If you’ve ever gone fishing and come home empty-handed, the problem might not be your gear or your bait. It might just be the time of day. Choosing the right time to fish is one of the most important parts of catching more and bigger fish. In this article, we’ll walk you through the best times of day, the best seasons, and how things like moon phases and weather can affect fish behavior. Whether you’re fishing in freshwater or saltwater, this guide will help you improve your results.
Best Time of Day to Fish
Early Morning (Dawn)
Fishing during the early morning hours is often your best bet. The water is cooler, the sun is low, and most fish are actively feeding. This is especially true in summer, when midday heat can push fish into deeper, cooler water. Try to arrive before sunrise and fish until mid-morning.
Time range: 5:00 AM – 9:00 AM
Best for: Bass, trout, catfish, crappie, and panfish
Late Afternoon to Dusk
As the sun begins to set, temperatures drop again and fish come closer to shore or move up from deeper water. Evening is also a great time to fish because insects are more active, attracting baitfish and larger predators.
Time range: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM (adjust for sunset)
Best for: All freshwater species, inshore saltwater fish
Night Fishing
Some fish, like catfish and certain saltwater species, are more active at night. Night fishing works especially well in the summer when daytime temperatures are too hot. Use bait with strong scent or vibration to attract fish in low visibility.
Time range: 9:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Best for: Catfish, carp, sea trout, snapper
Midday
Fishing during the middle of the day is usually the least productive time, especially in hot weather. Fish tend to retreat to deeper, cooler water or rest in shaded areas. However, you can still catch fish by going deeper or fishing in shaded spots like under docks or near structure.
Tip: Use heavier sinkers and fish deeper during midday hours.
Best Time of Year to Fish
Spring
Spring is a great time to fish because fish are coming out of winter and getting ready to spawn. As water temperatures rise, fish become more active and feed aggressively. Look for fish near shallow water and vegetation.
Best fish to target: Bass, bluegill, crappie, carp, pike
Summer
In summer, fish are more active in the early morning and late evening when water is cooler. Midday can be slow unless you’re fishing in deep water or shaded areas. Night fishing becomes more popular during summer months.
Best fish to target: Catfish, bass, panfish, saltwater species
Fall
Fall is considered one of the best seasons for fishing. As fish prepare for winter, they feed more often and move closer to shore. The water is cooler, and fish are less picky about bait.
Best fish to target: Walleye, trout, bass, muskie
Winter
Fishing in winter can be slow unless you’re ice fishing. Fish are sluggish due to colder water temperatures and require a slower presentation. If you live in a warmer area, winter can still be productive during the warmest part of the day.
Best fish to target: Perch, crappie, trout, walleye
Moon Phases and Fishing
Many experienced anglers plan their trips based on moon phases. The gravitational pull of the moon affects tides and fish feeding habits. Fish tend to be more active around new moons and full moons.
- New Moon: Good fishing due to low light and stronger tides.
- Full Moon: Fish feed actively, especially at night.
- First Quarter: Decent action, particularly in saltwater.
- Third Quarter: Often the slowest fishing period.
Tip: Fish one to two days before or after the full or new moon for best results.
How Weather Affects Fishing
Good Weather Conditions
- Overcast skies: Great for fishing; fish are more active all day.
- Light rain: Cools the surface, stirs up food, and increases oxygen.
- Warm fronts: Can increase feeding activity, especially in spring.
Bad Weather Conditions
- Heavy rain: May muddy the water and reduce visibility.
- Cold fronts: Slow down feeding and make fish inactive.
- Extreme heat: Forces fish to deeper water, making them harder to catch.
Best Fishing Times by Fish Type
| Fish | Best Time | Best Season |
|---|---|---|
| Bass | Morning & Evening | Spring, Fall |
| Trout | Early Morning | Spring, Fall |
| Catfish | Night | Summer |
| Walleye | Evening | Fall |
| Crappie | Morning | Spring |
| Carp | Late Morning | Summer |
Helpful Tips for Planning Your Trip
- Use a fishing app like Fishbrain or Fishing Points to check bite times.
- Watch bird activity and surface ripples — it often means baitfish are near.
- Match your bait to the local food source and the season.
- Don’t ignore cloudy or drizzly days — they often produce the best bites.
- Talk to locals or bait shops to find the latest hot spots.
Final Thoughts
The best time to go fishing depends on a few key factors: time of day, season, moon phase, and weather. Early mornings and evenings are usually your best chances to catch fish. Spring and fall are great seasons, and fish tend to be more active around new or full moons. Always pay attention to local weather and water conditions. With a little planning, you can turn any fishing trip into a successful one.