BigBendFishing.Net

What water temp determins whether you fish in the river or on the flats?

I don't go by temperature I go by tide.
If there is enough water to float the boat I prefer flats.(or creeks)

I had always heard that 65 degrees was the magic number for the flats to turn on. But what is too cold?

I was on the flats today. The water temp was 62-64. There was very little movement from baitfish and I saw no evidence of Trout or Reds. I fished slow, shallow, deep, on top,even some creeks...nothing. Maybe it was just me or maybe I should have tried the river. I don't know.

i look for bait

Cold weather, low water temps, I tend to stay in the rivers and the creeks, shallow and deep.

I GENERALLY STAY ON THE FLATS AND MOUTHS OF CREEKS IF THE WATER IS OVER 59-60, IF IT IS COLDER THEN I GO UP THE RIVERS AND FISH THE DEEP HOLES AND BENDS OF THE RIVER OR GO OVER TO SPRING CREEK AND WORK THE OYSTER BARS.
PA
SEMPER FI

Temperature is some what relative. Yes, under ideal conditions trout may prefer the ideal temperature range but when is everything ever ideal for long? I can't believe all the trout and red's could go up the river. Yes, large number do and if you like fishing with hundreds of boats like fishing a bream bed, enjoy yourself. It can be intertaining!

I think trout will seek warmer water, 45 degrees over 40, 40 degrees over 35.........well, you get the idea. Next question: Where is warmer water on the flats?

Answer: Depends

Air temperture 30 degrees, tide a low -1.5 at 4 a.m.
Rocks, mud, earth are exposed to 32 degrees
Would you expect trout to be in shallow water that has just covered cold rocks at 9 a.m.?
I'd look for deep holes, old channels, rocky holes and fish deep that morning.

Another day:
Air temperture 30 degrees, tide a high 3.0 at 4 a.m. followed by a low -1.5 at 11:00 a.m.
Sunny day, warms rocks, mud and earth during low tide.
I'd hunt trout as soon as water was deep enough to float my boat over the exposed earth during low tide.

Water temperture may be well below the ideal but several degrees warmer that surrounding water. I would look for the warmer water.

Thanks for the info. I have tried this time of year without much luck. But I'm getting the fever for some salt air.