Water temperature for fishing
Live readings from gauges, tide stations and buoys near you, with each species' preferred range.
USGS · NOAA
Type a town or water, or use your location, to see live water temperatures nearby.
| Species | Preferred range | Key threshold |
|---|---|---|
| Largemouth bass | 65–80°F | Spawn 60–70°F |
| Smallmouth bass | 60–75°F | Spawn 58–65°F |
| Walleye | 55–70°F | Spawn 42–50°F |
| Rainbow trout | 50–65°F | Stress above 70°F |
| Crappie | 60–75°F | Spawn 58–65°F |
| Northern pike | 50–70°F | Spawn 40–52°F |
| Channel catfish | 70–85°F | Spawn 70–80°F |
How this tool works
Readings come from USGS stream gauges, NOAA CO-OPS tide stations and NOAA NDBC buoys, including the Great Lakes. A reading is shown as a water's own temperature only when the sensor is on that water; otherwise we show the distance to it. Species ranges are general figures from fisheries literature; local fish adapt.
FAQ
What water temperature do bass bite best in?
Largemouth bass feed most actively from the mid 60s to about 80°F. Below 50°F they slow down; in summer heat they move deeper or into shade.