Water temperature can often be used as an indicator if certain species will be present in a lake or stream. Larvae and eggs usually have a higher need for temperature stability while adult fish can survive with greater fluctuations. The amounts of plankton decreases in the winter which also decreases the food supply for smaller fish such as minnows. Larger fishes metabolism slows down so they feed less often in the cold water of winter.
Different species have different requirements.
It is important to look at different stages of species when relating to water temperature. Much plant life, many fish diseases. Most bass, crappies, bluegill, carp, catfish and caddis flies. Some plant life, some fish diseases. Salmon, trout, stonefly, mayfly, caddis fly, water beetles and striders.