What temperature do fish spawn at?

Spawn temperature varies dramatically by species. Walleye spawn at 38–44°F (very cold), largemouth bass at 60–75°F, channel catfish at 70–84°F, and snook at 79–86°F. Use the water temperature calculator above to see which phase your target species is in given current local water temperature.

What fish are spawning in May?

Spawn timing is regional. Across the US, May typically falls within the spawn window for multiple species depending on latitude and water temperature. Pick your region for specific species and timing.

Spawn timing & water temperature

Fish spawn timing — by water temperature.

Spawn timing is driven by water temperature, not calendar date. The same species spawns weeks earlier in southern range than northern. Track water temp, plan trips around pre-spawn and post-spawn windows, and practice conservation during peak spawn.

Water Temperature Spawn Calculator

Enter your local water temperature and pick a species — see what spawn phase your target fish are likely in right now.

Species

Current water temperature60°F

32°F50°F65°F80°F90°F

Predicted phase

At 60°F · Largemouth Bass

Spawn

Conservation window — bedding fish vulnerable to stress

Bedding largemouth bass are highly vulnerable to angling stress — they are physiologically committed to nest defense and will continue to attack lures even when exhausted. Catch and release during spa

Largemouth Bass thresholds: Pre-spawn staging begins at 55°F. Spawn initiates at 60°F, peaks 63–68°F, and completes at 75°F. Source: Stuber, R.J., G. Gebhart, and O.E. Maughan. 1982. Habitat Suitability Index Models: Largemouth Bass. USFWS Biological Report 82(10.16). (peer-reviewed)

This tool computes from a static dataset — it does not fetch your local water temperature. For live water temperature alerts that trigger when spawn thresholds are crossed at your saved waters, see the Bield: Fish app.