Fish spawning temperature chart
Spawning is triggered more by water temperature than by the date on the calendar. This chart lays out the spawning window for 37 freshwater fish, from the cold-water species that spawn right after ice-out to the catfish that wait for summer warmth. Read it alongside our today's conditions and what's biting pages to time a trip.
Each figure comes from the government agency named under its row, in that agency's own words; agencies in different states give different numbers, so the source tells you whose waters it describes. Timing shifts with latitude, the water body and the year. Species we could not find an agency figure for are listed after the chart, without a number. Always follow your local seasons and regulations.
One of the only freshwater fish to spawn under the ice in midwinter.
Government of Newfoundland and Labrador: surface temperatures during spawning 0.6 to 1.7 °C
One of the very first to spawn, scattering eggs over flooded vegetation right after ice-out.
Wisconsin DNR: between 34 and 40°F, 36-37°F seems preferred
Spawn soon after ice-out over gravel in cold northern streams.
Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Technical Report 91-1: observed spawning in spring from 2.2-10.0 °C to 3.9-16.0 °C across the Alaska studies listed in Appendix II
Spawn in streams and lake shorelines linked to nursery lakes.
Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Technical Report 91-1: observed spawning in September-October at 3-7 °C (Scott & Crossman 1973, listed in Appendix II)
An early spawner that scatters eggs over shallow weeds.
Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks: late winter or early spring at about 39°F to 59°F
Broadcast eggs over shallow rocky shoals as water chills in late fall.
New Hampshire Fish and Game: late fall at 40°F to 50°F over shallow rocky reefs
Needs the coldest, cleanest water; spawns in fall in headwater gravel.
U.S. Geological Survey: spawning at 5 to 9 °C
Run to rocky shoals and river tailouts right after ice-out, one of the earliest spawners.
Wisconsin DNR: spawning usually peaks at 42-50°F
Run up rivers to spawn slightly cooler than walleye.
Nebraska Game and Parks Commission: spawning begins when water at the dam reaches 42°F
Return to natal rivers and dig deep redds as water cools in fall.
U.S. Geological Survey: spawning criteria 5.6-12.8 °C (McKenzie River, Oregon)
Spring spawner that runs up cold tributaries to clean gravel.
U.S. Geological Survey: recommended spawning range 6-17 °C (Bonneville cutthroat study)
Drape ribbon-like egg strands over weeds and brush soon after ice-out.
Wisconsin DNR: shortly after ice-out at 45-52°F
Spawn low in coastal rivers, often close to the tide.
Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Technical Report 91-1: observed spawning in Alaska at 7.2-18.4 °C (Sheridan 1962, listed in Appendix II)
Spawns a few weeks after pike over shallow, sheltered flats.
Wisconsin DNR: optimum about 55°F, range 49-60°F
A spring spawner that cuts redds in clean gravel with good flow.
National Park Service, Shenandoah: peak spawning in March and April at 10-15 °C
Move into rivers and coves to broadcast eggs in spring.
Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife: mostly April and May at 50 to 60°F
Run to rocky rapids and shorelines to spawn, once every few years per fish.
Wisconsin DNR: 53°F when water warms slowly, 58-59°F when it warms fast
Nests near rock and cover in cooler, clearer water than bluegill.
Michigan DNR: April to early June in water of 12 to 15 °C
Broadcast eggs over rocky reefs in fall, with no nest built.
Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife: late October and November when surface water is around or below 55°F
Make a heavy river run to spawn over gravel and hard bottom.
South Carolina DNR: move upstream in March and April as water reaches 55°F
Run far up rivers to broadcast eggs that need current to stay suspended.
Delaware DNREC: triggered by spring water temperatures of 57 to 68 degrees
Males fan beds in shallow flats and coves once water holds in the low 60s.
Wisconsin DNR: nest sites are chosen at 60°F and eggs are laid at 62-65°F
Nests in shallow weedy margins alongside bluegill.
Iowa DNR: preparation starts in May at 60 to 68 degrees, peak activity in early June
Males build weedy nests and guard the fry aggressively.
Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department: May into early June at 60 to 66°F
Beds appear on gravel and rock as water climbs into the low 60s, a touch later than largemouth.
Wisconsin DNR: usually 62-64°F, though spawning has been seen at 53°F
Spawns on rock and gravel, often a little deeper than largemouth.
Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks: about 63°F to 78°F, mid-April through June
Move shallow to spawn as water warms through the mid 60s, a classic spring bite.
Wisconsin DNR (black crappie): favorable spawning temperatures range from 64 to 68°F
Make a strong upriver run from the sea to spawn in flowing water.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: peak spawning temperature 65.3°F
Need warm, rising river water to broadcast their drifting eggs.
U.S. Geological Survey: high flow and water temperatures that exceed 19 °C
Broadcast buoyant eggs into open water, unusual among freshwater fish.
Iowa DNR: May and June at 66 to 72 degrees in the Mississippi River
Colonial bedders that spawn in waves through summer once water passes the upper 60s.
Wisconsin DNR: late May to early August at 67-80°F, peaking in June
Nest in shallow, weedy, often muddy water and fiercely guard the fry.
Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks (black bullhead): 68°F to about 72°F; South Carolina DNR (yellow bullhead): May through June at 75-80°F
Beds a little warmer than bluegill, often on firmer bottom.
Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources: spawn in spring when water reaches about 70°F
Tolerant spawner that beds in warm, shallow, often marginal water.
Missouri Department of Conservation: begin spawning in mid to late May when water rises over 70°F, peak in June
A warm-water sunfish that beds near stumps and weedy cover.
South Carolina DNR: late spring through summer when water is above 70°F
Wait for real summer warmth, then nest in dark cavities and undercuts.
South Carolina DNR: May to July at approximately 70-80°F
Cavity nesters that spawn as water settles into the 70s.
South Carolina DNR: late spring or early summer at 70-75°F
No agency figure found yet
For these 16 species we could not find a spawning temperature on a government agency page that we could open and check, so the chart leaves them out rather than guess: Guadalupe Bass, Shoal Bass, Longear Sunfish, Flathead Catfish, Common Carp, Brown Trout, Brook Trout, Golden Trout, Steelhead, Coho Salmon, Chum Salmon, Atlantic Salmon, Kokanee Salmon, Longnose Gar, Alligator Gar, Peacock Bass.
How to use water temperature
A cheap stick thermometer or a fish-finder's surface reading is enough. When the surface climbs toward a species' window, fish start staging near the areas where they spawn, and that pre-spawn period is often the best fishing of the year. Once fish are actively on beds, handle them quickly and return them so they can finish the job. For catch-and-release best practice see the catch and release guide.
Citing a number? Cite the agency named under its row - this page only gathers them.
Read the water temperature
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