Water Temperature and Trout Metabolism

 

One of the first things I like to do when I arrive at the river is retrieving my thermometer from my pack and check the water temperature.  Trout are ectothermic, or cold-blooded and their metabolism is affected by the temperature of their environment.  As temperatures rise and fall, enzymes of the trout that control the speed of their metabolism undergoing different adjustments.  These changes result in increase or decrease of the trout’s metabolism.

Tailwaters generally holds a consistent
temperature year-round.

As water temperature rises, trout’s metabolism increases, leading to a higher demand for food to fuel their energy needs.  At these higher temperatures, their oxygen requirements increase.  Trout have a specific temperature range where their metabolism is most efficient, often around near-freezing temperatures for their lowest metabolic rate.  As temperatures rise, their metabolic rate gradually increases until it hits an engaging hunger curve point (around 55–65°F for most trout species).  Beyond this point, if temperatures continue to rise particularly above 70°F, their metabolic rate declines rapidly as the trout experiences heat stress, potentially leading to lethal conditions.

In most streams, particularly freestone rivers, water temperatures tend to rise significantly on sunny days, especially during warmer seasons.  However, tailwaters and spring creeks often maintain more stable temperatures.  Tailwaters benefit from water released from deeper, cooler parts of reservoirs, while spring creeks are fed by groundwater that generally holds a consistent temperature year-round.  This stability creates a more favorable environment for fish and aquatic insects.

Vegetation along stream banks can significantly
lower water temperature by blocking sunlight.

Vegetation along stream banks can significantly lower water temperature by blocking direct sunlight. More shadows usually mean cooler water temperatures.  Larger bodies of water generally have a greater capacity to absorb and distribute heat without a significant rise in temperature. Smaller streams, with lower volumes, can warm more quickly and be more susceptible to temperature fluctuations.  The angle of the sun affects how much solar radiation hits the water. This varies by season, time of day, and latitude.

A successful fishing day for the crew
fishing in January fishing pocketwater.

Streams that are wider and shallower heat up more quickly because a greater surface area is exposed to sunlight relative to the volume. Narrower, deeper streams tend to stay cooler as less water is directly exposed to solar heating.  Warmer ambient air temperatures can increase the heat exchange between the air and the water.  Summer days or prolonged warm spells could lead to warmer water temperatures.  Faster-flowing water tends to mix more efficiently and may stay cooler than slow-moving water, which is more likely to stagnate and heat up.

Welcome winter fishing.

While we are headed into winter, carrying a thermometer isn’t just for summer.  Temperatures 32 to 35, maybe for little activity.  As water temperatures head to 36 to 40 degrees, there may be some pick up in trout activity.  45 degrees, the fish are moving around and in larger pools and runs.  Temperatures headed to 50 degrees, the trout will move into shallower waters such as riffles.  The temperatures the trout are into their peak metabolism rate of 51 to 60 degrees.  Trout will be holding most everywhere in the river but the fastest water.  With winter fishing, focus on fishing the slow and deeper waters.  When the water temperatures rise during the day, fish the shallow riffles and pocketwater.  When the water temperatures drop below 32 degrees, time to head home for a hot shower.  See you on the river!

My brother fishing with me in December.