Top Water Temps?

[Led Blimp]

Is there a specific range of air temp and water temp that starts the top water bite or is it when there are enough bugs on the surface to draw up the bait fish?  Thanks for the info, I appreciate it.

Led Blimp

[IwillChooseFreeWill]

I find it is more related to the bugs. I have seen colder days in the 50s when bugs were falling and getting bit and hot days over 100 with the same thing.

[RoLo]

Feeding laterally at a fixed depth level requires less effort and alertness,

than rising to the water surface. Rising to the surface requires more effort,

because rapid depth change is involved, and the greater the depth change

the greater the effort. In addition, anglers must appreciate the fact that any fish

that rises to the surface has made a daring commitment. Speed and vigil

are needed because fish instinctively know that breaking the surface

reveals their position to unseen predators such as ospreys, eagles and alligators.

Baitfish daringly take to the air in the hope that their pursuer will not make the same commitment,

and give up the chase.

Fish are cold-blooded creatures, so they're most likely to strike a topwater lure

when water temperatures support the energy and alertness required.

Though far from an exact science, 75 degrees F. is the popularly accepted optimum

for topwater activity. Water temperatures below 70 degrees may not provide enough

thermal support, while water temperatures above 80 degrees may not provide enough

dissolved oxygen support. For this reason, we generally experience the best surface activity

in spring, when temps are rising between 70 and 80 degrees, and again in fall

when temps are falling between 80 and 70 degrees. (Yes, exceptions are commonplace)

Roger

[senko_77]

I start throwing a buzzbait when the water hit around 51-52.  From my experience, you really gotta slow down to get them to commit and usually the bites are real subtle, but I have caught some GIANTS in some real cold water with a buzzbait. 

[hookset on 3]

I believe barometric pressure is a variable along with temps.

If it is a high sky then topwater is less effective.

Low pressure and low clouds, much better results.