Best Water Temperatures for Musky Fishing (Complete Guide)
Water temperature is one of the most crucial things to consider when setting off to fish for musky, and it can decide how you should approach your angling to net the most fish.
For musky fishing, water temperatures between 50 to 70°F generally offer good fishing conditions, with the best fishing often occurring when the water temperature ranges from 60 to 68°F.
| Water Temperature (°F) | Quality of Musky Fishing |
| Below 40° | Less active, slow movements, might not feed much. |
| 41-50° | Becoming more active, moving to shallower areas. |
| 51-60° | Active, feeding more, can be found near structures. |
| 61-68° | Very active, moving and feeding aggressively. |
| 69-73° | Active and feeding, often near shallower areas. |
| Above 74° | Becoming less active, seeking cooler spots. |
While even seasoned fishermen might tell you that musky 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 pike feeding habits.
This article will cover the ideal temperatures for musky fishing, particularly emphasizing typical musky behaviors at given temperature ranges, what baits and lures to use for different conditions, and how musky react to storms and sudden changes in water temperature.
Musky Fishing by Water Temperature
Below 40°
In water temperatures below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, musky fishing can be challenging. During this time, musky become less active and move more slowly. They might stay in deeper, warmer parts of the water to conserve energy.
The food options are limited in colder temperatures, and they might focus on smaller prey like fish or even smaller musky. They might not feed as actively as in warmer months.
To catch musky in these conditions, using larger and slower-moving lures like jerkbaits or live bait like large minnows can work. Casting near drop-offs, underwater structures, or areas with slower currents can increase your chances of catching musky.
Click here to learn the best time of day to catch musky.
41-50°
Musky fishing can still be challenging in water temperatures between 41 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit. During this time, musky are a bit more active than in colder temperatures, but they’re not as lively as in warmer months.
Musky might move to slightly shallower areas compared to colder temperatures, searching for slightly warmer spots. They might be found near structures like rocks, logs, or drop-offs.
They focus on smaller prey like fish and sometimes larger insects. While they do feed, it’s not as aggressive as during warmer months.
To catch musky in these conditions, lures resembling injured or slow-moving fish, like jerkbaits or larger crankbaits, can work well. Retrieving your bait or lure slowly can attract musky, as they might not be as willing to chase fast-moving prey. Patience and persistence are key, as musky might not bite as frequently as in warmer temperatures.
51-60°
Musky fishing can become more promising in water temperatures between 51 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit. During this time, musky become more active and start moving around to find food.
Musky tend to move to slightly shallower areas compared to colder temperatures. They might be found near the edges of weed beds, rocky structures, or submerged logs.
They focus on food items, including smaller fish and sometimes larger prey like other fish or ducklings.
Musky will feed actively in these temperatures, making it a good time for fishing. Using large lures like crankbaits or jerkbaits can work well. Casting near structures and retrieving your bait or lure with steady and erratic movements can attract musky.
61-68°
In water temperatures between 61 and 68 degrees Fahrenheit, musky fishing becomes quite exciting. During this time, musky become even more active and start moving more to search for food.
Musky tend to move into shallower areas compared to cooler temperatures. Look for them near the edges of weed beds, rocky structures, or near drop-offs.
They focus on various food items, including smaller fish, larger prey like other fish, and even small mammals like mice.
Musky will feed actively in these temperatures, making it a great time for fishing. Using larger lures like jerkbaits or bucktail spinners can work well. Casting near structures or weed beds and using a mix of slow and fast retrieval can attract musky.
69-73°
Musky fishing can be quite productive in water temperatures between 69 and 73 degrees Fahrenheit. During this time, musky are very active and often move around to find food.
Musky tend to move into shallower areas like weed beds, rocky structures, or drop-offs. They focus on various food items, including smaller fish, larger prey like other fish, and even frogs.
Musky will feed actively in these temperatures, making it an excellent time for fishing. Large lures like topwater baits, bucktail spinners, or jerkbaits can be effective. Casting near structures or weed beds and using a mix of fast and slow retrieval can attract musky. Being patient and persistent is important, as musky can be finicky.
Above 74°
Musky fishing can be more challenging in water temperatures above 74 degrees Fahrenheit. During this time, musky might become less active and move slower.
Musky tend to move to cooler and deeper water areas to escape the warmer temperatures. They might seek out structures like submerged logs or rocky ledges where they can find some relief from the heat.
Musky might not feed as actively in these conditions so that fishing can be tougher. Using larger and more enticing lures like bucktail spinners or topwater baits can work well. Retrieving your bait or lure at a slower pace with occasional pauses can attract musky. Early morning or late afternoon, when the water is cooler, might be better times to fish for musky.
Is Water Temperature a Big Factor in Musky Fishing?
Musky fishing can be influenced by air temperature because it affects the water temperature, affecting how musky behave. When the air is warm, it can gradually heat the water in lakes or rivers where musky live. Warmer water temperatures can make musky more active and willing to move around and feed.
When the air is cold, it cools down the water. Cooler water can slow down musky’s metabolism and make them less active. They might move to deeper parts of the water where it’s slightly warmer or stay near structures that provide some warmth.
Musky prefer moderate temperatures because they feel more comfortable and are more likely to feed. So, when the air temperature is mild, not too hot or too cold, it can create better conditions for successful musky fishing. However, extremely hot or extremely cold air temperatures can impact water temperature and musky behavior.
Seasonal Water Temperature Guide for Musky
Winter
Musky fishing can be more challenging in winter due to cold water temperatures. When water temperatures are around 30-40 degrees Fahrenheit in early winter, musky become less active and might move to deeper, warmer parts of the water. They focus on smaller prey like fish and might not feed as actively.
In the middle of winter, when temperatures drop to around 20-30 degrees, musky are even slower in their movements. They tend to stay in the deepest parts of the water where it’s warmer, near structures like submerged logs or rocky areas.
By late winter, when temperatures are coldest around 10-20 degrees, musky might not move around much. They focus on smaller fish and might not feed as frequently.
For winter musky fishing, using larger and slower-moving lures like jerkbaits or live bait like large minnows can work. Fishing very slowly and close to the bottom can attract musky, as they might not be willing to chase fast-moving prey. Patience and persistence are key, as catching musky in winter requires more effort.
Spring
In spring, musky fishing can be exciting as the water warms up. In early spring, when water temperatures are around 40-50 degrees Fahrenheit, musky become more active. They move from deeper areas to shallower spots to find warmer water. They focus on smaller prey like fish and sometimes frogs.
When temperatures are around 50-60 degrees in the middle of spring, musky become even more active. They move into shallower waters with structures like weed beds and rocky areas. They might also start targeting larger prey like other fish.
By late spring, when temperatures are around 60-70 degrees, musky are most active. They move to the shallows to find food and prepare for spawning. Their main food sources remain smaller fish and sometimes larger prey like ducks.
For early spring, using slow-moving lures like jerkbaits or soft plastics can work well. Spinnerbaits and crankbaits can be effective near structures in the middle of spring. In late spring, topwater lures and larger swimbaits can mimic the prey musky are after. Fishing near weed beds, structures, and drop-offs during dawn and dusk can increase your chances of catching musky.
Summer
In summer, musky fishing can be thrilling as the water warms up. In early summer, musky become more active when water temperatures are around 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit. They move from deeper areas to shallower spots near the shore to find warmer water. They focus on smaller fish and sometimes frogs.
In the middle of summer, when temperatures are around 70-80 degrees, musky are even more active. They move into shallower waters with structures like weed beds, rocky points, and submerged logs. They might also start targeting larger prey like other fish and even ducklings.
By late summer, when temperatures are around 80 degrees or higher, musky continue to stay near the shallows. They feed more aggressively on small fish and other prey, preparing for the approaching fall.
For early summer, using lures that mimic small fish or frogs, like jerkbaits or topwater lures, can work well. In the middle of summer, larger lures such as crankbaits and bucktail spinners can be effective near structures.
In late summer, big topwater lures and swimbaits can entice musky. Fishing near weed beds, rocky areas, and drop-offs during dawn and dusk can increase your chances of catching musky.
Fall
Musky fishing can be rewarding in the fall as the water cools down. Musky becomes more active in early fall when water temperatures are around 50-60 degrees Fahrenheit. They move from deeper areas to shallower spots near the shore to find comfortable water. They focus on smaller fish and sometimes larger prey like other fish.
When temperatures are around 40-50 degrees in the middle of fall, musky are even more active. They move into shallower waters with structures like weed beds, rocky points, and submerged logs. They might also start targeting larger prey like other fish and even ducks.
By late fall, when temperatures are around 30-40 degrees, musky stay active. They might move to slightly deeper areas but feed aggressively on smaller fish and larger prey.
For early fall, using lures that resemble small fish or frogs, like jerkbaits or topwater lures, can work well. In the middle of fall, larger lures such as crankbaits and bucktail spinners can be effective near structures. In late fall, big lures that mimic fish can attract musky. Fishing near weed beds, rocky areas, and drop-offs during dawn and dusk can increase your chances of catching musky.
Does Air Temperature Impact Musky Fishing?
Air temperature affects musky fishing because it can change the water temperature, which in turn affects how musky behave. When the air is warm, it can gradually warm up the water in lakes or rivers where musky live. Warmer water temperatures can make musky more active and more willing to move around and feed.
Conversely, when the air is cold, it cools down the water. Cooler water can slow down musky’s metabolism and make them less active. They might move to deeper parts of the water where it’s warmer or stay near structures that provide some warmth.
Musky prefer moderate air temperatures because they feel more comfortable and are more likely to feed. So, when the air temperature is mild, not too hot or too cold, it can create better conditions for successful musky fishing. However, extremely hot or extremely cold air temperatures can impact water temperature and musky behavior.
How Cold is Too Cold for Musky Fishing?
Musky fishing becomes challenging when both the water and air temperatures get too cold. In winter, when water temperatures drop below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, musky become less active and move slower. They might move to warmer parts of the water to conserve energy. When the air is also cold, like during freezing temperatures, it can further cool down the water and make musky less willing to feed.
During the rest of the year, musky fishing is generally good when water temperatures are between 50 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. If the air gets extremely cold, like during frosty mornings or chilly days, it can impact the water temperature and slow down musky activity.
In summary, for good musky fishing, it’s best when water temperatures are in the moderate range of 50 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit, and the air temperatures aren’t extremely cold.
How Hot is Too Hot for Musky Fishing?
Musky fishing can become challenging when the water and air temperatures get too warm. When water temperatures rise above 80 degrees Fahrenheit in summer, musky might become less active and seek out cooler, deeper parts of the water to avoid the heat. Warmer water holds less oxygen, making musky feel sluggish and less likely to bite.
If the air is extremely hot, like during scorching heatwaves or high temperatures, it can intensify the warming of the water. This can further reduce musky activity and their willingness to feed.
Generally speaking, musky fishing is better when water temperatures are moderate, between 50 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit, and the air temperatures aren’t excessively hot.
Storms & Weather Changes: Impact on Musky Fishing
Storms and weather can have a significant impact on musky fishing. Before a storm, like a thunderstorm or rainstorm, the air pressure tends to drop. This change can make musky more active and hungry, making them more likely to bite.
However, fishing can be difficult and unsafe during a storm due to lightning and strong winds. Musky might also become less active and stop feeding during the disturbance caused by the storm.
After a storm passes, the air pressure rises again, and musky might resume feeding. The water might also become murkier, making musky feel safer and more likely to bite.
In general, calm and mild weather is better for musky fishing. But if you plan to fish before or after a storm, it could be a good opportunity to catch musky when they’re more active.
