Measuring water temp question.

hobbsla · Since 28 Jan 2006 389 Posts Obsessed

Air temp 50 + Water temp 50 = 100 good to get wet, is that the "rule" or am I remembering it wrong? I would like to be able to measure the water temp of my local lake(s). Does anybody have any experience or advice on this. Can I just throw any old thermometer in get it like that or is there a mo'better way?

Thanks!

stringy · Since 23 Jun 2006 1735 Posts vancouver XTreme Poster

I don't see why it would not work. just get an aquarium thermometer assuming it will read low enough LOL
you can probably assume lakes are going to be pretty cold in the upper 30/lower 40 degree mark depending on where they are located.

Gman · Since 11 Feb 2006 4911 Posts Portland Unstrapped

overthinkin this one

if there is ice on the water = go ski, otherwise pump up
(bring a thick wetsuit and thermos of hot water to thaw out your frozen dogs - good trick Stringy!)

Windian · Since 28 Apr 2008 901 Posts Newport, OR NEWPORT OG

Most fishing stores or outfitters sell digital thermometers that will give you an accurate reading within a couple of seconds. I have one that I keep in my flyfishing vest, but have never used it for surfing or kiting. Generally if it is good surf or wind I am just trying to get all my other equipment and gear together and not concerning myself with anything other than the necessities. If it is "good", then jump on it as it doesn't last forever.

Get out there

ShiverMeTimbers · Since 26 Feb 2013 381 Posts Gig Harbor Obsessed

for wildlife surveys, I've used thermometers tied to a bobber (extended 8" to 12" from the bobber so you don't measure surface temp), on some line. Throw it 10 feet from shore, let it sit for a while, and pull it out. Low-tech and works fine.

hobbsla · Since 28 Jan 2006 389 Posts Obsessed

Thanks for the feedback everybody. Gonna try the bobber thing SMT. I live about 3 min by bike from my local lake so getting a temp reading is no big effort for me to make. Cant wait for spring!

Windance Crew · Since 18 Apr 2008 473 Posts Hood River Kite Shop Obsessed

Water Temp in the Gorge at the Bonneville dam is 38.4
You can follow it here:
http://www.fpc.org/tempgraphsnet/NETFullYear_tempgraph.aspx