The Water Temperature Game

77°F – Upper limit of Rainbow trout survival

75°F – Temperature at which Rainbow trout stop growing

68°F – Temperature at which anglers should consider not fishing for trout

68°F – Temperature at which Browns and Rainbows start to become stressed

67°F – Temperature at which trout significantly decrease feeding

65°F – Temperature at which Brooks start to become stressed

60°F – Temperature at which Damselflies begin to hatch

59°F – Upper end of optimal fishing temperature for Cutthroat trout

58°F – Optimal temperature for PMD hatches

55°F – Optimal temperature for Quill Gordon, Hendrickson, Salmonfly, Trico, Green Drake and Caddis hatches

54°F – Upper end of optimal Baetis hatch temperatures

50°F – Preferred temperature for Cutthroat trout spawning

50°F – Lower end of optimal temperature for Crayfish activity

46°F – Optimal Brown trout spawning temperature

45°F – Optimal temperature for Chironomid hatches

45°F – Optimal Brook and Cutthroat spawning temperature

44°F – Lower end of optimal fishing temperature for Brooks, Browns, and Rainbows

42°F – Lower end of optimal water temperature for Midge hatches

40°F – Minimal water temperature for Baetis hatches

39°F – Lower end of optimal fishing temperature for Cutthroat trout

33°F – Minimal (not ideal) temperature for Midge hatches