Water Levels this season ?
- Thread starter steve98
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wildtrout2
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Nocktavius
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The PA drought monitor is a good resource. South central and southeast PA look pretty rough already and the week of 80’s while the trees are actively leafing out isn’t going to help. Hopefully the pattern shifts to wetter once May hits— both for the good of the fish and because I enjoy having rivers to myself and listening to people complain bc they’re afraid of a little water.
The Jordan, Section 03, which includes the USGS gauge near Schnecksville in northcentral Lehigh Co at the Trexler Game Preserve hit 72F yesterday in very late afternoon. Water temp at 8 AM was 56.8 deg F. Water temp at 8AM was 61.3 deg F today and the air temp this afternoon is predicted to be in the high 80’s F. Mid-April water temp concerns, exacerbated by unusually warm air temps combined with uncommonly low flows at this time of the year suggest that it’s temporarily (this week) important to perhaps fish in the 1st half of the day in streams that typically get very warm by June if you’re practicing C&R angling in SE Pa.
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Troutmeister
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Mike, do you know anything about the algae problem in SGL 205? Is it from lack of rain or some form of pollution? It is worse than I've ever seem in over 60 yrs. of fishing the Jordan. Big matts of algae and strings of it floating in the current, really makes for challenging fishing.
If that is above the Lenni Road bridge, that is low.
I have not seen the algae since I haven’t fished the Jordan since opening week and that was in Section 04. I saw the Jordan in Section 06 last evening and there weren’t any visible strands, let alone mats of filamentous algae. Nutrients entering Section 02, the section that I think you are citing, would most likely come from the usual generalized sources. With the low flow and clear water conditions nutrients are probably removed from the water column over shortened distances by various forms of algae, including filamentous forms and diatoms. As a result, this algal problem may be concentrated closer than usual to sources.
Any algal growth potential is enhanced/exacerbated by the absence of leaves on trees and the occurrence of so many clear sky days. Streams have been fully exposed to sunlight in recent weeks. Even where excess nutrients are not a problem, diatoms are blooming quite well during these clear, sunny days and most rocky/rubble bottom,:generally clear streams are dark brown right now and probably unusually slippery for anglers from the abundance of diatoms.
Any algal growth potential is enhanced/exacerbated by the absence of leaves on trees and the occurrence of so many clear sky days. Streams have been fully exposed to sunlight in recent weeks. Even where excess nutrients are not a problem, diatoms are blooming quite well during these clear, sunny days and most rocky/rubble bottom,:generally clear streams are dark brown right now and probably unusually slippery for anglers from the abundance of diatoms.
wildtrout2
Well-known member
It is, and it is low. But, it could be a lot worse with the lack of rain. Some of the riffles further downstream actually had decent flow. My glass is half full.
Mine, too. Unfortunately, the creeks are 1/2 full as well 😂
wildtrout2
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I just knew someone was going to come up with that comment. 😆
Jessed
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April 15th Hoot-owl fishing…
Not Jordan, but the algae on the pond near my house in SEPA I often fish is covered in the worst filamentous algae I have ever seen. Basically unfishable. Otherwise, the Brandywine fished quite well for smallmouth this evening with the warm temps
salmo
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I'm very concerned about the blazing hot temps. this week. I'm supposed to hit State College the week of the Jam and I'm concerned about low hot water!!!
Broodstock
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What I have noticed is that the amplitude of the "wave" of weather has increased (anecdotally) over the last 20 years, as things trend. That means warmer/wetter and hotter/drier as well as colder/wetter and colder/drier.
I think we will continue to see this increased amplitude in the peaks and troughs of our observed conditions.
I think we will continue to see this increased amplitude in the peaks and troughs of our observed conditions.
Variable.
There is no way to predict that.
ROVERT
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It's not something you can control so just roll with it. I will point out that similar things were being said this time last year in regards to water levels. Then we had two months of high water.
I remember fishing GD's one Memorial Day in skinny water and marginal temps. Then the rains came and one could ethically fish the entire month of June.
If we're going to have a dry spell, I'd rather it be in April than May.
wildtrout2
Well-known member
I 100% agree. Our weather has become more erratic in the last 20-30 years, with extremes becoming the norm. Some say it's cyclic, but IMO, human activity is playing at least a partial role in what we're seeing.
