How cold is too cold for trout?

77 degrees, this is the limit of rainbow trout survival. Rainbow trout can survive the warmest water. 67 degrees, significant decrease in feeding. Trout anglers may quit fishing at this temperature.

What depth do rainbow trout feed at in winter?

Bays and shoreline flats with a soft, sandy bottom or a variety of substrates are best for nymphs and larvae. Prime depths are 4 to 8 feet, unless no flats exist at those depths. Trout feed deeper, too, but when they do, it often occurs just past the lip of the first major drop leading to these shallow flats.

Do trout go deeper in cold weather?

In winter, fish migrate to deeper pools, especially in the center, and deeper runs of slow to moderate current. You’ll frequently find them grouped in pods, so when you hook one, there could be more. Letting the water settle down for a bit can be a better tactic than going on a search for different water.

Do trout go deep in winter?

Unlike in the summer, when trout will sit in faster and shallower runs gobbling up food coming past, in the winter they’ll want to expend as little energy as possible. This makes fast water undesirable. Instead, fish your flies deep in slow, calmer water.

Will trout bite in the snow?

As trout become colder and colder, their metabolism slows down, which means they feed less. Use hooks, baits, and lures that are as small as you can get away with in cold weather trout fishing situations. This tip will help you get more bites. The same principle goes for any live bait that you might be using.

Where do trout go in winter?

To survive through a northern winter in a frozen stream or lake, trout metabolism decreases, enabling them to survive longer between meals. Trout and other stream fish move to areas of better winter habitat, including deep pools and areas with stable ice conditions and slow currents.

Do trout eat eggs in winter?

For worms and eggs, these are two great winter food sources and provide a lazy trout exactly what it needs- a “non-escaping food source”. i.e. that fish isn’t going to have to expend considerable energy to take in a calorie packed snack.

Do rainbow trout bite in winter?

Most of the fish on my property are spring-spawning rainbows so spawning migration is not an issue. Trout do feed in winter, especially if water temperatures climb above 40 degrees.

Do trout bite lures?

Flashy spoons, especially those tipped with feathers and sometimes even wax worms, are effective for trout all year long. They thrive, however, in colder weather when the bite slows down. Their flashiness can annoy and entice into a bit bite.

What color PowerBait is best for trout?

While there is some speculation about the best colors to use, many say that bright yellow, orange, or rainbow-colored PowerBait work best. For a full list, here are some of the top colors when using PowerBait for stocked trout: Orange.