Best Water Temperatures for Brook Trout Fishing (Guide)

Water temperature is the most crucial thing to consider when setting off to fish for brook trout, and it can decide how you should approach your angling to net the most fish.

For brook trout fishing, water temperatures between 45°F and 55°F typically offer good fishing conditions, with the optimal range being around 50°F. This temperature range promotes brook trout activity and feeding, making them more likely to bite on various flies and lures.

Water Temperature (°F)	Fishing Activity	Feeding Behavior	Preferred Locations	Food Focus	Fishing Techniques
Below 40°	Slow to None	Minimal	Deeper Pools, Slow Currents	Limited	Patience, Deep Lures
41-50°	Low to Moderate	Occasional	Pools, Riffles, Edges	Scavenging Insects	Small Lures, Worms
51-60°	Moderate	Active	Riffles, Runs, Pools	Insects, Small Fish	Dry Flies, Spinners
61-68°	High	Feeding Aggressively	Runs, Pools, Edges	Insects, Terrestrial	Dry Flies, Nymphs
69-73°	High	Active	Runs, Pools, Under Cut Banks	Insects, Small Fish	Streamers, Nymphs
Above 74°	Slow to None	Limited	Cooler Springs, Shaded Areas	Limited	Early Morning, Late Evening

While even seasoned fishermen might tell you that brook trout will bite at any temperature (which isn’t entirely wrong), there are certain things to consider in how differences in temperature and sudden shifts can change brook trout feeding habits.

This article will cover the ideal temperatures for brook trout fishing, particularly emphasizing typical brook trout behavior at given temperature ranges, what baits and lures to use for different conditions, and how brook trout react to storms and sudden changes in water temperature.

Brook Trout Fishing by Water Temperature

Below 40°

When the water temperature drops below 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4 degrees Celsius), brook trout become less active and move more slowly. They stay in deeper, calmer parts of the water to conserve energy. Brook trout may still eat but focus on small insects and aquatic creatures.

Using tiny nymph flies that imitate these insects can be effective. Cast the nymph near where the trout might be hiding and let it drift naturally with the slow current. Another option is to use small, dark-colored streamer flies that resemble small fish. Cast near underwater structures and use a very slow retrieve to tempt the trout.

41-50°

When the water temperature is between 41 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit (5 to 10 degrees Celsius), brook trout are usually active and hungry. They move around more and can often be found in areas with slower currents or deeper pools. Brook trout eat insects like mayflies, stoneflies, and small fish.

Using small nymph flies that imitate these insects can work well. Cast the nymph near where the trout might be hiding and let it drift naturally in the water. You can also try using small streamer flies that look like little fish. Cast near underwater structures like rocks or fallen trees and use a slow, twitchy retrieve to attract the trout.

51-60°

When the water temperature is between 51 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit (11 to 15 degrees Celsius), brook trout are quite active and on the lookout for food. They can be found in various parts of the water, like pools and riffles. Brook trout like to munch on insects such as mayflies, caddisflies, and small aquatic creatures.

Using dry flies that resemble these insects can be effective. Cast the dry fly onto the water’s surface, which might attract the trout to come up and take a bite. You can also try using small nymph flies – these imitate the underwater stages of insects. Cast the nymph near where the trout might be hiding and let it drift naturally with the current.

61-68°

When the water temperature is between 61 and 68 degrees Fahrenheit (16 to 20 degrees Celsius), brook trout are quite active and hungry. They move around in search of food and can often be found in shallower areas of the water, like riffles and runs. Brook trout eat insects such as mayflies, caddisflies, and small aquatic creatures.

Using dry flies that resemble these insects can work well. Cast the dry fly onto the water’s surface, which might attract the trout to come up and take a bite. You can also try using small nymph flies – these imitate the underwater stages of insects. Cast the nymph near where the trout might be hanging out and let it drift naturally with the current.

69-73°

When the water temperature is between 69 and 73 degrees Fahrenheit (20 to 23 degrees Celsius), brook trout become more active and eager to eat. They can be found in calm water areas, like pools or slower currents. Brook trout feast on insects such as mayflies, caddisflies, and small fish.

Using flies that look like these insects can be successful. Try using nymph flies – these imitate the underwater stages of insects. Cast the nymph near where the trout might be hiding and let it drift naturally with the current. You can also use small streamer flies that look like little fish. Cast near underwater structures and use a slow, twitchy retrieve to attract the trout’s attention.

Above 74°

When the water temperature gets above 74 degrees Fahrenheit (23 degrees Celsius), brook trout become less active and cautious. They might seek cooler, deeper spots in the water, such as shaded areas or places with more oxygen. Brook trout tend to slow down and might not feed as actively in such warm conditions.

During hot temperatures, brook trout might not be as interested in chasing after food. They might focus on insects that fall onto the water’s surface, like grasshoppers or ants. You could try using dry flies that imitate these insects to catch them. Cast gently near calm spots in the water and wait for a bite.

Remember, brook trout can be stressed when the water is this warm, so it’s good to handle them gently and release them carefully if you catch any. Using small dry flies that look like the bugs they’re eating can be your best bet for fishing success in these conditions.

Is Water Temperature a Big Factor in Brook Trout Fishing?

Brook trout fishing and their activity are influenced by water temperature. Brook trout prefer cooler water because they are sensitive to temperature changes. They become less active when the water is too warm and might hide in deeper, cooler areas.

In warmer temperatures, their metabolism increases, causing them to need more food. However, higher temperatures can decrease the amount of dissolved oxygen in the water, making it harder for them to breathe. This can lead to stress and even death if the water gets too hot.

When the water is cooler, brook trout are more active and willing to bite on fishing bait. They tend to come out of their hiding spots and swim around for food. Cooler water also holds more oxygen, which helps the trout breathe comfortably.

So, when fishing for brook trout, it’s important to consider the water temperature. Cooler temperatures are better for successful fishing and healthier fish, while warmer temperatures can make them less active and more vulnerable.

Seasonal Water Temperature Guide for Brook Trout

Winter

Fishing for brook trout in the winter can be tricky, but it’s still possible. In early winter, when it’s getting colder, brook trout tend to slow down because the water gets chilly. Water temperatures around 35 to 45 degrees Fahrenheit (2 to 7 degrees Celsius) might be best. They might move to deeper parts of the water and not feed as actively.

In the middle of winter, when it’s coldest, brook trout become even less active. They might stay in the coziest, deepest spots to stay warm. They might not be as interested in eating, but you could try using small streamers or nymphs. Cast them gently and slowly near where the trout might be hiding.

Late winter sees similar conditions to the middle of winter. The water remains cold, so brook trout stay in their cozy spots. They might eat if something tasty passes by, like a small bug. Using tiny nymphs or streamers could work. Cast them gently and be patient.

Winter fishing is tough, but using small baits and slow movements can help. Early and middle winter, try small streamers or nymphs. Late winter, use tiny nymphs or streamers.

Spring

In early spring, when it’s still a bit chilly, brook trout wake up from winter and get ready to eat. Water temperatures around 45 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit (7 to 13 degrees Celsius) are just right. They become more active and move around more, looking for food.

In the middle of spring, as things warm up a bit, brook trout start moving to shallower areas near the edges of the water. They like to feed on insects and small fish. Using imitation flies like nymphs or small streamers can work well. These imitate the bugs and fish they like to eat. Try casting near rocks or fallen trees where they might hide.

Late spring sees even warmer temperatures. Brook trout become even more active and might venture into faster-moving water to find food. Dry flies, like small floating bugs, can be great because they look like the insects on the water’s surface. Cast them near the edges where the trout are feeding.

Remember, using the right bait and techniques is important. In early spring, try small nymphs or streamers. In the middle of spring, use nymphs and small streamers too. In late spring, switch to dry flies.

Summer

In the summer, brook trout fishing can be exciting. Early summer, when it’s getting warmer, water temperatures around 50 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit (10 to 18 degrees Celsius) are good for fishing. Brook trout become more active and swim around to find food.

During the middle of summer, when it’s hotter, brook trout might go to deeper, cooler areas in the water. They still eat insects and small fish. Using small streamers or nymphs can be effective. Cast near rocks or under overhanging branches where they might hide from the sun.

Late summer gets even warmer. Brook trout are still active, but they might be more cautious. They like to eat insects that fall on the water’s surface, so using dry flies can work well.

Cast them where the water is calm and slow-moving. For early and middle summer, try small streamers or nymphs. In late summer, switch to dry flies.

Fall

Fishing for brook trout in the fall can be pretty cool! Early fall is a good time when the weather starts to cool down. Water temperatures around 45 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit (7 to 13 degrees Celsius) are great for fishing. Brook trout become more active and move around to find food.

In the middle of fall, as it gets even cooler, brook trout might move to shallower parts of the water again. They like to eat insects and small fish. Using small streamers or nymphs can work well. Cast near rocks or fallen leaves where they might hide.

Late fall sees even colder temperatures. Brook trout are still active, but they might slow down a bit. They like to eat bugs that fall on the water. Using dry flies can be effective. Cast them gently on the water’s surface where it’s calm. For early and middle fall, try small streamers or nymphs. In late fall, switch to dry flies.

Brook Trout Fly Fishing: Best Water Temps

Best Water Temperature: Nymphs

For brook trout, when you’re fishing with nymphs, the best water temperature range can vary based on the seasons:

Spring (March to May): In the spring, when it’s getting warmer after winter, brook trout are usually more active. Nymph fishing can work well when the water temperature is around 45 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit (7 to 13 degrees Celsius).
Summer (June to August): During the summer, when it’s hotter outside, brook trout might go to cooler, deeper spots in the water. Nymph fishing can still be successful if the water temperature is between 50 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit (10 to 18 degrees Celsius).
Fall (September to November): As it gets cooler again in the fall, brook trout become more active, preparing for winter. Nymph fishing can be good with water temperatures around 45 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit (7 to 13 degrees Celsius).

Best Water Temperature: Streamers

When you’re using streamers to fish for brook trout, the best water temperature range can vary during different seasons:

Spring (March to May): In the spring, as the weather gets warmer, brook trout become more active. Streamer fishing can be effective when the water temperature is around 45 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit (7 to 13 degrees Celsius).
Summer (June to August): Brook trout might stay in cooler, deeper places during the hot summer. Streamer fishing can still work if the water temperature is 50 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit (10 to 18 degrees Celsius).
Fall (September to November): Brook trout becomes more lively as it gets cooler. Streamer fishing can be successful with water temperatures around 45 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit (7 to 13 degrees Celsius).

Best Water Temperature: Dry Flies

When using dry flies to fish for brook trout, the best water temperature range can vary with the seasons:

Spring (March to May): As the weather starts to warm up in the spring, brook trout become more active. Dry fly fishing can work well when the water temperature is around 45 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit (7 to 13 degrees Celsius).
Summer (June to August): When it’s hotter outside, brook trout might be more cautious and stick to cooler areas. You can still use dry flies if the water temperature is 50 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit (10 to 18 degrees Celsius).
Fall (September to November): As it gets cooler, brook trout becomes more active. Dry fly fishing can be successful with water temperatures around 45 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit (7 to 13 degrees Celsius).

Does Air Temperature Impact Brook Trout Fishing?

The air temperature can affect brook trout fishing. When it’s cold outside, especially in winter or early spring, the water temperature in rivers and streams where the trout live can drop too. This makes the trout slow down and not want to bite on fishing hooks as much.

The water temperature increases as the air temperature gets warmer, like in spring and summer. This can make the trout more active and more willing to bite. When it’s comfortable outside, like in the 50 to 70-degree Fahrenheit range (10 to 21 degrees Celsius), the trout are usually more likely to come out and look for food, making fishing better.

However, if it gets too hot, like above 75 degrees Fahrenheit (24 degrees Celsius), the water might become too warm for the trout, and they could become stressed. They might hide in cooler spots and not be interested in the fishing bait. So, while brook trout like it when it’s not too cold or too hot, the air temperature affects how much the fish are willing to bite and how active they are.

How Cold is Too Cold for Brook Trout Fishing?

In different seasons, very cold temperatures can affect brook trout fishing. During the winter, when it’s really cold, fishing can be tougher. Water temperatures below 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4 degrees Celsius) can slow the fish’s metabolism, making them less active and less likely to bite.

In the spring and fall, when it’s still chilly, brook trout fishing can be good. Water temperatures around 45 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit (7 to 13 degrees Celsius) are usually fine for fishing. However, if the water gets colder than 35 degrees Fahrenheit (2 degrees Celsius), the fish might become less active and harder to catch.

When it’s very cold outside, like freezing temperatures, the water can also get colder. If the air is too cold, it might freeze the water’s surface, making fishing nearly impossible. So, while brook trout can handle cool temperatures, if it gets too cold, both in the air and water, it might not be the best time for successful fishing.

How Hot is Too Hot for Brook Trout Fishing?

In different seasons, brook trout fishing can be affected by temperatures. Brook trout fishing is usually better during spring and fall when it’s cooler. Water temperatures around 50 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit (10 to 18 degrees Celsius) are ideal for these fish. If the water gets warmer than 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 degrees Celsius), it can stress the trout and make them less active.

In the summer, when it’s hot outside, fishing might be best during the early morning or late evening when it’s cooler. Water temperatures around 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit (15 to 21 degrees Celsius) are still okay. Still, if it gets much hotter, like above 75 degrees Fahrenheit (24 degrees Celsius), it’s often not the best time to fish for brook trout.

When the air temperature is too high, it can warm up the water, which makes the trout uncomfortable. They might hide in cooler, deeper areas and not bite as much. So, generally, cooler temperatures are better for brook trout fishing, and if it gets too hot in the air and water, it can make fishing less successful.

Storms & Weather Changes: Impact on Brook Trout Fishing

Storms and weather can affect brook trout fishing in a few ways. When a storm is approaching, the air pressure changes, making the fish uncomfortable. They might stop biting and go to deeper parts of the water for safety.

Rain from a storm can also cause more water to flow into the stream or river where the trout live. This extra water can make the water murky and faster, making it harder for the fish to see the fishing bait.

After a storm, when the weather clears up, the fish might start biting again as they feel more at ease. However, if there’s been a lot of rain, the water levels might stay high, and the fishing spots might be too rough to fish in.

So, storms and weather changes can affect brook trout fishing by influencing the fish’s behavior and the water conditions.

Click here to see the best water temperature for trout. Click here to see how to catch trout on cloudy days. Click here to see how to catch trout on sunny days. Click here to see how to catch trout on windy days. Click here to see the best water temperature for rainbow trout. Click here to see the best water temperature for brown trout.