As with most species, timing can have a major impact on success when Trout fishing. From the month and season to the time of day, it makes sense to plan your trips around the best fishing. This is especially important if you’re planning a fishing vacation. After all, you don’t want to fork out hundreds of dollars only to find out you’ve got your timing wrong! While you can’t always control the conditions, you can work to tip the odds in your favor…
That being said, you shouldn’t miss an opportunity just because the timing isn’t optimal. If your schedule allows for fishing, go out and have fun regardless of the timing! For your local Trout waters, it never hurts to pop out for a few casts. As for going farther afield, make sure to learn about the best times to go Trout fishing to give you that edge!
Trout Fishing Times: Temperature
The most important factor for Trout activity is temperature, so your timing will inevitably correlate with this variable. You can catch Trout in cold and hot conditions, but they’re most active and comfortable in water temperatures between 55 and 65 degrees. In most environments, the waters hit this temperature sometime in early summer and early fall.
Spring-fed creeks and rivers are the exceptions to this rule and can offer stable water temperatures year-round. This makes it easier to time your trip, as you’ll want to coincide your visit with hatching and generally comfortable fishing weather.
Dams can also influence temperatures, creating more consistency throughout the year. The release of cold water from bottom-release dams creates fantastic situations and world-class Trout tailwater fisheries on many rivers. When temperatures are comfortable and consistent, Trout can feed longer and grow faster.
While ideal temperatures correlate to more active Trout, you can catch plenty of fish in colder conditions. When the water temperatures are colder than optimal, you’ll want to go fishing for Trout at the warmest time of the day. For example, the water temperature might run sub–40 degrees all day with a peak that hits 40 or 41 degrees in the early afternoon. Come just after lunchtime to hit the highest activity level that day.
The same is true of hot seasons when temperatures climb into dangerous territory. Anything over 70 degrees really stresses Trout, so it’s best to not fish at midday during these periods. Look to early mornings for lower water temperatures and active fish in peak summer heat.
Food Means Opportunity
There isn’t a season when you can’t catch Trout! These fish eat beneath the ice in winter and on the surface through the summer. But it’s a good idea to time your fishing with the best food opportunities. When there are abundant insects and food sources, the action can really take off.
Insects are the primary food sources for Trout, so hatches are the main things to look out for. In the western US and Rocky Mountains, June is a big month for salmonflies and golden stoneflies. In other regions, major mayfly hatches occur and caddisflies are present all summer long.
Trout live across the world and it’s important to research specific hatches when planning a trip. For example, Trout eat big dragonflies in Chilean lakes, cicadas in New Zealand, and even other fish, minnows, and crayfish in many places. Alaska Trout eat rotting salmon flesh, salmon eggs, and mice throughout the summer, too.
While you can have success outside of the major hatches and food events, they create the most exciting opportunities to pursue Trout.
What time of day for Trout fishing?
After narrowing down your timing to a month and day when water temperatures are reasonable and food is abundant, it’s time to think about the time of day. Across the seasons, dawn and dusk are always a good bet. Low light conditions produce some of the biggest fish around. These periods are excellent during hot weather because the water cools but they also produce in cold conditions.
I tend to fish mid-morning through early afternoon in the spring and fall because the fishing is productive and the weather is more comfortable for me. As summer progresses, the timing shifts to morning and evening sessions.
If your fishing trip coincides with cold weather, the mid-day and afternoon are often best. A slight increase in water temperature makes a big difference in terms of activity.
Lastly, night fishing is something to consider for timing. Brown Trout are especially active at night and the largest fish in a river or lake will hunt crayfish, mice, and other fish in the dark. It’s not easy but casting mice and big streamers in the dark can produce some monster Trout.
Chasing the Seasons
Every season is Trout season! Finding the best time to fish for Trout within each season isn’t an exact science but there are some variables that can drive intelligent decision making. You won’t hit the jackpot on every outing but you can certainly improve the odds of catching fish by considering everything from weather to water temperature.
Spring
The weather is a major factor in the spring season because water temperatures are relatively cold coming off the winter ice out. Watch the weather and choose warmer days to chase Trout. Focus on the mid-morning through early afternoon when water temperatures peak. I also find success during light spring snow storms as well. The increased moisture in the air can trigger great blue-wing olive mayfly hatches.
Summer
Early summer offers some of the best Trout fishing there is. Water temperatures are stable and the insect hatches really take off. High flows are a bigger concern than anything during the early season as snowmelt drives runoffs. Fish early in the day before rivers turn muddy and high during this season. Otherwise, summer is all about dawn and dusk outings although you can find quality fishing nearly any time of the day.
Fall
In rivers and lakes with Brown Trout, fall is an incredible time to go fishing. Water temperatures cool and the pre-spawn creates excellent conditions for anglers. Big Brown Trout are more vulnerable during the fall season. It’s also a good time to fish hard. Any time of the day is worth the effort during this season.
Winter
Cold temperatures slow down the bite and mid-day is generally the best time to pursue winter Trout in waters that are not frozen. I’ve caught some huge Trout in freezing temperatures below dams in the winter. You can also try ice fishing throughout the day on frozen lakes. There tends to be a good bite at first light but Trout are available all day long.
Best Trout Fishing Times FAQs
When will you be chasing Trout this year?
If you have a flexible schedule, it’s worth playing with your timing to get the best Trout fishing. Head out when the temperature is ideal and the weather is comfortable to enjoy your outing. Many angers have busy lives, however, and I recommend fishing for Trout whenever your schedule allows. Don’t waste an opportunity to get outside and have some fun, as you can catch Trout whenever!
Modern waders and other equipment make it easy to remain dry and comfortable, even in blizzard conditions. The only time periods to skip are those of extreme heat. When water temperatures are too warm, there’s an elevated risk of mortality when catching and releasing Trout. With all this knowledge, you’re now ready to get out there!
What are your best times for Trout fishing? Do you prefer warm or cold weather for Trout fishing? We’d love to hear your favorite months and conditions in the comments below!
