Water temperature

[Jeff Smith]

I notice that on a couple of the river report forums that current water temperature is often quoted.
As a river pike angler, I’m quite keen to keep an eye on temperatures before I start my winter piking campaign.
As a relative newcomer to barbel fishing I’d be interested to find out at what LOW temperature do you guys not bother with barbel fishing?
Also, I tend to take the temperature at a constant depth ( about 6ft in open unshaded water) Do you guys do the same?

 

[Joe Winstanley]

Hi Jeff,

As a rule I wouldn't bother at anything below 6°C, anything lower and i'll fish for other species. Of course they will feed well below this but it's not for me. One of the most important aspects is the trend in the water temperature.

Barbel are more likely to feed in water temps rising from 5 to 6°C particularly if it's been 5°C for a good few days than they are in waters temps quickly falling from 8°C to 7°C. So monitor the trend before going out.

Others may disagree, and I quote the above temps regarding trend just as an example.

 

[Cliff Turner]

I agree, trend is more important, any rise and you have a chance !!

 

[Jim Ufton]

If you have a bait in the water there,s always a chance, but like joe said an increase in temp ,even half a degree can have an effect, especially this time of the season,,,

 

[Richard Parsons]

All the above, particularly in conjunction with a south westerly wind.

 

[Sid Croft]

Pretty much what they say Jeff,

 

[Jeff Smith]

Thanks for your replies. Is there a reliable source where the river temperature is available?
I’m concentrating my efforts on the middle Severn but live in deepest Sussex ( about 200 Miles away) so it’s a little inconvenient as you can imagine.
I suppose watching the air temps, as well as the river levels , would be a good guide ?

 

[Tim Marks]

There’s a nice bloke on here called ‘Sid’ who regularly records the Severn water temperature.

As has been said the general rule (today being an exception !) is that the river temp rises as fresh warm rain washes in.

One word of warning - make sure you get all your readings from one source. I have 3 thermometers and my mate has a couple and they ALL give different readings……If you stick to just one then the ‘trend’ data works.

 

[Jeff Smith]

There’s a nice bloke on here called ‘Sid’ who regularly records the Severn water temperature.

As has been said the general rule (today being an exception !) is that the river temp rises as fresh warm rain washes in.

One word of warning - make sure you get all your readings from one source. I have 3 thermometers and my mate has a couple and they ALL give different readings……If you stick to just one then the ‘trend’ data works.

That is extremely useful to me. I see Sid has posted today and noted the drop in temperature.

 

[Brendon Mullins]

What type of thermometers are you using to take the temps? Are you just recording them in the edge or actually out in the flow?

 

[Tim Marks]

What type of thermometers are you using to take the temps? Are you just recording them in the edge or actually out in the flow?

I just lower a probe (electronic) into the edge or chuck old fashioned ones in on a yard of string.

 

[David Schofield]

Water temperature in Trent and sea water temperature forecast in Trent for the next days

Know the sea water temperature in Trent and the hourly evolution for the next few days

tides4fishing.com