Best Water Temperatures for Fishing (Freshwater & Saltwater)

Fish Species	Optimum Water Temperatures for Fishing	Decent Fishing Temperature Range
Largemouth Bass	65-75°F	50-84°F
Smallmouth Bass	63-68°F	48-74°F
Striped Bass (Freshwater)	50-70°F	46-80°F
Striped Bass (Saltwater)	55-68°F	46-75°F
Musky & Northern Pike	60-65°F	45-74°F
Catfish	68-72°F	50-81°F
Walleye	40-45°F	32-75°F
Crappie & Yellow Perch	68-72°F	40-80°F
Trout	52-64°F	40-70°F
Atlantic Salmon	56-60°F	38-65°F
Pacific Salmon	42-48°F	38-65°F
Billfish	78-80°F	72-86°F
Tarpon	79°F	68-85°F
Halibut	40-42°F	37-46°F
Redfish	75-88°F	58-92°F
Seatrout & Weakfish	68-78°F	52-85°F
Mahi Mahi	80-82°F	68-86°F
Grouper	72-75°F	65-78°F
Snapper	58-62°F	50-70°F
Bonefish	73-82°F	68-87°F

There are many factors to consider when trying to determine the best temperature for your target species. The steady temperature outside a fish’s viable range, as well as sudden cold fronts and heatwaves, will have a significant impact on a fish’s movement and feeding patterns. 

As a general note, there is a large distinction between saltwater and freshwater when it comes to a fish’s response to temperature.

Saltwater dwelling fish are better insulated to temperature changes, as saltwater is denser and less conducive to change. There is also typically more available cover, greater depths, and no boundaries to keep them locked from migrating to more suitable waters.

Freshwater fish, especially reservoir-bound, will typically shift between seeking shelter at the bottom and in limited cover and will do so more rapidly in response to temperature changes due to lower water volumes and shallower depths. 

This article will cover optimal and acceptable temperature ranges for fishing a variety of species in both saltwater and freshwater, as well as various tips on what to look out for to improve your game and make sure you’re not setting off on what’s sure to be a slow day.

I strongly recommend getting a small fishing thermometer like this one which is castable and will give you a quick and accurate temperature reading. Just tie it to your line for casting or hang it from a lanyard.

Best Water Temperatures: Per Species

Largemouth Bass

Optimal Water Temperature: 65-75°F

Breakdown: While largemouth bass have a relatively wide active temperature range for a primarily freshwater species (functioning well between 39-90°F), they do not feed continuously and are very picky about their prey. Favoring larger fish, they tend to feed when baitfish are most active within their waters, with a longer than normal timespan between their meals.

Their optimal feeding temperature is the temperature that triggers their baitfish to school and forage near the surface.  While it’s true that it’s never really too cold for bass to bite, their feeding is going to slow down significantly as waters near the 40°F mark. 

Water Temperatures Acceptable for Fishing: 50-84°F

This fishing barometer is perfect for the novice and serious angler. It will take an accurate reading of the current barometric conditions and tell you if the fishing conditions are poor, good, or great.

One tool that will tell you exact water temperatures and give you an accurate picture of the situation below the surface is this castable fishfinder by Deeper. I own myself and really like it. Check it out for yourself.

If you want to catch more bass, knowing the exact temperature to fish at can make all the difference. Click here to see this article I wrote to learn the best water temperatures for bass fishing are in every season.

Smallmouth Bass

Optimal Water Temperature: 63-68°F

Breakdown: With a more precise feeding range than largemouth bass, smallmouth bass are typically more active throughout the day and are keen on smaller bait like crayfish, insect nymphs, and small baitfish. This makes their feeding window feel more exact, as they will be keen to jump on anything that cross their path when the temperature’s right.

Their faster metabolism also makes them more affected by ambient temperature, and though they can be caught at near freezing, they are much less likely to bite outside of their acceptable range.  

Water Temperatures Acceptable for Fishing: 48-74°F

For a complete breakdown of the best water temperatures for smallmouth bass fishing, check out this guide.

Striped Bass (Saltwater) 

Optimal Water Temperature: 55-68°F

Breakdown: Stripers, like most other species of bass, are active throughout much of the year. Becoming more inclined to run for bait as water temperatures rise above 46°F, they have a diverse feeding pattern depending on the stage of their lives. Off the Atlantic coast and in the Gulf, this revolves around crustaceans, worms, insects, and, as they grow older, baitfish like herring, flounder, and silversides.

They’re going to react to a temperature somewhat differently depending on their main water body (as gulf and Atlantic stripers are considered different strains) and their primary food source.

Saltwater is a better insulator for heat, which means it’s going to approach surface temperatures more slowly and also retain heat longer than freshwater bodies.

With this in mind, the optimal temperature range for striped bass in saltwater is optimized in terms of when striped bass are found there most aggressive in the middle column or near the coast.

Water Temperatures Acceptable for Fishing: 46-75°F

Striped Bass (Freshwater)

Optimal Water Temperature: 50-70°F

Breakdown: Stripers in freshwater are going to react more quickly to temperature changes than they will in saltwater or brackish waters. Stripers are also an anadromous cool-water species that migrate to freshwater to spawn, though many are locked in reservoirs.

Spawning occurs at around 61-69°F, and striped bass will go through an anorexic phase when this happens, typically between April and June.

Immediately following this, however, stripers will be at their peak activity and tend to be quick to bite regardless of temperature during this period.

Around the year, freshwater stripers will ultimately have a wider optimal and acceptable range for fishing than will their saltwater counterparts, as their patterns are more predictable and food sources tend to be more contested.

Water Temperatures Acceptable for Fishing: 46-80°F

To see what the best water temperature for striped bass is, please check out this helpful article I wrote.

Musky & Pike 

Optimal Water Temperature: 60-65°F

Breakdown: Northern pike and muskie, both from the genus Esox, have a similar body morphology that makes them quite viable at a wide temperature range.

There’s a lot of conflicting data out there on optimal temperatures for catching both fish which may have to do with their regional acclamation as both are found in lakes, rivers, and reservoirs throughout the U.S.

Averaging these numbers out gives us a narrow optimal water temperature. Though both fish retain a higher degree of activity even nearing freezing temperatures, these ambush predators become significantly selective below the 45°F mark.

Water Temperatures Acceptable for Fishing: 45-80°F

Catfish

Optimal Water Temperature: 68-72°F

Breakdown: While channel catfish are the most abundant throughout the States, most catfish are affected by temperature in a similar manner. They tend to become most active at roughly 70°F and scavenge any available smaller food source, making them quick to take most baits and rigs at this temperature.

Catfish are truly one of the least particular varieties out there, so as long as conditions are right you’re sure to nab a few. As temperatures move below 50°F or above 80°F, catfish become increasingly sluggish and seek the shelter of deeper waters and drop-offs.  

Water Temperatures Acceptable for Fishing: 50-81°F

To see what the best water temperature for catfish is, please check out this helpful article I wrote.

Walleye

Optimal Water Temperature: 40-45°F

Breakdown: Primarily found in the Midwest and central Canada, walleye favor colder temperatures and are at their most aggressive just prior to spawning. This typically occurs just as water temperatures begin to rise above freezing and reach into the low 40s, making mid-March and early April prime time for catching walleye.

It’s important to note that walleye spawn earlier in rivers and shallow bodies of water, given the more immediate effects of the temperature shift. Walleye are also very active in the fall, between August and October following their optimal range. 

Water Temperatures Acceptable for Fishing: 32-75°F

To see what the best water temperature for walleye is, please check out this helpful article I wrote.

Crappie & Perch

Optimal Water Temperature: 45-72°F

Breakdown: Crappie and perch are both going to become relatively inactive as water temperatures approach freezing, with perch being able to handle slightly colder waters.

However, they’re going to have to eat at some point and with the right bait and technique, they can still be caught near-freezing temperatures. Their optimal temperature is going to fall in the near 70°F range, with the best timing being their summer feeding frenzies.  

Water Temperatures Acceptable for Fishing: 33-80°F

To see what the best water temperature for crappie is, please check out this helpful article I wrote. For a complete breakdown of the best water temperature for bluegill fishing, check out this article.

Trout

Optimal Water Temperature: 52-64°F

Breakdown: Though slightly colder for cutthroats, bulls, and brook trout, and slightly warmer for brown trout, rainbow trout’s optimal feeding range generally is within the mid-50s to low 60s, which gives a good all-around estimate for most species of trout.

Trout will typically favor the slightly colder ends of their optimal range in shallower bodies of water than they will in deeper lakes and reservoirs, so it’s important to know your target water body’s depth. 

Water Temperatures Acceptable for Fishing: 40-70°F

To see what the best water temperature for trout is, please check out this helpful article I wrote.

Salmon

Optimal Water Temperature: Pacific 42-48°F; Atlantic 56-60°F

Breakdown: Depending on what side of the States you’re on, salmon will prefer a wide range of temperatures. Typically, the biggest chinooks can be caught in summer at a much colder than expected surface temp range, while Atlantic salmon are going to favor the middle and hunt aggressively at a warmer temperature.

Salmon are cold-water fish that are keen to avoid anything above 65°F in regards to surface temperature and will begin to dive and seek cover closer to the bottom. 

Water Temperatures Acceptable for Fishing: 38-65°F

To see what the best water temperature for salmon is, please check out this helpful article I wrote.

Billfish

Optimal Water Temperature: 78-80°F

Breakdown: Billfish like blue marlin are going to hunt primarily closer to the surface than you’d expect, and will become most active as water temperatures near 80°F. At these temperatures, blue marlin may rapidly shift between 0-82 fathoms and even dive deep in search of squid if there are no dense schools. 

Water Temperatures Acceptable for Fishing: 72-86°F

Tarpon

Optimal Water Temperature: 79°F

Breakdown: Tarpon are another species that will hunt most aggressively as waters near the 80°F mark, with 75°F being the drop-off where they begin to slow their feeding and become more opportunistic.

Tarpon are not capable of surviving in temperatures below 55°F, which makes their acceptable feeding range much higher than other varieties, as they’re going to preserve their energy significantly in the lower 60°F range. 

Water Temperatures Acceptable for Fishing: 68-85°F

Halibut

Optimal Water Temperature: 40-42°F

Breakdown: Halibut live on or near the bottom for most of their lives, rarely deviating except to opportunistically feed above. Halibut are typically at their most active when their neck of the water is in the high 30s and low 40s Fahrenheit, favoring cool temperatures and quickly slowing down outside of this range. As a side note, from the surf, halibut can be caught as surface temperature rises even upwards of 60°F. 

Water Temperatures Acceptable for Fishing: 37-46°F

To see what the best water temperature for flounder is, please check out this helpful article I wrote.

Redfish

Optimal Water Temperature: 75-88°F

Breakdown: Redfish, becoming most active in the late summer and early fall, is a species of bottom feeders that favor relatively high-temperature ranges. Typically found near the shore, these fish will scavenge anything from the bottom, including artificial plugs and lures if the temperature’s right.

One thing to note is that on particularly cold days or when the surface temperature begins to drop below 55°F, redfish will quickly migrate to warmer shores, as they can’t survive continuous colder temperatures.

Water Temperatures Acceptable for Fishing: 58-92°F

Water temperature is a critical factor in your success catching redfish. Check out this complete guide to the best water temperatures to catch redfish I wrote.

Weakfish/Seatrout

Optimal Water Temperature: 68-78°F

Breakdown: Weakfish, also known as seatrout, are an Atlantic coast-dwelling species found most commonly near New York and North Carolina, though also found in the Gulf and as far north as Maine. Seatrout prefer cooler temperatures overall, becoming increasingly active around 60°F. 

A predatory species, seatrout tend to ambush their prey as they school near the surface and in the central water column, making for a more rapid response to swift temperature changes.  

Water Temperatures Acceptable for Fishing: 52-85°F

Mahi Mahi

Optimal Water Temperature: 80-82°F

Breakdown: Mahi-mahi, a top predator with a proclivity to hunt near the surface, are at their most active when surface temperatures approach 82°F. However, there is a sharp cutoff near the 85°F range where they will dive to seek shelter from too much exposure. Mahi-mahi can also be caught as low as 68°F, though activity begins to reduce significantly past this point. 

Water Temperatures Acceptable for Fishing: 68-86°F

Grouper

Optimal Water Temperature: 72-75°F

Breakdown: Grouper spring to life when surface temperatures are higher than normal, as they wait in holes or beneath ledges to ambush prey seeking shelter. This makes days with more exposure and sudden rises in temperature particularly good for targeting grouper.

One important thing to note, however, is that grouper feed primarily on crustaceans, and regardless of temperature will be eyeing the bottom.

Water Temperatures Acceptable for Fishing: 65-78°F

Snapper

Optimal Water Temperature: 58-62°F

Breakdown: Favoring rocky ledges and flats near coral reefs, snappers are moderately low in aggression but will spring on bait given the right conditions. Snapper are most active at the 60°F mark, especially on high tide days where more flats are open as they seek migrating crustaceans.

Their keenness on low temperatures makes mornings and afternoons, especially in the spring and fall, best for targeting snapper. 

Water Temperatures Acceptable for Fishing: 50-70°F

Bonefish

Optimal Water Temperature: 73-82°F

Breakdown: Bonefish are very temperamental when it comes to cold fronts, quickly transitioning to warmer shores as their bodies can’t handle significant temperature drops. Bonefish are most active as temperatures rise above 70°F and are found near edges of flats and scanning over grass beds. 

Water Temperatures Acceptable for Fishing: 68-87°F

When is it Too Cold for Fishing? 

Cold weather affects fish similar to how it affects most animals, by slowing their metabolism and causing them to seek shelter and reduce activity, or migrate to find warmer waters.

Many species of fish are going to react differently to the cold, some (like walleye) springing to life in near-freezing waters, while others will dive to the bottom of a lake or reservoir, or seek debris or cover in the ocean.

While many fish have an acceptable range for when they can be caught, some species will still bite as temperature drops below that range; it’s important for this reason to understand your target species’ response to sudden shifts in temperature.

Overall, it’s going to be too cold for fishing when the target fish either have moved on from your body of water to survive, or they’re going to be reluctant to jump for bait even if it touches the bottom. 

It’s also important to note that bottom-feeding fish are going to retain stability in their feeding patterns, unless they’re near the shore, as water at greater depths is better insulated and more resistant to change.

If you’re not getting bites, a good rule of thumb is to reduce the size of your bait, and also reduce action on the line, using a slow approach to try and entice a fish to jump.

When is it Too Hot for Fishing?

Similar to their reaction to cold fronts, sudden heatwaves can cause fish to run from the shore or become listless and find cover in lakes or reservoirs.

Because the bottom is better insulated and will remain at a lower temperature than surface waters on hot days, fish at greater depths still remain active, though fish that rely on visibility to hunt may not bite as their focus shifts to self-preservation.

On top of the temperature aspect of hot days, days with too much sun exposure can also cause fish to find ledges, holes, or other forms of shady cover to avoid getting burned.

Many fish rely on low-light camouflage for feeding, regardless, but a good rule of thumb is to simply avoid sunny, unusually hot days for most varieties of fish.

For a complete breakdown of the best water temperature for carp fishing, check out this article. Check out this article for a complete breakdown of the best water temperature for wahoo fishing. For a complete breakdown of the best water temperature for tuna fishing, check out this article. For a complete breakdown of the best water temperature for surf fishing, check out this article. Check out this guide for a complete breakdown of the best water temperature for pike fishing. For a complete breakdown of the best water temperature for tarpon fishing, check out this article. Click here to see a breakdown of the best times for seatrout. Click here to learn the best water temperature for white bass fishing. Click here to learn the best water temperature for pompano fishing.