Catfish Lake — Current Water Temperature, Annual Trends and Forecast
This page provides information on the current water temperature in Catfish Lake, trends, monthly ranges and the forecast for the coming days.
Current Water Temperature
Water Temperature in Catfish Lake today is 16.9°C.
Water Temperature: Daily Trends, Historical Records, and Forecast
⚠️ As of today, the minimum water temperature ranges from 60°F (15°C) to 65°F (18°C). The water is comfortable for most people, making it an ideal range for water sports enthusiasts. The temperature does not cause significant discomfort, and swimming will be pleasant for the majority. However, it's important to remember that prolonged exposure to the water can still lead to cooling, so it's essential to monitor the time spent in the water, especially for children or elderly people. It is important to note that these swimming tips and recommendations apply only in good weather. When the air temperature is below 68°F (20°C), and sometimes even below 77°F (25°C), swimming can be unpleasant even with relatively high water temperatures.
Water Temperature Chart Over the Last 30 Days
Table of Daily Sea Temperature Data
| Date | Current | Average | Forecast |
|---|---|---|---|
| SEP 14 | 19.3°C | 19.1°C | |
| SEP 15 | 18.6°C | 19.1°C | |
| SEP 16 | 18.5°C | 19.1°C | |
| SEP 17 | 18.7°C | 19.1°C | |
| SEP 18 | 18.4°C | 19.1°C | |
| SEP 19 | 18.3°C | 19.1°C | |
| SEP 20 | 18.2°C | 19.1°C | |
| SEP 21 | 16.9°C | 19.1°C | |
| SEP 22 | 19.1°C | 17.0°C | |
| SEP 23 | 19.1°C | 17.1°C | |
| SEP 24 | 19.1°C | 17.2°C | |
| SEP 25 | 19.1°C | 17.3°C | |
| SEP 26 | 19.1°C | 17.5°C | |
| SEP 27 | 19.1°C | 17.6°C | |
| SEP 28 | 19.1°C | 17.7°C |
* Current - Actual water temperature value
** Average - Average water temperature on this day in recent years
*** Forecast - Our water temperature forecast
Actual nearshore water temperatures may fluctuate by several degrees from the reported values, especially following heavy rainfall or extended periods of strong winds. Certain wind patterns can cause colder, deeper waters to rise and replace the sun-warmed surface water, leading to noticeable variations.
Our forecast is based on a proprietary mathematical model that considers real-time water temperature changes, historical trends, key weather patterns, wind strength and direction, and air temperature specific to each region. Additionally, we incorporate data from other resorts to enhance accuracy.
Monthly Water Temperature Range (Min, Max & Average)
| Month | Min | Avg | Max |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 0°C | 1°C | 3°C |
| February | 0°C | 1°C | 3°C |
| March | 0°C | 2°C | 4°C |
| April | 0°C | 4°C | 9°C |
| May | 2°C | 10°C | 18°C |
| June | 15°C | 18°C | 22°C |
| July | 15°C | 22°C | 29°C |
| August | 18°C | 24°C | 30°C |
| September | 14°C | 19°C | 25°C |
| October | 9°C | 13°C | 17°C |
| November | 4°C | 9°C | 13°C |
| December | 0°C | 2°C | 5°C |
Catfish Lake: Water Temperature by Location
Catfish Lake: Weather Forecast
September 22
September 23
September 24
September 25
Location & Local Information
Catfish Lake in Wisconsin typically follows the temperature patterns of small to midsize inland lakes in the region. In spring the surface water usually warms from near freezing after ice-out to roughly 40–60°F (4–15°C) as air temperatures moderate. By early to mid-summer surface temperatures commonly rise into the 60s and 70s °F, about 16–27°C, with the warmest weeks sometimes pushing the surface into the upper 70s–low 80s °F (25–28°C) on shallow bays. In autumn the water cools back through the 50s–60s °F (10–16°C) before refreezing; winter surface temperatures under ice hover near 32–39°F (0–4°C). Deeper water remains cooler year-round, and local wind, shading, and inflows can produce notable variation from these general ranges.
Swimming at Catfish Lake is generally possible during the ice-free months when surface temperatures are comfortable and there are no health advisories. Public or private access, posted rules, and water-quality monitoring determine whether bathing is permitted; authorities may close beaches or discourage swimming during algal blooms, high bacterial counts, or unsafe weather. Ice swimming is unsafe except for organized, well-supervised events that follow strict safety protocols. As with any lake, swimmers should be aware of sudden temperature changes with depth, currents, and local signage before entering the water.
