Pond Boss Forums INTRO Questions & Observations Temperature for Threadfin Shad

I know the dreaded temp for threadfin is 42. I read in the local newspaper what the temperatures are for the local reservoirs. They as of today range from 46-52. Of course I would like to know if what they are publishing is surface temp or what but my question is if our pond surface temp is close to the dreaded 42 but we are 20 feet deep do the threadfin just go to a depth where it is still survivable to them until it just gets so cold they die? I'm sure oxygen comes into play at certain depths but I would love to hear if someone knows the answers.

Buzz,
This time of year, oxygen isn't an issue for your pond. Water's affinity for oxygen rises as temps drop.
Water is most dense at 39 degrees, F. So, odds are high, at your north Texas lake, that surface temps are similar to temps down as deep as 6 or 8 feet.
But, water warmer than 39 degrees rises, as does water cooler than 39.
All that to say this...surface temperatures of your lake are likely similar to temperatures deeper, this time of year.
If surface temps fall below 42 degrees, deeper water temps are quick to follow.
But, the good news is this...we have had another extremely mild winter. I suspect your shad have made it, so far.

Buzz,
Surface water temp at boat ramp at Highport Marina on Texoma yesterday was 46.9 and 48 degrees in creek full of shad marked on depth finder.
No shad kill on Texoma this winter that I know of.
George Glazener

Thanks Guys. 46 degrees seems too close for comfort especially considering the mild winter. I figured we were safe this year but more curious about how cold it has to get to get water temp down to 42. Bob, I think you said on average one out of 5 years the cold will get us but if we had a mild winter and area lakes got to 46 it doesn't seem to have to get much colder to put us in danger. Thanks for the lesson on water temps. I learn something new every day especially on this forum. Any further comments on above would further my education.