The Best Time To Go Fishing

Numerous factors impact fish behavior, from the season and water temperature to wind speed and barometric pressure. One of those core factors is the time of day. Whether you're fly fishing, spin fishing, or handline fishing (like we do at Daggerfish), answering the question "What is the best time to go fishing?" will help you have a more successful fishing trip.

1. Best Time of Day to Fish Based on Season

The best time of day to fish depends on the season because aquatic life generally doesn’t like extreme temperatures. Therefore, it's helpful to plan your fishing trips around the time of year.

Fishing in the Spring

In the spring, the fish aren’t typically biting in the early morning as the water is too cold. At a minimum, wait for the sun to come up and start fishing during late morning/early afternoon. Many professional anglers and fishing enthusiasts recommend fishing along the downwind shoreline as the wind pushes warmer surface water and surface food toward it. However, the best time to fish in the spring is in the afternoon and early evening when the sun is directly overhead.

Fishing in the Summer

If you’re fishing in June, July, and August, going out from early to mid-morning will yield the best results. Once late morning and afternoon roll around, most fish head to deeper waters to cool down. However, summer fishing ramps back up in the evening, from sundown until dark, as the water cools and fish return from the deeper waters.

Fishing in the Winter

If you’re an early riser in the winter, kick back and have a cup of coffee until the sun rises. The fish aren’t typically biting until the water temperature rises with the sun overhead. You may get a few nibbles in the late morning and early afternoon. However, late afternoon and early evening tend to be the best fishing times during the winter.

Fishing in the Fall

Fishing in the fall echoes a similar pattern to fishing in the spring. Generally, you’ll want to wait for mid to late morning or early afternoon to get started. Again, experts recommend fishing along the downwind shoreline in the fall as the wind pushes warmer surface water and surface food toward it. For the optimal fall fishing time, stick to the afternoon and early evening when the water is a bit warmer.

Best Time of Day to Fish Based on Solunar Theory

Solunar theory asserts that fish, as well as other animals, behave differently according to the location of the moon and the sun. While fishermen and hunters have used solar and lunar cycles for hundreds—if not thousands—of years, the theory was formally written out in 1926 by John Alden Knight.

The theory divides each day into Major and Minor Activity Periods, with the Major Periods occurring when the moon is directly overhead or underfoot and the Minor Periods happening when the moon is rising or setting. Additionally, Solunar Theory takes into account moon phases.

By using the calculations in solunar tables, such as the ones on FishingReminder.com, CatchingTimes.com, and BassMaster.com, anglers can identify the best times to fish based on the fish’s heightened feeding activity. The basic premise of these calculations is this:

• Major & Minor Periods: Major Periods are the best times for fishing, as fish are most active then. Minor Periods are good, too, but offer a shorter window of fishing time.
• Moon Phases: Fish tend to be more active during the new moon and full moon phases.
• Major/Minor Period + New/Full Moon Phases: This overlapping period and phase enhances major and minor periods, making them even more effective times to fish.

Solunar tables can be extensive, highlighting the day’s Moon Up and Moon Down, Moon Rise and Moon Set, and Sunrise and Sunset times, as well as the Moon Phase and Moon Age. Ultimately, the best times to fish, based on Solunar Theory, are Major or Minor Periods that are close to Sunrise or Sunset during a New Moon or a Full Moon.

You can also consult the Farmer’s Almanac for monthly historical fishing data.

We know that planning your fishing trip around moon phases may sound farfetched, but there is a lot of truth to it. The National Ocean Service and Ocean Conservancy cite multiple studies that illustrate how the lunar cycles impact aquatic life.

Best Time of Day to Fish Based on Weather

Weather plays a big part in how a fishing trip will go. To give you a better idea, let’s consider three critical factors: wind, air pressure, and ultraviolet (UV) index.

Fishing with a Breeze

Wind increases the turbidity of the water, which can often create currents that drag nutrients along with them. Small fish usually position themselves to intercept food drifting by in these currents. As these small fish gather around this food current, big fish start lurking nearby to feast. Therefore, a breeze can work to your advantage.

But there is some truth to the old limerick:

Wind from the east, fish bite the least;
Wind from the west, the fish bite the best;
Wind from the north, few sailors set forth;
Wind from the south blows bait in their mouth.

For instance, fishing in an east wind is exceptionally challenging. The reason is, cold fronts generally travel west to east and create a rapid drop in water temperature, which can shock the aquatic ecosystem, greatly affecting the number of bites you’ll get. Likewise, north winds are also associated with cold fronts but with the added challenge of big waves.

Wind is typically strongest around bodies of water in the mid-afternoon and nighttime. This fluctuation is due to the "sea breeze” and “land breeze,” where the difference in land and water temperatures create a pressure difference that drives wind from or to the water and land.

• Daytime: Sea breeze: Wind blows from the water towards the land.
• Nighttime: Land breeze: Wind blows from the land towards the water.

Offshore winds generally are better for land-based anglers and onshore wind is better for shallow boat fishing. When fishing in a stream or river, know that wind creates friction on the river’s surface, so fish will likely feed closer to the surface.

Fishing in High & Low Air Pressure

There are typically two pressure changes per day. As the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration notes, the pressure is at its lowest around 4 a.m./p.m. and at its highest around 10 a.m./p.m., which means we experience the biggest changes in pressure in the early morning and early evening.

Just as wind-driven currents can carry food for small fish, changes in air pressure can do the same. During times of significant change, sustenance can float from the bottom to the top of the body of water, sparking a feeding frenzy among baitfish. It’s not long before bigger fish come to explore the area for a feast of their own.

Fishing in the Sun & Clouds

As a rule of thumb, the higher the UV index, the deeper the fish move. Therefore, shallow water fishing is optimal at times of low UV index, such as early mornings and late evenings. If you’re fishing in the bright light of day, try to find a shady area.

Further, consider making a few casts when it's cloudy. The low lighting created by clouds mimics the lighting conditions of a typical sunrise or sunset in clear weather, which draws out big fish. Predatory fish like pike will stalk the shallows and be ready to take your bait.

Interestingly, fishing in the rain can yield phenomenal results, albeit in safe conditions. Aggressive fish tend to head toward shallower waters than they usually would in “nicer” weather conditions. Fish like pike and bass are more likely to be active during a good rain.

Connecting with the Land & Water

There is a lot to consider when finding the ideal time to fish, from the season and moon phase to the UV index and air pressure. However, understanding the fundamentals of the best fishing times can help you connect better with the land and water.

At Daggerfish, we’re focused on creating new ways to help you connect with the wilderness. In our workshop in Pennsylvania, we craft gear and equipment from natural materials designed to enhance your experience of the outdoors. If you’re looking for more ways to explore backcountry fishing, check out our handline fishing reels and gear.