"When is the best time to go fishing?" This age-old question is one that every angler has to grapple with. While we all know that fish behavior is heavily influenced by weather, anyone who has experienced the frustration of multiple lost lines knows that fishing timing is about much more than that. So, how can you determine the optimal fishing times, especially across different seasons? Read on to find the answers!
To schedule your fishing trips like a true professional, you need to ensure two things. First, the fish must be present - a shocking revelation, we know! Second, they need to be in a biting mood. As you can imagine, there are many factors at play here.
Some factors, like tides, influence fish daily. Others occur more sporadically. The key is that most of these influential factors repeat cyclically, which can make an angler's job much easier. Let's dive deeper into the factors that determine the best fishing times.
What Determines the Best Fishing Times?
Tides, sunrise, and sunset times are often considered to play a significant role. A popular hypothesis about how the sun and moon influence fishing is known as the "solunar theory." Some anglers swear by it, while others dismiss it as flawed, but overall, understanding tidal patterns is beneficial, especially for saltwater fishing.
Another critical factor to consider is water temperature. Simply put, fish behavior varies based on the warmth or coolness of the weather. This affects their migration, feeding, and spawning patterns. There are also other, more minor factors like wind, barometric pressure, light, and water levels that can impact catch rates.
Best Fishing Times by Season
As cold-blooded creatures, fish are highly sensitive to temperature changes. To understand the best times of day to fish, we need to observe how water temperatures fluctuate throughout the seasons and from dawn to dusk.
Winter Fishing
Best Fishing Times: Midday, Afternoon
Avoid Fishing: Early Morning, Night
In winter, the cold air temperatures and scarce food sources often slow down fish activity. Freshwater fish activity plummets, and their metabolism can even be affected. Winter fishing is not impossible, but you'll need to time it just right to get the fish biting.
Winter mornings are generally not ideal for fishing. After the long night, the water is still quite cold, and the sun isn't up for long enough. Noon is when the water starts to warm up, and the fish may become more receptive. However, the best winter fishing is typically in the afternoon, when the sun is fully up, and the water temperature is at its highest.
Spring Fishing
Best Fishing Times: Early Morning, Afternoon to Dusk
Avoid Fishing: Pre-Dawn, Late Night
Just like a hibernating bear, fish emerge from winter hungry and ready for a feast. Additionally, many species are preparing to spawn, so you can expect a lot of activity. However, you still need to time it right - spring fishing can be hit or miss!
Spring mornings are still quite cold, with the sun low on the horizon, so it's best to wait until later in the day. Similar to winter, the best spring fishing is when the water is warming up and the fish are more active, typically from late morning through the afternoon. There are plenty of insects around, especially later on, which is something any fish can't ignore.
Summer Fishing
Best Fishing Times: Early Morning, Dusk and Night
Avoid Fishing: Midday, Early Afternoon
Fish are more active in warmer weather, but that doesn't mean they'll be diving at your lure in 100°F (37°C) heat. Ah, they dislike the heat just as much as we do. That said, sometimes the fish will line up like it's free lemonade on Memorial Day.
Summer mornings are prime fishing time. Be sure to get an early start, as the water temperature can rise quickly. Around midday, when the sun is at its highest, the fish will retreat to deeper, cooler waters. However, as dusk approaches, you can try fishing again.
The "dawn or dusk" debate is one of the issues that anglers seem to never fully agree on. On most days, the fishing can be equally productive during these two time periods. Targeting the specific species you want to catch is always a good idea. Fish like flounder or sharks are particularly active in the evening.
Fall Fishing
Best Fishing Times: Early Morning, Late Afternoon to Dusk
Avoid Fishing: Midday
While many anglers choose to fish during the summer, there are also plenty who believe fall fishing is superior. While the challenge may not be as easy as summer, fishing amidst the falling leaves can be incredibly rewarding. Of course, timing is everything.
Early fall brings many changes. However, these changes are still geared towards surviving the impending winter, so I'd feed them as much as possible. That's why choosing the morning for fall fishing often yields the best results. The water has had enough time to warm up, and the fish are sure to be biting.
As daylight hours shorten, the fish also start to rest earlier. If you're fishing in late fall, I'd recommend afternoon outings, as you'll still be able to catch a decent amount.
In most places, fall means rain. While most people are unhappy with the wind and overcast skies, anglers can look forward to a bountiful haul. If you'd like to learn more, check out our comprehensive guide on how weather affects fishing.
What Makes for the Best Fishing Days?
We know how temperature affects fish, so why aren't every summer morning's fishing trips a resounding success? It's because some days are simply better for fishing than others. Let's take a look at why.
Tidal Fishing
As mentioned, tides are one of the most important factors to consider when planning a fishing trip. This is because flowing water often stirs up a wealth of nutrients, prompting baitfish to move in large numbers. If you're a fish, this means it's feast time.
Contrary to popular belief, fish are most active not at the highest or lowest tides, but during the tide changes. This is where understanding how to read tide charts comes in handy. Based on experience, the greater the tidal range, the more active the fish will be.
The question is, how do you know when these changes will occur? Here's a hint: it has to do with the big orange thing in the sky.
Tides are primarily caused by the gravitational pull of the moon and sun, but the moon is the main driver. This is why the largest tidal ranges coincide with full and new moons. So, to answer this question, knowing when the biggest tides will occur is as simple as checking a lunar calendar.
Freshwater Fishing and Tides
Note that the moon influences more than just saltwater fish. Spawning fish, particularly salmon, will time their ascent to spawning grounds to coincide with the largest tidal surges. But don't think the lunar calendar is the whole story when it comes to planning fishing trips.
For lake fish, the moon is about as relevant as a rock. Aside from the occasional moonlit night, the moon has little impact on lake fishing. While there is a legion of devoted lunar-influenced bass anglers, tidal fluctuations aren't as important for lake fishing.
Fishing Seasons in the U.S.
Of course, the best fishing times and their seasonal variations also depend on your fishing location. For example, Florida effectively has only two seasons - the scorching summer and the mild winter. Meanwhile, in some states, winter can last all the way into March. So, if you want to learn more about local fishing season information, check out those articles.
So, When Should You Go Fishing?
With all the information we've just covered, you might think choosing the best fishing times is as simple as circling a date on a calendar. But what about the weather? The traffic? Your mom's doctor appointment? Let's face it, our lives are busy, and there will always be something that gets in the way.
So, the answer to this question - the best time to go fishing is when you can. Generally speaking, that's all you really need. This article covers the best fishing times across different seasons, with optimal times for going out on the water. Some parts of the article could use optimization, and any incorrect information should be corrected. The output should be in English and incorporate the keywords Tuna Fishing, Grouper Fishing, Robotic Lure, and Deep Sea Fishing.
