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At what water temperatures, in rivers, do most of you notice panfish becoming active. I stopped today and checked the temp in our river and it was 48 degrees. We do have a few ponds/lakes but I prefer the rivers if possible. With limited time, I would like to be as productive as possible so if I need to go to the ponds I will do that instead. Thanks for your input.
Rex
Fish are active year round and will bite year round.
As far as temperature goes, I never check it. I fish whenever I can. If I waited for ideal conditions, I'd never go. ;)
What he said
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I guess I just need to get out on the water!!!
Last fall I was catching panfish in water bordering 40 degrees. Some fish were concentrated in certain areas, some only a few, but slow retrieves using light jigs and small plastics less than 2" did the trick. Ice out in NY since last week will allow water temps to rise fast in the next few weeks along with the warm rains. Now if I can only get off my winter hibernating butt, I might just start fishing before the first day of spring arrives!
A very kind member of this site referred me to a website called "Crappie by Degrees". Google it. I follow it faithfully, and it has never failed me. I wish I had this information years ago when fishing with my kids.
Fish when you can,water temps will take care of themselves.............but,if you are held to a time frame and must choose (say a vacation,)then by all means pick the peak time for the species you are after.