Tennessee Musky Fishing Water Temperatures: How Hot Is Too Hot for Muskies

Musky Fishing and High Water Temperatures

The debate over when to fish for Tennessee muskies—or when not to fish for them—has long been contentious. Many musky anglers climb onto their soapbox to preach that other anglers are doing everything wrong, especially when it comes to reading water temperatures. I strive to take a more egalitarian approach, balancing a realistic worldview with a commitment to conservation.

I can’t fault an angler making a once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage to Canada for fishing when water temperatures slightly exceed the 80-degree mark. The thousands of miles traveled and thousands of dollars invested in a dream trip tip the scales heavily toward self-interest over conservation.

However, I do take issue with anglers who pursue muskies in high water temperatures when fishing locally or just a few hours away. The “trip of a lifetime” excuse has been overused and abused in this conversation.

The reality is, people will do what they want. There are no wildlife regulations prohibiting fishing in warm water, so this is an issue anglers must self-police. That said, reaching a consensus on the matter is unlikely. Laws exist for a reason, as they leave no gray area for interpretation. As such, we must exist in this self-policing state.

With the reality of the matter clearly in view, let’s examine the potential effects of “hot water” on muskies so you can make an informed decision about the potential damage to the resource if you step outside the social guidelines for musky fishing, or whether you will adhere to the commonly accepted, albeit anecdotal, knowledge about muskies and hot water.

• Metabolic Stress: Water above 80°F increases musky metabolic rates, potentially causing stress in shallow waters.

• Dissolved Oxygen Needs: Muskies need 5–6 ppm of dissolved oxygen to avoid stress. Warm water holds less oxygen, thus the potential of oxygen deprivation present and subsequently elevated.

• Thermal Stratification: Muskies may seek cooler, deeper water below the thermocline (65–70°F) in stratified lakes and reservoirs. Pulling muskies from cold water towards warm surface water can cause thermal shock.

• Handling Sensitivity: Above 80°F, muskies are more prone to stress from handling, increasing the risk of delayed mortality during catch-and-release.

• Mortality Risk: Catch-and-release mortality rises sharply above 75°F, with 80°F cited by professionals, guides, and scientific studies alike.

  
  

It should be noted that exposure to warm/hot air temperatures for handling and photos also greatly increases stress and potential mortality.

In places like Tennessee, anglers need to consider these factors, as hot weather in Tennessee is no surprise. No one ever said, “I wonder if it will be hot in Tennessee in July and August”; that’s like asking if the grass is green or the sky is blue. As we are thrust into the heat of summer here in the South, put muskie conservation at the forefront of your mind. With the majority of our fish being naturally reproduced, anglers need to make decisions that are long-term focused.

Tennessee Muskie Guides

Steven Paul Musky and Pike Expert

www.TennesseeMuskyFishing.com