PM EST | 75.1 | 3.29 |
| Nov 3, 5:00 PM EST | 75.1 | 3.29 |
| Nov 3, 4:00 PM EST | 75.1 | 3.29 |
| Nov 3, 3:00 PM EST | 75.1 | 3.29 |
| Nov 3, 2:00 PM EST | 75.1 | 3.29 |
| Nov 3, 1:00 PM EST | 75.1 | 3.29 |
| Nov 3, 12:00 PM EST | 75.1 | 3.29 |
| Nov 3, 11:00 AM EST | 75.1 | 3.29 |
| Nov 3, 10:00 AM EST | 75.1 | 3.29 |
| Nov 3, 9:00 AM EST | 75.1 | 3.29 |
| Nov 3, 8:00 AM EST | 75.1 | 3.29 |
| Nov 3, 7:00 AM EST | 75.1 | 3.29 |
| Nov 3, 6:00 AM EST | 75.1 | 3.29 |
| Nov 3, 5:00 AM EST | 75.1 | 3.29 |
| Nov 3, 4:00 AM EST | 75.1 | 3.29 |
| Nov 3, 3:00 AM EST | 75.1 | 3.29 |
| Nov 3, 2:00 AM EST | 75.1 | 3.29 |
| Nov 3, 1:00 AM EST | 75.1 | 3.29 |
| Nov 3, 12:00 AM EST | 75.1 | 3.29 |
| Nov 2, 11:00 PM EST | 75.1 | 3.29 |
| Nov 2, 10:00 PM EST | 75.1 | 3.29 |
| Nov 2, 9:00 PM EST | 75.1 | 3.29 |
| Nov 2, 8:00 PM EST | 75.1 | 3.29 |
| Nov 2, 7:00 PM EST | 75.1 | 3.29 |
| Nov 2, 6:00 PM EST | 75.1 | 3.29 |
| Nov 2, 5:00 PM EST | 75.1 | 3.29 |
| Nov 2, 4:00 PM EST | 75.1 | 3.29 |
| Nov 2, 3:00 PM EST | 75.1 | 3.29 |
| Nov 2, 2:00 PM EST | 75.1 | 3.29 |
| Nov 2, 1:00 PM EST | 75.1 | 3.29 |
| Nov 2, 12:00 PM EST | 75.1 | 3.29 |
| Nov 2, 11:00 AM EST | 75.1 | 3.29 |
| Nov 2, 10:00 AM EST | 75.1 | 3.29 |
| Nov 2, 9:00 AM EST | 75.1 | 3.29 |
| Nov 2, 8:00 AM EST | 75.1 | 3.29 |
| Nov 2, 7:00 AM EST | 75.1 | 3.29 |
| Nov 2, 6:00 AM EST | 75.1 | 3.29 |
| Nov 2, 5:00 AM EST | 75.1 | 3.29 |
| Nov 2, 4:00 AM EST | 75.1 | 3.29 |
| Nov 2, 3:00 AM EST | 75.1 | 3.29 |
| Nov 2, 2:00 AM EST | 75.1 | 3.29 |
| Nov 2, 1:00 AM EST | 75.1 | 3.29 |
| Nov 2, 12:00 AM EST | 75.1 | 3.29 |
| Nov 1, 11:00 PM EST | 75.1 | 3.29 |
| Nov 1, 10:00 PM EST | 75.1 | 3.29 |
| Nov 1, 9:00 PM EST | 75.1 | 3.29 |
| Nov 1, 8:00 PM EST | 75.1 | 3.29 |
| Nov 1, 7:00 PM EST | 75.1 | 3.29 |
| Nov 1, 6:00 PM EST | 75.1 | 3.29 |
| Nov 1, 5:00 PM EST | 75.1 | 3.29 |
| Nov 1, 4:00 PM EST | 75.1 | 3.29 |
| Nov 1, 3:00 PM EST | 75.1 | 3.29 |
| Nov 1, 2:00 PM EST | 75.1 | 3.29 |
| Nov 1, 1:00 PM EST | 76.3 | 3.3 |
| Nov 1, 12:00 PM EST | 75.1 | 3.29 |
| Nov 1, 11:00 AM EST | 75.1 | 3.29 |
| Nov 1, 10:00 AM EST | 75.1 | 3.29 |
| Nov 1, 9:00 AM EST | 75.1 | 3.29 |
| Nov 1, 8:00 AM EST | 75.1 | 3.29 |
| Nov 1, 7:00 AM EST | 75.1 | 3.29 |
| Nov 1, 6:00 AM EST | 75.1 | 3.29 |
| Nov 1, 5:00 AM EST | 75.1 | 3.29 |
| Nov 1, 4:00 AM EST | 75.1 | 3.29 |
| Nov 1, 3:00 AM EST | 75.1 | 3.29 |
| Nov 1, 2:00 AM EST | 75.1 | 3.29 |
| Nov 1, 1:00 AM EST | 75.1 | 3.29 |
| Nov 1, 1:00 AM EDT | 75.1 | 3.29 |
| Nov 1, 12:00 AM EDT | 75.1 | 3.29 |
| Oct 31, 11:00 PM EDT | 75.1 | 3.29 |
| Oct 31, 10:00 PM EDT | 75.1 | 3.29 |
| Oct 31, 9:00 PM EDT | 75.1 | 3.29 |
| Oct 31, 8:00 PM EDT | 75.1 | 3.29 |
| Oct 31, 7:00 PM EDT | 75.1 | 3.29 |
| Oct 31, 6:00 PM EDT | 75.1 | 3.29 |
| Oct 31, 5:00 PM EDT | 75.1 | 3.29 |
| Oct 31, 4:00 PM EDT | 75.1 | 3.29 |
| Oct 31, 3:00 PM EDT | 75.1 | 3.29 |
| Oct 31, 2:00 PM EDT | 75.1 | 3.29 |
| Oct 31, 1:00 PM EDT | 75.1 | 3.29 |
| Oct 31, 12:00 PM EDT | 75.1 | 3.29 |
| Oct 31, 11:00 AM EDT | 75.1 | 3.29 |
| Oct 31, 10:00 AM EDT | 76.3 | 3.3 |
| Oct 31, 9:00 AM EDT | 76.3 | 3.3 |
| Oct 31, 8:00 AM EDT | 76.3 | 3.3 |
| Oct 31, 7:00 AM EDT | 76.3 | 3.3 |
| Oct 31, 6:00 AM EDT | 76.3 | 3.3 |
| Oct 31, 5:00 AM EDT | 76.3 | 3.3 |
| Oct 31, 4:00 AM EDT | 76.3 | 3.3 |
| Oct 31, 3:00 AM EDT | 76.3 | 3.3 |
| Oct 31, 2:00 AM EDT | 76.3 | 3.3 |
| Oct 31, 1:00 AM EDT | 76.3 | 3.3 |
| Oct 31, 12:00 AM EDT | 76.3 | 3.3 |
| Oct 30, 11:00 PM EDT | 76.3 | 3.3 |
| Oct 30, 10:00 PM EDT | 76.3 | 3.3 |
| Oct 30, 9:00 PM EDT | 76.3 | 3.3 |
| Oct 30, 8:00 PM EDT | 76.3 | 3.3 |
| Oct 30, 7:00 PM EDT | 76.3 | 3.3 |
| Oct 30, 6:00 PM EDT | 76.3 | 3.3 |
| Oct 30, 5:00 PM EDT | 76.3 | 3.3 |
| Oct 30, 4:00 PM EDT | 76.3 | 3.3 |
| Oct 30, 3:00 PM EDT | 76.3 | 3.3 |
| Oct 30, 2:00 PM EDT | 76.3 | 3.3 |
| Oct 30, 1:00 PM EDT | 76.3 | 3.3 |
| Oct 30, 12:00 PM EDT | 76.3 | 3.3 |
| Oct 30, 11:00 AM EDT | 76.3 | 3.3 |
| Oct 30, 10:00 AM EDT | 76.3 | 3.3 |
| Oct 30, 9:00 AM EDT | 77.4 | 3.31 |
| Oct 30, 8:00 AM EDT | 77.4 | 3.31 |
| Oct 30, 7:00 AM EDT | 77.4 | 3.31 |
| Oct 30, 6:00 AM EDT | 77.4 | 3.31 |
| Oct 30, 5:00 AM EDT | 77.4 | 3.31 |
| Oct 30, 4:00 AM EDT | 77.4 | 3.31 |
| Oct 30, 3:00 AM EDT | 77.4 | 3.31 |
| Oct 30, 2:00 AM EDT | 77.4 | 3.31 |
| Oct 30, 1:00 AM EDT | 77.4 | 3.31 |
| Oct 30, 12:00 AM EDT | 77.4 | 3.31 |
| Oct 29, 11:00 PM EDT | 77.4 | 3.31 |
| Oct 29, 10:00 PM EDT | 77.4 | 3.31 |
| Oct 29, 9:00 PM EDT | 77.4 | 3.31 |
| Oct 29, 8:00 PM EDT | 77.4 | 3.31 |
| Oct 29, 7:30 PM EDT | 77.4 | 3.31 |
Normal for Nov 5: 70–164 ft³/s (middle half of 64 years of record). Now: 77.4 ft³/s, normal.
Normal for this date. 77.4 ft³/s is between the 25th and 75th percentiles of daily mean flow for Nov 5 at this gauge over 64 years of record (1963–2026): 10th 45, 25th 70, median 101, 75th 164, 90th 202 ft³/s.
Daily means on record for Nov 5: lowest 23 ft³/s, highest 479 ft³/s.
Classes as USGS labels them (hyswap: flow categories (WDFN_stats schema) (U.S. Geological Survey) ); percentiles from the USGS daily statistics (U.S. Geological Survey) (approved daily means; the reading is provisional and instantaneous).
Steady over 24 hours (+0% discharge). Rising or falling means a change of more than 10% in discharge (or 0.2 ft of gauge height) over 24 hours; our rule of thumb, not a USGS class.
Below NWS action stage. The National Weather Service reports this gauge below its action stage. That is not a statement that wading is safe.
NWS observed 3.31 ft stage, 76 ft³/s at Nov 5, 5:00 PM EST (NWS gauge BURM4; its stage datum can differ from the USGS gauge height).
Forecasts are issued as needed during times of high water, but are not routinely available.
Open the NWS gauge page · What the categories mean (National Weather Service)
No current water-temperature reading at this gauge, so no temperature guidance is given. Take a stream thermometer. Michigan 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 Michigan rule: 68°F.
Species the agency lists for Saint Joseph River: Chinook Salmon, Steelhead.
Source: Fishing in the fall is fun when you target salmon and steelhead (Michigan Department of Natural Resources).
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)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)Guidance from the readings above and the published thresholds named with each line; not a fishing forecast, a safety guarantee or a statement about access. Local rules and closures come first.
USGS 04097500 · NWS TRVM4
What the agencies suggest
Carry a pocket thermometer to monitor water temperatureNational Park Service
General guidance from the readings and the published lines named above, not a fishing forecast. Local rules and closures come first.
Reading Nov 5, 5:45 PM EST · provisional USGS data
Below normal for Nov 5 Steady · 24 h Below NWS action stage
Discharge, last 7 days: 169 readings from Oct 29, 7:30 PM EDT to Nov 5, 5:45 PM EST; ranging 467 to 687 ft³/s; latest 480 ft³/s.
USGS provisional data may be revised. Source: USGS instantaneous values.
| Time | Discharge (ft³/s) | Gauge height (ft) |
|---|---|---|
| Nov 5, 5:45 PM EST | 480 | 2.88 |
| Nov 5, 4:45 PM EST | 480 | 2.88 |
| Nov 5, 3:45 PM EST | 476 | 2.87 |
| Nov 5, 2:45 PM EST | 476 | 2.87 |
| Nov 5, 1:45 PM EST | 476 | 2.87 |
| Nov 5, 12:45 PM EST | 476 | 2.87 |
| Nov 5, 11:45 AM EST | 476 | 2.87 |
| Nov 5, 10:45 AM EST | 476 | 2.87 |
| Nov 5, 9:45 AM EST | 476 | 2.87 |
| Nov 5, 8:45 AM EST | 471 | 2.86 |
| Nov 5, 7:45 AM EST | 471 | 2.86 |
| Nov 5, 6:45 AM EST | 471 | 2.86 |
| Nov 5, 5:45 AM EST | 467 | 2.85 |
| Nov 5, 4:45 AM EST | 467 | 2.85 |
| Nov 5, 3:45 AM EST | 467 | 2.85 |
| Nov 5, 2:45 AM EST | 467 | 2.85 |
| Nov 5, 1:45 AM EST | 467 | 2.85 |
| Nov 5, 12:45 AM EST | 467 | 2.85 |
| Nov 4, 11:45 PM EST | 467 | 2.85 |
| Nov 4, 10:45 PM EST | 467 | 2.85 |
| Nov 4, 9:45 PM EST | 467 | 2.85 |
| Nov 4, 8:45 PM EST | 467 | 2.85 |
| Nov 4, 7:45 PM EST | 467 | 2.85 |
| Nov 4, 6:45 PM EST | 471 | 2.86 |
| Nov 4, 5:45 PM EST | 484 | 2.89 |
| Nov 4, 4:45 PM EST | 544 | 3.02 |
| Nov 4, 3:45 PM EST | 618 | 3.17 |
| Nov 4, 2:45 PM EST | 618 | 3.17 |
| Nov 4, 1:45 PM EST | 618 | 3.17 |
| Nov 4, 12:45 PM EST | 613 | 3.16 |
| Nov 4, 11:45 AM EST | 613 | 3.16 |
| Nov 4, 10:45 AM EST | 613 | 3.16 |
| Nov 4, 9:45 AM EST | 613 | 3.16 |
| Nov 4, 8:45 AM EST | 613 | 3.16 |
| Nov 4, 7:45 AM EST | 613 | 3.16 |
| Nov 4, 6:45 AM EST | 608 | 3.15 |
| Nov 4, 5:45 AM EST | 608 | 3.15 |
| Nov 4, 4:45 AM EST | 608 | 3.15 |
| Nov 4, 3:45 AM EST | 608 | 3.15 |
| Nov 4, 2:45 AM EST | 608 | 3.15 |
| Nov 4, 1:45 AM EST | 608 | 3.15 |
| Nov 4, 12:45 AM EST | 608 | 3.15 |
| Nov 3, 11:45 PM EST | 613 | 3.16 |
| Nov 3, 10:45 PM EST | 613 | 3.16 |
| Nov 3, 9:45 PM EST | 613 | 3.16 |
| Nov 3, 8:45 PM EST | 613 | 3.16 |
| Nov 3, 7:45 PM EST | 613 | 3.16 |
| Nov 3, 6:45 PM EST | 613 | 3.16 |
| Nov 3, 5:45 PM EST | 618 | 3.17 |
| Nov 3, 4:45 PM EST | 618 | 3.17 |
| Nov 3, 3:45 PM EST | 618 | 3.17 |
| Nov 3, 2:45 PM EST | 618 | 3.17 |
| Nov 3, 1:45 PM EST | 618 | 3.17 |
| Nov 3, 12:45 PM EST | 618 | 3.17 |
| Nov 3, 11:45 AM EST | 618 | 3.17 |
| Nov 3, 10:45 AM EST | 618 | 3.17 |
| Nov 3, 9:45 AM EST | 618 | 3.17 |
| Nov 3, 8:45 AM EST | 618 | 3.17 |
| Nov 3, 7:45 AM EST | 618 | 3.17 |
| Nov 3, 6:45 AM EST | 618 | 3.17 |
| Nov 3, 5:45 AM EST | 618 | 3.17 |
| Nov 3, 4:45 AM EST | 618 | 3.17 |
| Nov 3, 3:45 AM EST | 618 | 3.17 |
| Nov 3, 2:45 AM EST | 618 | 3.17 |
| Nov 3, 1:45 AM EST | 618 | 3.17 |
| Nov 3, 12:45 AM EST | 618 | 3.17 |
| Nov 2, 11:45 PM EST | 618 | 3.17 |
| Nov 2, 10:45 PM EST | 618 | 3.17 |
| Nov 2, 9:45 PM EST | 618 | 3.17 |
| Nov 2, 8:45 PM EST | 618 | 3.17 |
| Nov 2, 7:45 PM EST | 618 | 3.17 |
| Nov 2, 6:45 PM EST | 618 | 3.17 |
| Nov 2, 5:45 PM EST | 618 | 3.17 |
| Nov 2, 4:45 PM EST | 618 | 3.17 |
| Nov 2, 3:45 PM EST | 618 | 3.17 |
| Nov 2, 2:45 PM EST | 618 | 3.17 |
| Nov 2, 1:45 PM EST | 618 | 3.17 |
| Nov 2, 12:45 PM EST | 618 | 3.17 |
| Nov 2, 11:45 AM EST | 618 | 3.17 |
| Nov 2, 10:45 AM EST | 618 | 3.17 |
| Nov 2, 9:45 AM EST | 618 | 3.17 |
| Nov 2, 8:45 AM EST | 618 | 3.17 |
| Nov 2, 7:45 AM EST | 618 | 3.17 |
| Nov 2, 6:45 AM EST | 618 | 3.17 |
| Nov 2, 5:45 AM EST | 618 | 3.17 |
| Nov 2, 4:45 AM EST | 618 | 3.17 |
| Nov 2, 3:45 AM EST | 623 | 3.18 |
| Nov 2, 2:45 AM EST | 629 | 3.19 |
| Nov 2, 1:45 AM EST | 634 | 3.2 |
| Nov 2, 12:45 AM EST | 639 | 3.21 |
| Nov 1, 11:45 PM EST | 649 | 3.23 |
| Nov 1, 10:45 PM EST | 660 | 3.25 |
| Nov 1, 9:45 PM EST | 665 | 3.26 |
| Nov 1, 8:45 PM EST | 676 | 3.28 |
| Nov 1, 7:45 PM EST | 681 | 3.29 |
| Nov 1, 6:45 PM EST | 687 | 3.3 |
| Nov 1, 5:45 PM EST | 687 | 3.3 |
| Nov 1, 4:45 PM EST | 687 | 3.3 |
| Nov 1, 3:45 PM EST | 670 | 3.27 |
| Nov 1, 2:45 PM EST | 665 | 3.26 |
| Nov 1, 1:45 PM EST | 665 | 3.26 |
| Nov 1, 12:45 PM EST | 665 | 3.26 |
| Nov 1, 11:45 AM EST | 665 | 3.26 |
| Nov 1, 10:45 AM EST | 634 | 3.2 |
| Nov 1, 9:45 AM EST | 512 | 2.95 |
| Nov 1, 8:45 AM EST | 507 | 2.94 |
| Nov 1, 7:45 AM EST | 603 | 3.14 |
| Nov 1, 6:45 AM EST | 603 | 3.14 |
| Nov 1, 5:45 AM EST | 603 | 3.14 |
| Nov 1, 4:45 AM EST | 603 | 3.14 |
| Nov 1, 3:45 AM EST | 603 | 3.14 |
| Nov 1, 2:45 AM EST | 603 | 3.14 |
| Nov 1, 1:45 AM EST | 603 | 3.14 |
| Nov 1, 1:45 AM EDT | 603 | 3.14 |
| Nov 1, 12:45 AM EDT | 603 | 3.14 |
| Oct 31, 11:45 PM EDT | 603 | 3.14 |
| Oct 31, 10:45 PM EDT | 603 | 3.14 |
| Oct 31, 9:45 PM EDT | 603 | 3.14 |
| Oct 31, 8:45 PM EDT | 603 | 3.14 |
| Oct 31, 7:45 PM EDT | 603 | 3.14 |
| Oct 31, 6:45 PM EDT | 603 | 3.14 |
| Oct 31, 5:45 PM EDT | 603 | 3.14 |
| Oct 31, 4:45 PM EDT | 603 | 3.14 |
| Oct 31, 3:45 PM EDT | 608 | 3.15 |
| Oct 31, 2:45 PM EDT | 608 | 3.15 |
| Oct 31, 1:45 PM EDT | 608 | 3.15 |
| Oct 31, 12:45 PM EDT | 613 | 3.16 |
| Oct 31, 11:45 AM EDT | 613 | 3.16 |
| Oct 31, 10:45 AM EDT | 613 | 3.16 |
| Oct 31, 9:45 AM EDT | 613 | 3.16 |
| Oct 31, 8:45 AM EDT | 618 | 3.17 |
| Oct 31, 7:45 AM EDT | 618 | 3.17 |
| Oct 31, 6:45 AM EDT | 618 | 3.17 |
| Oct 31, 5:45 AM EDT | 618 | 3.17 |
| Oct 31, 4:45 AM EDT | 623 | 3.18 |
| Oct 31, 3:45 AM EDT | 623 | 3.18 |
| Oct 31, 2:45 AM EDT | 629 | 3.19 |
| Oct 31, 1:45 AM EDT | 629 | 3.19 |
| Oct 31, 12:45 AM EDT | 629 | 3.19 |
| Oct 30, 11:45 PM EDT | 629 | 3.19 |
| Oct 30, 10:45 PM EDT | 634 | 3.2 |
| Oct 30, 9:45 PM EDT | 634 | 3.2 |
| Oct 30, 8:45 PM EDT | 639 | 3.21 |
| Oct 30, 7:45 PM EDT | 644 | 3.22 |
| Oct 30, 6:45 PM EDT | 644 | 3.22 |
| Oct 30, 5:45 PM EDT | 644 | 3.22 |
| Oct 30, 4:45 PM EDT | 634 | 3.2 |
| Oct 30, 3:45 PM EDT | 629 | 3.19 |
| Oct 30, 2:45 PM EDT | 629 | 3.19 |
| Oct 30, 1:45 PM EDT | 629 | 3.19 |
| Oct 30, 12:45 PM EDT | 629 | 3.19 |
| Oct 30, 11:45 AM EDT | 629 | 3.19 |
| Oct 30, 10:45 AM EDT | 629 | 3.19 |
| Oct 30, 9:45 AM EDT | 629 | 3.19 |
| Oct 30, 8:45 AM EDT | 629 | 3.19 |
| Oct 30, 7:45 AM EDT | 634 | 3.2 |
| Oct 30, 6:45 AM EDT | 634 | 3.2 |
| Oct 30, 5:45 AM EDT | 634 | 3.2 |
| Oct 30, 4:45 AM EDT | 634 | 3.2 |
| Oct 30, 3:45 AM EDT | 634 | 3.2 |
| Oct 30, 2:45 AM EDT | 639 | 3.21 |
| Oct 30, 1:45 AM EDT | 639 | 3.21 |
| Oct 30, 12:45 AM EDT | 639 | 3.21 |
| Oct 29, 11:45 PM EDT | 639 | 3.21 |
| Oct 29, 10:45 PM EDT | 644 | 3.22 |
| Oct 29, 9:45 PM EDT | 644 | 3.22 |
| Oct 29, 8:45 PM EDT | 644 | 3.22 |
| Oct 29, 7:45 PM EDT | 644 | 3.22 |
| Oct 29, 7:30 PM EDT | 644 | 3.22 |
Normal for Nov 5: 543–1,230 ft³/s (middle half of 64 years of record). Now: 480 ft³/s, below normal.
Below normal for this date. 480 ft³/s is between the 10th and 25th percentiles of daily mean flow for Nov 5 at this gauge over 64 years of record (1954–2026): 10th 372, 25th 543, median 880, 75th 1,230, 90th 1,530 ft³/s.
Daily means on record for Nov 5: lowest 256 ft³/s, highest 3,000 ft³/s.
Classes as USGS labels them (hyswap: flow categories (WDFN_stats schema) (U.S. Geological Survey) ); percentiles from the USGS daily statistics (U.S. Geological Survey) (approved daily means; the reading is provisional and instantaneous).
Steady over 24 hours (−0.8% discharge). Rising or falling means a change of more than 10% in discharge (or 0.2 ft of gauge height) over 24 hours; our rule of thumb, not a USGS class.
Below NWS action stage. The National Weather Service reports this gauge below its action stage. That is not a statement that wading is safe.
NWS observed 2.88 ft stage, 480 ft³/s at Nov 5, 4:45 PM EST (NWS gauge TRVM4; its stage datum can differ from the USGS gauge height).
Forecasts are issued as needed during times of high water, but are not routinely available.
Open the NWS gauge page · What the categories mean (National Weather Service)
No current water-temperature reading at this gauge, so no temperature guidance is given. Take a stream thermometer. Michigan 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 Michigan rule: 68°F.
Species the agency lists for Saint Joseph River: Chinook Salmon, Steelhead.
Source: Fishing in the fall is fun when you target salmon and steelhead (Michigan Department of Natural Resources).
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)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)Guidance from the readings above and the published thresholds named with each line; not a fishing forecast, a safety guarantee or a statement about access. Local rules and closures come first.
USGS 04099000 · NWS MOTM4
What the agencies suggest
Carry a pocket thermometer to monitor water temperatureNational Park Service
General guidance from the readings and the published lines named above, not a fishing forecast. Local rules and closures come first.
Reading Nov 5, 5:15 PM EST · provisional USGS data
Normal for Nov 5 Steady · 24 h Below NWS action stage
Discharge, last 7 days: 168 readings from Oct 29, 7:30 PM EDT to Nov 5, 5:15 PM EST; ranging 637 to 1,350 ft³/s; latest 905 ft³/s.
USGS provisional data may be revised. Source: USGS instantaneous values.
| Time | Discharge (ft³/s) | Gauge height (ft) |
|---|---|---|
| Nov 5, 5:15 PM EST | 905 | 2.65 |
| Nov 5, 4:15 PM EST | 864 | 2.59 |
| Nov 5, 3:15 PM EST | 864 | 2.59 |
| Nov 5, 2:15 PM EST | 864 | 2.59 |
| Nov 5, 1:15 PM EST | 871 | 2.6 |
| Nov 5, 12:15 PM EST | 891 | 2.63 |
| Nov 5, 11:15 AM EST | 850 | 2.57 |
| Nov 5, 10:15 AM EST | 912 | 2.66 |
| Nov 5, 9:15 AM EST | 962 | 2.73 |
| Nov 5, 8:15 AM EST | 962 | 2.73 |
| Nov 5, 7:15 AM EST | 962 | 2.73 |
| Nov 5, 6:15 AM EST | 962 | 2.73 |
| Nov 5, 5:15 AM EST | 955 | 2.72 |
| Nov 5, 4:15 AM EST | 955 | 2.72 |
| Nov 5, 3:15 AM EST | 962 | 2.73 |
| Nov 5, 2:15 AM EST | 962 | 2.73 |
| Nov 5, 1:15 AM EST | 962 | 2.73 |
| Nov 5, 12:15 AM EST | 962 | 2.73 |
| Nov 4, 11:15 PM EST | 962 | 2.73 |
| Nov 4, 10:15 PM EST | 962 | 2.73 |
| Nov 4, 9:15 PM EST | 962 | 2.73 |
| Nov 4, 8:15 PM EST | 962 | 2.73 |
| Nov 4, 7:15 PM EST | 962 | 2.73 |
| Nov 4, 6:15 PM EST | 962 | 2.73 |
| Nov 4, 5:15 PM EST | 962 | 2.73 |
| Nov 4, 4:15 PM EST | 962 | 2.73 |
| Nov 4, 3:15 PM EST | 969 | 2.74 |
| Nov 4, 2:15 PM EST | 969 | 2.74 |
| Nov 4, 1:15 PM EST | 969 | 2.74 |
| Nov 4, 12:15 PM EST | 1,010 | 2.79 |
| Nov 4, 11:15 AM EST | 1,040 | 2.84 |
| Nov 4, 10:15 AM EST | 1,040 | 2.84 |
| Nov 4, 9:15 AM EST | 1,040 | 2.84 |
| Nov 4, 8:15 AM EST | 1,040 | 2.84 |
| Nov 4, 7:15 AM EST | 1,040 | 2.84 |
| Nov 4, 6:15 AM EST | 1,040 | 2.84 |
| Nov 4, 5:15 AM EST | 1,040 | 2.84 |
| Nov 4, 4:15 AM EST | 1,030 | 2.83 |
| Nov 4, 3:15 AM EST | 1,030 | 2.83 |
| Nov 4, 2:15 AM EST | 1,030 | 2.83 |
| Nov 4, 1:15 AM EST | 1,030 | 2.83 |
| Nov 4, 12:15 AM EST | 1,030 | 2.83 |
| Nov 3, 11:15 PM EST | 1,030 | 2.83 |
| Nov 3, 10:15 PM EST | 998 | 2.78 |
| Nov 3, 9:15 PM EST | 962 | 2.73 |
| Nov 3, 8:15 PM EST | 962 | 2.73 |
| Nov 3, 7:15 PM EST | 962 | 2.73 |
| Nov 3, 6:15 PM EST | 962 | 2.73 |
| Nov 3, 5:15 PM EST | 969 | 2.74 |
| Nov 3, 4:15 PM EST | 969 | 2.74 |
| Nov 3, 3:15 PM EST | 991 | 2.77 |
| Nov 3, 2:15 PM EST | 1,170 | 3.01 |
| Nov 3, 1:15 PM EST | 1,350 | 3.22 |
| Nov 3, 12:15 PM EST | 637 | 2.23 |
| Nov 3, 11:15 AM EST | 1,010 | 2.79 |
| Nov 3, 10:15 AM EST | 1,010 | 2.79 |
| Nov 3, 9:15 AM EST | 1,010 | 2.8 |
| Nov 3, 8:15 AM EST | 1,010 | 2.8 |
| Nov 3, 7:15 AM EST | 1,040 | 2.84 |
| Nov 3, 6:15 AM EST | 1,120 | 2.94 |
| Nov 3, 5:15 AM EST | 1,120 | 2.94 |
| Nov 3, 4:15 AM EST | 1,120 | 2.94 |
| Nov 3, 3:15 AM EST | 1,110 | 2.93 |
| Nov 3, 2:15 AM EST | 1,070 | 2.88 |
| Nov 3, 1:15 AM EST | 991 | 2.77 |
| Nov 3, 12:15 AM EST | 991 | 2.77 |
| Nov 2, 11:15 PM EST | 991 | 2.77 |
| Nov 2, 10:15 PM EST | 991 | 2.77 |
| Nov 2, 9:15 PM EST | 991 | 2.77 |
| Nov 2, 8:15 PM EST | 991 | 2.77 |
| Nov 2, 7:15 PM EST | 991 | 2.77 |
| Nov 2, 6:15 PM EST | 991 | 2.77 |
| Nov 2, 5:15 PM EST | 991 | 2.77 |
| Nov 2, 4:15 PM EST | 1,010 | 2.79 |
| Nov 2, 3:15 PM EST | 1,070 | 2.88 |
| Nov 2, 2:15 PM EST | 1,070 | 2.88 |
| Nov 2, 1:15 PM EST | 1,070 | 2.88 |
| Nov 2, 12:15 PM EST | 1,070 | 2.88 |
| Nov 2, 11:15 AM EST | 1,070 | 2.88 |
| Nov 2, 10:15 AM EST | 1,070 | 2.88 |
| Nov 2, 9:15 AM EST | 1,070 | 2.88 |
| Nov 2, 8:15 AM EST | 1,070 | 2.88 |
| Nov 2, 7:15 AM EST | 1,070 | 2.88 |
| Nov 2, 6:15 AM EST | 1,070 | 2.88 |
| Nov 2, 5:15 AM EST | 1,070 | 2.88 |
| Nov 2, 4:15 AM EST | 1,070 | 2.88 |
| Nov 2, 3:15 AM EST | 1,070 | 2.88 |
| Nov 2, 2:15 AM EST | 1,070 | 2.88 |
| Nov 2, 1:15 AM EST | 1,070 | 2.88 |
| Nov 2, 12:15 AM EST | 1,070 | 2.88 |
| Nov 1, 11:15 PM EST | 1,070 | 2.88 |
| Nov 1, 10:15 PM EST | 1,060 | 2.86 |
| Nov 1, 9:15 PM EST | 1,010 | 2.79 |
| Nov 1, 8:15 PM EST | 1,010 | 2.79 |
| Nov 1, 7:15 PM EST | 1,010 | 2.79 |
| Nov 1, 6:15 PM EST | 1,010 | 2.79 |
| Nov 1, 5:15 PM EST | 1,010 | 2.8 |
| Nov 1, 4:15 PM EST | 1,010 | 2.8 |
| Nov 1, 3:15 PM EST | 1,010 | 2.8 |
| Nov 1, 2:15 PM EST | 1,010 | 2.8 |
| Nov 1, 1:15 PM EST | 1,010 | 2.8 |
| Nov 1, 12:15 PM EST | 1,010 | 2.8 |
| Nov 1, 11:15 AM EST | 1,010 | 2.8 |
| Nov 1, 10:15 AM EST | 1,010 | 2.8 |
| Nov 1, 9:15 AM EST | 1,010 | 2.8 |
| Nov 1, 8:15 AM EST | 1,010 | 2.8 |
| Nov 1, 7:15 AM EST | 1,010 | 2.8 |
| Nov 1, 6:15 AM EST | 1,010 | 2.8 |
| Nov 1, 5:15 AM EST | 1,010 | 2.8 |
| Nov 1, 4:15 AM EST | 1,010 | 2.8 |
| Nov 1, 3:15 AM EST | 1,010 | 2.8 |
| Nov 1, 2:15 AM EST | 1,010 | 2.8 |
| Nov 1, 1:15 AM EST | 1,010 | 2.8 |
| Nov 1, 1:15 AM EDT | 1,010 | 2.8 |
| Nov 1, 12:15 AM EDT | 1,010 | 2.8 |
| Oct 31, 11:15 PM EDT | 1,010 | 2.8 |
| Oct 31, 10:15 PM EDT | 1,010 | 2.8 |
| Oct 31, 9:15 PM EDT | 1,010 | 2.8 |
| Oct 31, 8:15 PM EDT | 1,010 | 2.79 |
| Oct 31, 7:15 PM EDT | 955 | 2.72 |
| Oct 31, 6:15 PM EDT | 933 | 2.69 |
| Oct 31, 5:15 PM EDT | 933 | 2.69 |
| Oct 31, 4:15 PM EDT | 933 | 2.69 |
| Oct 31, 3:15 PM EDT | 933 | 2.69 |
| Oct 31, 2:15 PM EDT | 955 | 2.72 |
| Oct 31, 1:15 PM EDT | 1,080 | 2.89 |
| Oct 31, 12:15 PM EDT | 1,130 | 2.96 |
| Oct 31, 11:15 AM EDT | 1,130 | 2.96 |
| Oct 31, 10:15 AM EDT | 1,120 | 2.94 |
| Oct 31, 9:15 AM EDT | 1,010 | 2.8 |
| Oct 31, 8:15 AM EDT | 933 | 2.69 |
| Oct 31, 7:15 AM EDT | 933 | 2.69 |
| Oct 31, 6:15 AM EDT | 933 | 2.69 |
| Oct 31, 5:15 AM EDT | 933 | 2.69 |
| Oct 31, 4:15 AM EDT | 969 | 2.74 |
| Oct 31, 3:15 AM EDT | 1,080 | 2.89 |
| Oct 31, 2:15 AM EDT | 1,080 | 2.89 |
| Oct 31, 1:15 AM EDT | 1,080 | 2.89 |
| Oct 31, 12:15 AM EDT | 1,080 | 2.89 |
| Oct 30, 11:15 PM EDT | 1,070 | 2.88 |
| Oct 30, 10:15 PM EDT | 1,030 | 2.83 |
| Oct 30, 9:15 PM EDT | 926 | 2.68 |
| Oct 30, 8:15 PM EDT | 933 | 2.69 |
| Oct 30, 7:15 PM EDT | 933 | 2.69 |
| Oct 30, 6:15 PM EDT | 933 | 2.69 |
| Oct 30, 5:15 PM EDT | 933 | 2.69 |
| Oct 30, 4:15 PM EDT | 940 | 2.7 |
| Oct 30, 3:15 PM EDT | 947 | 2.71 |
| Oct 30, 2:15 PM EDT | 998 | 2.78 |
| Oct 30, 1:15 PM EDT | 1,010 | 2.79 |
| Oct 30, 12:15 PM EDT | 1,010 | 2.79 |
| Oct 30, 11:15 AM EDT | 1,010 | 2.8 |
| Oct 30, 10:15 AM EDT | 1,010 | 2.8 |
| Oct 30, 9:15 AM EDT | 1,030 | 2.83 |
| Oct 30, 8:15 AM EDT | 1,100 | 2.92 |
| Oct 30, 7:15 AM EDT | 1,100 | 2.92 |
| Oct 30, 6:15 AM EDT | 1,100 | 2.92 |
| Oct 30, 5:15 AM EDT | 1,090 | 2.9 |
| Oct 30, 4:15 AM EDT | 969 | 2.74 |
| Oct 30, 3:15 AM EDT | 940 | 2.7 |
| Oct 30, 2:15 AM EDT | 940 | 2.7 |
| Oct 30, 1:15 AM EDT | 940 | 2.7 |
| Oct 30, 12:15 AM EDT | 940 | 2.7 |
| Oct 29, 11:15 PM EDT | 947 | 2.71 |
| Oct 29, 10:15 PM EDT | 976 | 2.75 |
| Oct 29, 9:15 PM EDT | 1,060 | 2.87 |
| Oct 29, 8:15 PM EDT | 1,060 | 2.87 |
| Oct 29, 7:30 PM EDT | 1,060 | 2.87 |
Normal for Nov 5: 864–1,560 ft³/s (middle half of 102 years of record). Now: 905 ft³/s, normal.
Normal for this date. 905 ft³/s is between the 25th and 75th percentiles of daily mean flow for Nov 5 at this gauge over 102 years of record (1925–2026): 10th 672, 25th 864, median 1,170, 75th 1,560, 90th 2,010 ft³/s.
Daily means on record for Nov 5: lowest 442 ft³/s, highest 4,070 ft³/s.
Classes as USGS labels them (hyswap: flow categories (WDFN_stats schema) (U.S. Geological Survey) ); percentiles from the USGS daily statistics (U.S. Geological Survey) (approved daily means; the reading is provisional and instantaneous).
Steady over 24 hours (−5.9% discharge). Rising or falling means a change of more than 10% in discharge (or 0.2 ft of gauge height) over 24 hours; our rule of thumb, not a USGS class.
Below NWS action stage. The National Weather Service reports this gauge below its action stage. That is not a statement that wading is safe.
NWS observed 2.65 ft stage, 905 ft³/s at Nov 5, 5:15 PM EST (NWS gauge MOTM4; its stage datum can differ from the USGS gauge height).
Forecasts are issued as needed during times of high water, but are not routinely available.
Open the NWS gauge page · What the categories mean (National Weather Service)
No current water-temperature reading at this gauge, so no temperature guidance is given. Take a stream thermometer. Michigan 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 Michigan rule: 68°F.
Species the agency lists for Saint Joseph River: Chinook Salmon, Steelhead.
Source: Fishing in the fall is fun when you target salmon and steelhead (Michigan Department of Natural Resources).
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)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)Guidance from the readings above and the published thresholds named with each line; not a fishing forecast, a safety guarantee or a statement about access. Local rules and closures come first.
USGS 04101500 · NWS NILM4
What the agencies suggest
Carry a pocket thermometer to monitor water temperatureNational Park Service
General guidance from the readings and the published lines named above, not a fishing forecast. Local rules and closures come first.
Reading Nov 5, 5:15 PM EST · provisional USGS data
Normal for Nov 5 Falling · 24 h Below NWS action stage
Discharge, last 7 days: 145 readings from Oct 29, 7:30 PM EDT to Nov 5, 5:15 PM EST; ranging 1,860 to 2,330 ft³/s; latest 1,900 ft³/s; 4 gaps in the record.
USGS provisional data may be revised. Source: USGS instantaneous values.
| Time | Discharge (ft³/s) | Gauge height (ft) | Water temp (°F) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 5, 5:15 PM EST | 1,900 | – | – |
| Nov 5, 4:15 PM EST | 1,900 | – | – |
| Nov 5, 3:15 PM EST | 1,960 | – | – |
| Nov 5, 2:15 PM EST | 2,100 | – | – |
| Nov 5, 1:15 PM EST | 2,190 | – | – |
| Nov 5, 12:15 PM EST | 2,280 | – | – |
| Nov 5, 11:15 AM EST | 2,310 | – | – |
| Nov 5, 10:15 AM EST | 2,190 | – | – |
| Nov 5, 9:15 AM EST | 2,280 | – | – |
| Nov 5, 8:15 AM EST | 2,280 | – | – |
| Nov 5, 7:15 AM EST | 2,280 | – | – |
| Nov 5, 6:15 AM EST | 2,280 | – | – |
| Nov 5, 5:15 AM EST | 2,290 | – | – |
| Nov 5, 4:15 AM EST | 2,280 | – | – |
| Nov 5, 3:15 AM EST | 2,270 | – | – |
| Nov 5, 2:15 AM EST | 2,250 | – | – |
| Nov 5, 1:15 AM EST | 2,230 | – | – |
| Nov 5, 12:15 AM EST | 2,200 | – | – |
| Nov 4, 11:15 PM EST | 2,240 | – | – |
| Nov 4, 10:15 PM EST | 2,270 | – | – |
| Nov 4, 9:15 PM EST | 2,250 | – | – |
| Nov 4, 8:15 PM EST | 2,250 | – | – |
| Nov 4, 7:15 PM EST | 2,230 | – | – |
| Nov 4, 6:15 PM EST | 2,250 | – | – |
| Nov 4, 5:15 PM EST | 2,230 | – | – |
| Nov 4, 4:15 PM EST | 2,170 | – | – |
| Nov 4, 3:15 PM EST | 2,110 | – | – |
| Nov 4, 2:15 PM EST | 2,060 | – | – |
| Nov 4, 1:15 PM EST | 2,030 | – | – |
| Nov 4, 12:15 PM EST | 1,960 | – | – |
| Nov 4, 11:15 AM EST | 1,920 | – | – |
| Nov 4, 10:15 AM EST | 1,870 | – | – |
| Nov 4, 9:15 AM EST | 1,870 | – | – |
| Nov 4, 8:15 AM EST | 1,900 | – | – |
| Nov 4, 7:15 AM EST | 1,900 | – | – |
| Nov 4, 6:15 AM EST | 1,880 | – | – |
| Nov 4, 5:15 AM EST | 1,900 | – | – |
| Nov 4, 4:15 AM EST | 1,980 | – | – |
| Nov 4, 3:15 AM EST | 2,040 | – | – |
| Nov 4, 2:15 AM EST | 2,070 | – | – |
| Nov 4, 1:15 AM EST | 2,120 | – | – |
| Nov 4, 12:15 AM EST | 2,170 | – | – |
| Nov 3, 11:15 PM EST | 2,210 | – | – |
| Nov 3, 10:15 PM EST | 2,270 | – | – |
| Nov 3, 7:45 PM EST | 2,330 | 5.29 | 59 |
| Nov 3, 6:45 PM EST | 2,320 | 5.28 | 59 |
| Nov 3, 5:45 PM EST | 2,300 | 5.27 | 59 |
| Nov 3, 4:45 PM EST | 2,280 | 5.25 | 59.2 |
| Nov 3, 3:45 PM EST | 2,270 | 5.24 | 59.2 |
| Nov 3, 2:45 PM EST | 2,230 | 5.23 | 59.2 |
| Nov 3, 1:45 PM EST | 2,250 | 5.23 | 58.8 |
| Nov 3, 12:45 PM EST | 2,250 | 5.23 | 58.6 |
| Nov 3, 11:45 AM EST | 2,250 | 5.23 | 58.1 |
| Nov 3, 10:45 AM EST | 2,250 | 5.23 | 57.7 |
| Nov 3, 9:45 AM EST | 2,260 | 5.23 | 57.6 |
| Nov 3, 8:45 AM EST | 2,260 | 5.23 | 57.6 |
| Nov 3, 7:45 AM EST | 2,260 | 5.23 | 57.6 |
| Nov 3, 6:45 AM EST | 2,260 | 5.23 | 57.6 |
| Nov 3, 4:45 AM EST | 2,270 | 5.24 | 57.6 |
| Nov 3, 3:45 AM EST | 2,270 | 5.24 | 57.6 |
| Nov 3, 2:45 AM EST | 2,270 | 5.24 | 57.6 |
| Nov 3, 1:45 AM EST | 2,270 | 5.24 | 57.6 |
| Nov 3, 12:45 AM EST | 2,270 | 5.24 | 57.6 |
| Nov 2, 11:45 PM EST | 2,270 | 5.24 | 57.6 |
| Nov 2, 7:45 PM EST | 2,050 | 5.09 | 57.6 |
| Nov 2, 6:45 PM EST | 1,990 | 5.05 | 57.6 |
| Nov 2, 5:45 PM EST | 1,920 | 5.01 | 57.6 |
| Nov 2, 4:45 PM EST | 1,910 | 5 | 57.6 |
| Nov 2, 3:45 PM EST | 1,880 | 4.99 | 57.6 |
| Nov 2, 2:45 PM EST | 1,920 | 5.01 | 57.6 |
| Nov 2, 1:45 PM EST | 1,960 | 5.03 | 57.6 |
| Nov 2, 12:45 PM EST | 2,000 | 5.06 | 57.6 |
| Nov 2, 11:45 AM EST | 2,060 | 5.1 | 57.6 |
| Nov 2, 10:45 AM EST | 2,100 | 5.14 | 57.6 |
| Nov 2, 9:45 AM EST | 2,060 | 5.13 | 57.6 |
| Nov 2, 8:45 AM EST | 2,230 | 5.21 | 57.6 |
| Nov 2, 1:45 AM EST | 2,250 | 5.22 | 57.7 |
| Nov 2, 12:45 AM EST | 2,280 | 5.22 | 57.7 |
| Nov 1, 11:45 PM EST | 2,250 | 5.21 | 57.7 |
| Nov 1, 10:45 PM EST | 2,250 | 5.22 | 57.7 |
| Nov 1, 9:45 PM EST | 2,270 | 5.24 | 57.6 |
| Nov 1, 8:45 PM EST | 2,190 | 5.22 | 57.6 |
| Nov 1, 7:45 PM EST | 2,170 | 5.19 | 57.6 |
| Nov 1, 6:45 PM EST | 2,160 | 5.16 | 57.7 |
| Nov 1, 5:45 PM EST | 2,070 | 5.11 | 57.7 |
| Nov 1, 4:45 PM EST | 2,030 | 5.07 | 57.7 |
| Nov 1, 3:45 PM EST | 1,970 | 5.03 | 57.7 |
| Nov 1, 2:45 PM EST | 1,920 | 4.99 | 57.7 |
| Nov 1, 1:45 PM EST | 1,880 | 4.97 | 57.7 |
| Nov 1, 12:45 PM EST | 1,880 | 4.97 | 57.6 |
| Nov 1, 11:45 AM EST | 1,860 | 4.97 | 57.6 |
| Nov 1, 10:45 AM EST | 1,870 | 4.98 | 57.4 |
| Nov 1, 9:45 AM EST | 1,880 | 4.99 | 57.4 |
| Nov 1, 8:45 AM EST | 1,920 | 5.01 | 57.4 |
| Nov 1, 7:45 AM EST | 1,970 | 5.04 | 57.4 |
| Nov 1, 1:45 AM EST | 2,270 | 5.24 | 57.6 |
| Nov 1, 1:45 AM EDT | 2,270 | 5.24 | 57.7 |
| Nov 1, 12:45 AM EDT | 2,270 | 5.24 | 57.7 |
| Oct 31, 11:45 PM EDT | 2,250 | 5.23 | 57.7 |
| Oct 31, 10:45 PM EDT | 2,250 | 5.22 | 57.7 |
| Oct 31, 9:45 PM EDT | 2,210 | 5.21 | 57.7 |
| Oct 31, 8:45 PM EDT | 2,220 | 5.2 | 57.7 |
| Oct 31, 7:45 PM EDT | 2,180 | 5.18 | 57.7 |
| Oct 31, 6:45 PM EDT | 2,130 | 5.15 | 57.9 |
| Oct 31, 5:45 PM EDT | 2,090 | 5.11 | 57.9 |
| Oct 31, 4:45 PM EDT | 2,030 | 5.07 | 57.9 |
| Oct 31, 3:45 PM EDT | 1,970 | 5.03 | 57.9 |
| Oct 31, 2:45 PM EDT | 1,940 | 5.01 | 57.9 |
| Oct 31, 1:45 PM EDT | 1,920 | 5.01 | 57.9 |
| Oct 31, 12:45 PM EDT | 1,950 | 5.02 | 57.7 |
| Oct 31, 11:45 AM EDT | 2,000 | 5.06 | 57.7 |
| Oct 31, 10:45 AM EDT | 2,050 | 5.1 | 57.7 |
| Oct 31, 9:45 AM EDT | 2,110 | 5.15 | 57.6 |
| Oct 31, 4:45 AM EDT | 2,200 | 5.2 | 57.9 |
| Oct 31, 3:45 AM EDT | 2,190 | 5.19 | 57.9 |
| Oct 31, 1:45 AM EDT | 2,170 | 5.17 | 57.9 |
| Oct 31, 12:45 AM EDT | 2,150 | 5.15 | 57.9 |
| Oct 30, 11:45 PM EDT | 2,090 | 5.11 | 57.9 |
| Oct 30, 8:45 PM EDT | 2,030 | 5.09 | 57.7 |
| Oct 30, 7:45 PM EDT | 2,060 | 5.11 | 57.7 |
| Oct 30, 6:45 PM EDT | 2,110 | 5.15 | 57.9 |
| Oct 30, 5:45 PM EDT | 2,180 | 5.18 | 57.9 |
| Oct 30, 4:45 PM EDT | 2,240 | 5.21 | 58.1 |
| Oct 30, 3:45 PM EDT | 2,310 | 5.23 | 58.1 |
| Oct 30, 2:45 PM EDT | 2,170 | 5.19 | 58.1 |
| Oct 30, 1:45 PM EDT | 2,290 | 5.24 | 57.9 |
| Oct 30, 12:45 PM EDT | 2,290 | 5.24 | 57.7 |
| Oct 30, 11:45 AM EDT | 2,260 | 5.23 | 57.4 |
| Oct 30, 10:45 AM EDT | 2,280 | 5.25 | 57.4 |
| Oct 30, 9:45 AM EDT | 2,280 | 5.25 | 57.4 |
| Oct 30, 8:45 AM EDT | 2,300 | 5.25 | 57.4 |
| Oct 30, 7:45 AM EDT | 2,300 | 5.25 | 57.6 |
| Oct 30, 6:45 AM EDT | 2,270 | 5.24 | 57.7 |
| Oct 30, 5:45 AM EDT | 2,260 | 5.23 | 57.9 |
| Oct 30, 4:45 AM EDT | 2,260 | 5.23 | 58.1 |
| Oct 30, 3:45 AM EDT | 2,250 | 5.22 | 58.3 |
| Oct 30, 2:45 AM EDT | 2,240 | 5.21 | 58.3 |
| Oct 30, 1:45 AM EDT | 2,210 | 5.19 | 58.5 |
| Oct 30, 12:45 AM EDT | 2,150 | 5.15 | 58.5 |
| Oct 29, 11:45 PM EDT | 2,090 | 5.11 | 58.5 |
| Oct 29, 10:45 PM EDT | 2,010 | 5.06 | 58.5 |
| Oct 29, 9:45 PM EDT | 1,940 | 5.01 | 58.6 |
| Oct 29, 8:45 PM EDT | 1,910 | 5 | 58.6 |
| Oct 29, 7:45 PM EDT | 1,920 | 5.01 | 58.8 |
| Oct 29, 7:30 PM EDT | 1,950 | 5.02 | 58.8 |
Normal for Nov 5: 1,790–3,290 ft³/s (middle half of 96 years of record). Now: 1,900 ft³/s, normal.
Normal for this date. 1,900 ft³/s is between the 25th and 75th percentiles of daily mean flow for Nov 5 at this gauge over 96 years of record (1931–2026): 10th 1,450, 25th 1,790, median 2,330, 75th 3,290, 90th 4,160 ft³/s.
Daily means on record for Nov 5: lowest 850 ft³/s, highest 7,650 ft³/s.
Classes as USGS labels them (hyswap: flow categories (WDFN_stats schema) (U.S. Geological Survey) ); percentiles from the USGS daily statistics (U.S. Geological Survey) (approved daily means; the reading is provisional and instantaneous).
Falling over 24 hours: discharge down 14.8%, from 2,230 to 1,900 ft³/s. Rising or falling means a change of more than 10% in discharge (or 0.2 ft of gauge height) over 24 hours; our rule of thumb, not a USGS class.
Below NWS action stage. The National Weather Service reports this gauge below its action stage. That is not a statement that wading is safe.
NWS observed 5.01 ft stage, 1,910 ft³/s at Nov 5, 5:45 PM EST (NWS gauge NILM4; its stage datum can differ from the USGS gauge height).
Forecasts are issued as needed during times of high water, but are not routinely available.
Open the NWS gauge page · What the categories mean (National Weather Service)
Federal guidance. Michigan 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 Michigan rule:
Under the federal 68°F line. Water 57.7°F now; the highest in the last 24 hours was 59.4°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 the agency lists for Saint Joseph River: Chinook Salmon, Steelhead.
Source: Fishing in the fall is fun when you target salmon and steelhead (Michigan Department of Natural Resources).
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 57.7°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)Guidance from the readings above and the published thresholds named with each line; not a fishing forecast, a safety guarantee or a statement about access. Local rules and closures come first.
Checked Nov 5, 6:19 PM EST; readings refresh at most every 15 minutes and statistics daily. Provisional USGS data can be revised. Conditions change: re-check before you go. This is general guidance, not a fishing forecast, a safety guarantee or a statement about access.
Steelhead / salmon waterThe Huron River at Ann Arbor, Michigan, from the Broadway Street bridge. Photo: Chris Rycroft from Madison, Wisconsin, United States, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Steelhead / salmon waterThe Muskegon River near Newaygo, Michigan. Photo: Marc Steensma, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Michigan · about 103 mi
Rainbow trout, brown trout & steelhead
1,500cfsFlow now · normal for the date
Steelhead / salmon waterRepresentative photo · not Kalamazoo RiverThe Pere Marquette River in autumn, Manistee National Forest. Photo: Yetiwriter, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons Not Kalamazoo River.
Steelhead / salmon waterRepresentative photo · not Grand RiverThe Manistee River, Michigan. Photo: Eric Schmuttenmaer, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons Not Grand River.
Blue RibbonRepresentative photo · not Maple RiverThe Au Sable River from the Highbanks, Huron-Manistee National Forests. Photo: Jessica Piispanen / USFWS, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons Not Maple River.
Blue RibbonRepresentative photo · not White RiverThe Boardman River in the Brown Bridge Quiet Area, near Traverse City. Photo: Phoenix-Five, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons Not White River.
