Can rainbow trout survive in warm water or not?
No, rainbow trout cannot survive in warm water. They are a cold-water fish species and prefer temperatures between 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit (10 to 16 degrees Celsius). Temperatures above 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 degrees Celsius) can be lethal to rainbow trout. When water temperatures become too warm, rainbow trout become stressed and experience decreased swimming performance, reduced growth, increased susceptibility to disease, and eventually death. To ensure their survival, rainbow trout are typically managed in cooler streams, rivers, lakes, and ponds. In warmer climates, special considerations must be given to provide cold water habitats or alternative methods to regulate water temperatures suitable for the survival of rainbow trout.