Fishing and Temperature

Part of the Fishing For Dummies Cheat Sheet

Fish respond to temperature just like people; if it’s too hot or too cold, they’re not doing much. When you’re fishing, use this chart to find the optimum temperature to catch the most fish. (All temperatures are in Fahrenheit.)

Type of Fish	Lower Limit	Optimum	Upper Limit
Freshwater
Bluegill	58˚	69˚	75˚
Brook Trout	44˚	58˚	70˚
Brown Trout	44˚	56˚– 65˚	75˚
Channel Catfish	55˚	82˚– 89˚	na
Coho Salmon	44˚	54˚	60˚
Lake Trout	42˚	50˚– 59˚	na
Largemouth Bass	50˚	65˚– 75˚	85˚
Muskellunge	55˚	63˚	72˚
Northern Pike	56˚	63˚	74˚
Rainbow Trout	44˚	61˚	75˚
Smallmouth Bass	60˚	65˚– 68˚	73˚
Walleye	50˚	67˚	76˚
Saltwater
Cod	31˚	44˚– 49˚	59˚
Bluefish	50˚	62˚– 72˚	84˚
Bonefish	64˚	75˚	88˚
Dolphin	70˚	75˚	82˚
Fluke	56˚	66˚	72˚
Redfish	52˚	71˚	90˚
Red Snapper	50˚	57˚	62˚
Snook	69˚	70˚– 75˚	90˚
Speckled Trout	48˚	72˚	81˚
Tarpon	74˚	na	100˚+