Best Water Temperatures for Bluegill Fishing (Full Guide)
Bluegill respond very strongly to changes in water temperature. Knowing the ideal water temperature ranges and conditions for crappie activity can really amplify your success fishing for them.
The best water temperature for bluegill fishing is between 60-75˚ F although you can catch bluegill in water temps as low as 40˚ F or as high as 93˚ F.
| Water Temperature (°F) | Bluegill Fishing Quality |
| Below 40 °F | Bluegill found in deep holes. The bite will be sluggish but fishing can be good. |
| 41-50 °F | Bluegill move into deep flats and start feeding more to recover from winter. |
| 51-60 °F | “Pre-spawn” water temps as bluegill gorge to recover from winter and prep for spawn. |
| 61-68 °F | Ideal spawning temperature. Fishing gets even better “post-spawn” in this temp range. |
| 69-73 °F | Fishing will be excellent. Some bluegill will school and bite aggressively |
| Above 74 °F | Bluegill will disperse out of schools, still bite but being more sluggish. |
Best Water Temperature for Bluegill Fishing
Fishermen who are experienced with bluegill fishing will find that the best water temperature for this species is between 60-75˚ F. Bluegills typically feed at the surface more often in warmer water, making this a great temperature range for anglers to target them. In shallower waters, the best time of day to target bluegill is usually in the morning when the sun is still low.
As the sun rises, they will usually retreat to deeper water. In deeper water, they can be targeted all day long, but will generally be more active in cooler water. For the most success, try to target bluegill in the early hours of the morning when temperatures are around 60-75˚ F.
Additionally, if you are using lures, artificial bait works best when the water temperatures are in the warmer range. So for experienced fishermen looking to land bluegill, the best water temperature to target them is between 60-75˚ F.
For a complete breakdown of the best time to catch bluegill, check out this guide.
Is Water Temperature a Big Factor in Bluegill Fishing?
Water temperature is a very important factor when it comes to fishing for bluegills. Bluegills prefer warm water that is between 62-70 degrees, as this optimal temperature range encourages the fish to feed and be active. Therefore, the best time to go fishing for bluegills is during the spring and summer months when the water temperature is more likely to be within the desired range.
The water temperature also determines the type of lures and bait that should be used for bluegills. For example, if the water is slightly cooler, small crankbaits and jigs are optimal, as they are slower-moving and can mimic bluegills’ food sources. In warmer water, live bait such as crickets or worms should be used.
Overall, water temperature is a very important factor when fishing for bluegills. In order to maximize your chances of success, it is important to choose the right bait and lures, as well as timing your fishing trip to the warmest part of the day.
Seasonal Water Temperature Guide for Bluegill
Winter
During the winter months, bluegill activity significantly slows down due to cold water temperatures. The best water temperature to encounter bluegill activity is between 60-65 degrees Fahrenheit. Temperatures below this range can shock the bluegills and cause them to become more docile, while temperatures much higher than 65 degrees may cause the fish to disperse and become even more difficult to catch.
The best time of day to target bluegills in this temperature range is typically the middle of the day when the water has had time to warm up in the sun. It’s important to remember that this temperature range is only applicable during the winter months, so be sure to adjust your seasonal strategies according to the water temperature.
Spring
Fishing for bluegills in the spring is an exciting time of year. During this season, bluegills prefer water temperatures ranging between 60-75°F. Temperatures above 75°F tend to shock the bluegills, making them docile and inactive. For this reason, the best time to fish for bluegills in the spring is in the early morning when the water is still cool.
This will help ensure that the bluegills are both active and biting. In addition, early morning fishing also provides the added benefit of reduced boat traffic, making the lake or pond much quieter. So if you’re looking to catch some bluegills this spring, make sure you hit the lake or pond early in the morning and take advantage of the cooler water temperatures.
Summer
Summer is a great time to target bluegills. They are active and willing to take a wide variety of bait and lures. To get the best results when fishing for bluegills in the summer months, look for water temperatures between 75 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Water temperatures outside this range can shock the bluegill and make them docile, making it more difficult to catch.
The best time of day to fish for bluegills during the summer is often early in the morning and in the late evening when the water temperature is the most stable. Be sure to bring plenty of bait, as the bluegill will be willing to strike!
Fall
The bluegill is a great fish to target in the fall. Although they can be found in nearly every body of water, they tend to be more active when the water temperature is between 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit. During this time, they are much more aggressive and will bite on a variety of baits. This is the ideal temperature range to target bluegill in the fall.
The best time to fish for bluegill when the water temperature is between 65-75 degrees, is in the early morning or late evening. The cooler temperature, combined with the low light, is most conducive for these fish to feed. However, if the temperature drops below 65 degrees, the bluegill will become sluggish and passive, making it difficult to catch them.
Bluegill Fishing by Water Temperature
51-60 degrees
At these temperatures, bluegills are actively feeding and looking for food in shallow waters. The best tactic for catching bluegills during this temperature range is to use light tackle and smaller baits such as worms or insect larvae. To maximize your chances of success, cast your bait close to vegetation, logs, or other structure where bluegills are likely to be hiding.
To further attract bluegills, use a bobber to keep your bait suspended in the water column. Lastly, use lighter line and leader strengths that are less likely to spook them away. With the right strategy, you can make the most of your time on the water and enjoy a successful day of fishing.
61-68 degrees
During the summer months, bluegills typically thrive in warm waters between 61-68 degrees. At this temperature, you will find bluegills searching for food sources near the surface. As a result, be sure to cast your line just below the surface and gently twitch the bait to get their attention. Be advised, they may take a few seconds to strike, so don’t give up too quickly. Once you have their attention, a basic and slow fishing technique will usually work.
Bluegills are generally attracted to bright colors, so use a bright lure to further increase your odds of getting a bite. Additionally, live bait such as worms or bugs can be a great way to lure them in. Finally, when the water is at this temperature, it is best to fish early in the morning and late in the day for the best results.
69-73 degrees
Bluegills are a great fish to target in the 69-73 degree water temperature range. These fish have great stamina and will actively feed during these temps. Some of the best tactics for catching bluegills include using small jigs and spinners, such as a beetle spin. They will strike live bait as well, such as worms and minnows. You can also try using a small floating jig head with a few pieces of night crawlers for a tasty treat for the bluegills.
As for lures, small inline spinners are great for targeting bluegills as well as crankbaits, as long as they are small enough. You can also use a wet fly, either nymphs or streamers, to target these fish. With the right equipment and technique, you can have a great day of fishing enjoying the fight of these delicious panfish.
above 74 degrees
Experienced anglers know that the best time to fish for them is when the water temperature is above 74 degrees. During this time, bluegills tend to become increasingly active and can be easily found in shallow waters. They will typically bite worms, minnows, and small lures. To catch the most bluegills at this water temperature, anglers should fish during the early morning or late afternoon, when the sun is lower in the sky.
It is also important to choose a fishing spot that has abundant vegetation and cover for the bluegills to hide. Light spinning tackle and small hooks with lighter line are recommended for catching bluegills during this time. Finally, using small jigs and providing a gentle, wiggling motion to the lure can help increase an angler’s chances of success.
Does Air Temperature Impact Bluegill Fishing?
When the water temperature increases, the metabolism of bluegills is increased as well. This means they will become more active and feed more frequently. But when the water temperature drops below this ideal range, it can cause the bluegills to become lethargic and feed less. Therefore, water temperature is much more important than air temperature when it comes to bluegill fishing.
Bluegills are also negatively impacted by air temperature when it gets too hot. If the air temperature rises above 90°F, the bluegills will go into deeper water in search of cooler temperatures. This can make it harder for fishers to catch them. So it is important to pay attention to the water temperature when fishing for bluegills.
In conclusion, air temperature does not have a significant impact on bluegill fishing, but water temperature can have a huge influence. Experienced fishers should pay attention to the water temperature when they are looking to catch bluegills since it is the best indicator of success.
Best Air Temperature for Bluegill?
For maximum success, while fishing for bluegills, it is important to understand the conditions they prefer. In general, they thrive in warmer waters between 65-85°F. Though they can survive in cooler temperatures, they will be less active and thus, harder to catch.
The ideal air temperature for catching bluegills is around 75°F, which is usually found right after sunrise. With plenty of food available in the water, bluegills can be caught in great numbers when the conditions are just right. So if you’re looking for a good day of fishing, don’t forget to keep an eye on the air temperature.
How Cold is Too Cold for Bluegill Fishing?
The answer really depends on a variety of factors, such as where you’re fishing and the type of bait you’re using. Generally speaking, bluegills do best when the water temperature is between 70-80 °F. If the temperature drops below 70 °F, they may become sluggish and uninterested in your bait.
When the temperature dips into the low 60s, you may want to consider changing your bait choice to something that is more enticing for the bluegills. Smaller baits such as worms or small grubs are often more attractive to bluegills in colder temperatures. Additionally, you may want to consider fishing in deeper, clear waters where the temperatures are more consistent.
How Hot is Too Hot for Bluegill Fishing?
When it comes to fishing for bluegills, there is no definite answer as to how hot is too hot. Generally speaking, bluegills become less active during hot summer months, so the ideal temperature for fishing for them is slightly cooler. Experienced anglers can often increase their success rate by fishing for bluegills during the early morning or late afternoon hours when the waters are cooler.
In addition to fishing during cooler hours, experienced anglers may also consider using smaller and lighter lures when fishing for bluegills in hot weather. By using light baits and lines, anglers can present the lures more slowly, allowing the bluegills more time to investigate and strike.
Storms & Weather Changes
With bluegills, storms and weather changes can have a huge impact on their behavior. When storms pass through, the temperature of the water can dramatically change. This change can cause bluegills to migrate and search for areas with higher water temperatures, increasing the difficulty of catching them.
Worse yet, storms can make the water murkier, making it harder to spot the bluegill. This murkiness also detracts from their ability to spot your bait, lures, and even your boat. To make matters worse, the waves and currents created by storms can create a greater resistance against the lures you may be using.
Ultimately, it’s important for experienced fishers to consider the weather before heading out for bluegill fishing. If there are storms or heavy winds in the forecast, it may be best to reschedule your outing to ensure you’ll have the best chance of success. That way, you can be more confident in your ability to catch bluegills.
