Water Temp Connection to Fish Biting/Spawning.

[amateurfishing]

Just trying to learn more bout spring fishing round here. Have heard alot on tv that water temperature makes a big difference in spring fishing for biting and /or spawning. How does one learn about this connection and those temps/fish species that correlate to each other. And how has spring fishing been for anyone so far in relation to the cooler than average cool spring we have had so far? Will spawning b later than normal for some fish? Just curious and trying to learn, have not been out yet since ice out.

[Wish-I-Were-Fishn]

Good questions. I've seen info in books and magazines about water temp relating to spawning. I think crappies are active when the water temp is about 55 degrees. I would ask on the forum of the species you are after.

[PFUNK]

There are a lot of books out and a lot of info that you can find by doing a google search online. it is dependent on which fish you are after. There are some other things that factor into the spawn time besides water temperature. I believe, but don't quote me, that the length of the day plays a big role as well. I have read that walleye will spawn under the ice if there is a very long, cold spring. I think that in the case of a late ice out, spawning could be delayed some for walleye, but there comes a point where they will spawn regardless of if the water is still "too cold". I think they spawn at 45-50 degrees typically. I wanna say crappies spawn at like 60-65 degrees or so, but can be found in shallow staging at temperatures below that.

[Brad B]

crappies spawn in the 52 to 58 degree range

bluegills spawn in the 68 to 72 degree range

flathead cats will start moving but not spawning when it get above 50 degree water temp. they spawn normally end of june to early july. in may and june they are just eatting up preparing to spawn thus this is the best time to target them.

channel cats will spawn before flatheads and they will feed year round that is why you can catch them when ice fishing and the flats are dormant for the winter.