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The cold truth: How water temperature impacts fish behaviour 

Cold water slows fish metabolism, impacting their feeding and behaviour, but don’t let that put you off – read on to find out how and where to succeed in the UK’s chilly conditions.

While a keen angler might feel the pull of the lakeside all year round, it’s undeniable that the cold weather affects fish. Fish, being ectothermic, have their body temperatures dictated by their surroundings. This has a profound impact on their metabolism, behaviour, and ultimately, your chances of a successful catch. Let’s delve into the science behind cold-water fishing and explore how you can adapt, and brace the cold, to get a few fish in the net.

Andy's Fishing Lake in Herefordshire

Winter scene at Andy’s Fishing Lake in Herefordshire

The physiological chill: How cold affects fish

As water temperatures drop, so does a fish’s metabolic rate. This means they require less energy and therefore, feed less frequently. A study published in the “Journal of Fish Biology” (1) found that the metabolic rate of roach decreased by almost 50% when water temperatures dropped from 15°C to 5°C. This reduction in metabolic activity leads to a decrease in feeding, movement, and overall activity levels, which unfortunately is bad news for us anglers looking to catch.

Different species exhibit varying tolerances to cold. Carp, for example, are notoriously sluggish in cold water, often entering a state of torpor. Their feeding becomes minimal, making them a challenging target in winter. In contrast, some species, like perch, Pike and Grayling, remain relatively active even in colder temperatures, although their feeding patterns may change.

A cracking Perch of more than 3lb – a species that can be easily caught throughout the colder months.

Location, Location, Location: Finding fish in the cold

Understanding how fish behaviour changes in cold water is crucial if you are heading out to the bank for a few hours. Fish don’t like changes in water temperature and tend to seek out deeper water where temperatures are more stable and slightly warmer. This is particularly true in lakes and still waters. In rivers, they may congregate near slower-moving sections, deeper pools, or areas with thermal refuges such as water inlets.

Bait and Presentation: The Cold-Water Approach

With fish being less active and feeding less, your bait choices and presentation become paramount. Many anglers opt for smaller baits that are easier for sluggish fish to digest. Maggots, casters, and worms are good choices. It’s also worth enhancing your bait with attractors that appeal to a fish’s chemoreceptors. Liquid flavours added to the hook bait or ground bait can help temp fish to feed.

Not the biggest of chub but absolutely great sport on a cold winter’s day at Stourport on Severn.

Not the biggest of chub but absolutely great sport on a cold winter’s day at Stourport on Severn.

Four big carp fisheries that are known to produce in cold conditions

Barston Lakes, Solihull, West Midlands

Barston Lakes is famous for its big carp, with plenty over 20lb. Why it’s Hot in the Cold? The water gets deeper under the electricity wires, going from 7ft to 15ft. Fish often seek out this depth in the colder months and they remain active for longer.  In December 2019 a stunning 38lb common carp caught here, demonstrating it’s top winter venue. https://www.barstonlakes.co.uk/

Broadlands Lake, Southampton, Hampshire

Broadlands Lake, is a legendary venue with a history of big carp catches even when the water temperature drops. Why it’s Hot in the Cold? The river flowing into the lake helps prevent it from freezing over, keeping the fish active. On their facebook page they have reported fish of over 30lb being caught in January.

Berners Hall Fishery, Essex

“The Res” lake is the main attraction, holding a massive head of carp (over 700) with many over 30lb and some exceeding 50lb! Why it’s Hot in the Cold? This fishery has a reputation for producing bites even in the depths of winter due to its high stock levels and competition for food, with their facebook page reporting catches throughout the winter months.

Linear Fisheries, Oxfordshire

With 10 day ticket lakes to choose from, Linear is a massive complex, with a reputation for producing fish all year round with some impressive specimens over 50lb. Why it’s Hot in the Cold? Linear is a well stocked and well designed fishery, with pools that offer deeper water and more stable temperatures conditions. https://www.linear-fisheries.co.uk/

As always, it’s a good idea to check the latest information and any specific winter rules on the fishery websites before you head out, and before you do, check out our guide to winter fishing clothing to make sure you stay toastie and warm.

(1) Smith, R. J., & Jones, D. R. (1982). The effect of temperature on the metabolic rate of roach, Rutilus rutilus (L.). Journal of Fish Biology, 20(3), 345-353.

 

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Written by Steve
Steve's been an angler since the age of 12, when he caught his first perch on his local canal in Warwickshire. An avid float angler for over 30 years, Steve's just as passionate about angling now, whether stick float fishing on the Avon or at his local gravel pit fishing for spring time Tench.

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