Temperature and Fishing: How Hot Is Too Hot?

When summer rolls around in Texas, the heat can feel downright oppressive—for anglers and fish alike. Temperature matters for more than just your own comfort. Extreme temperatures influence fish behavior. But how hot is too hot for fishing in Texas? Let’s break it down so you can make the most of Texan waters, even when the temps soar.

Why Temperature Matters in Fishing

Fish are cold-blooded creatures, which means their internal temperature is dependent on their environment. When water heats up, fish behavior and energy can change. Specifically, many species might become more sluggish and slower to feed. Additionally, hot water is less oxygenated, which also affects fish (especially those living in shallow areas).

There’s also the fact that fishing under the sweltering sun isn’t that comfortable. Even if you can bear it, you probably won’t have as nice of a time as you would on a cooler day with a light breeze. Overall, extreme heat isn’t great for fish or you.

But how hot is too hot? Though it depends on the fish species and your personal tolerances, any ambient temperature above 80°F is more likely to harm your success. That said, some of the most popular fish species in Texas prefer hot water, which makes sense given where they live. Let’s now explore which fish to target and how to go fishing even when temperatures soar.

Ideal Fishing Temperatures by Species

Here’s a quick guide to some local favorites and their preferred water temperature ranges:

• Largemouth bass: This species is the best to catch on hot days because it thrives in waters of 82°F to 84°F.
• Catfish: These Texan staples also love warm water, hitting their peak activity between 70°F and 85°F.
• Trout: You won’t see a lot of success catching trout in the heat because these fish feed the most in waters that are 45°F to 65°F.
• Redfish (red drum): For saltwater anglers, redfish excel from 70°F to 90°F, meaning early mornings in the summer are better.

Summer Fishing Tips for Texas Anglers

By now, you can see how fishing in high heat can hamper your success, but Texan fish species are well adapted to the climate. If you want to go fishing under the blazing sun, you will probably still reel in some great catches! Just keep the following tips in mind.

Take Care of Yourself

First and foremost, protect your own safety. Bring plenty of water, wear sun protection, and take breaks in the shade.

Take Care of Your Boat

If you go fishing on a boat, it might feel worse in the heat than you or the fish. Use shade covers, apply protective sealants, and don’t stay out on the water for too long. These are all part of taking care of hydraulic boat seats in high heat, as well as every other part of your vessel.

Fish Early or Late

Avoid the hottest times of the day. Sunrise and sunset typically offer cooler water temperatures and more active fish. You might even try night fishing!

Go Deeper

During hot weather, many fish retreat to cooler depths. Look for deeper waters, under shaded cover, or near underwater structures.