* Oxygen Levels: Cold water holds more dissolved oxygen than warm water. Trout are very active fish and require a lot of oxygen to survive.
* Metabolism: Like all cold-blooded animals, trout's metabolic rate slows down in warmer water. This makes them sluggish and less able to hunt and thrive.
* Reproduction: Trout eggs need cold, well-oxygenated water to develop properly. Warmer water can cause the eggs to die or produce weak offspring.
* Food Sources: Many of the insects and other aquatic creatures that trout feed on thrive in cold water environments.
* Disease and Parasites: Warmer water temperatures can increase the risk of disease and parasites, which can weaken or kill trout.
In general, trout are best suited to water temperatures between 40°F and 70°F (4°C and 21°C). They are often found in high-elevation streams, rivers, and lakes where the water stays cool throughout the year.
As climate change leads to warmer water temperatures, trout populations are facing increasing challenges and their habitats are shrinking.