Do you remember the first time you reeled in a fish? It’s a thrilling feeling and has made fishing one of the most popular sports in our country. To ensure your line doesn’t stay idle, plan your fishing expeditions at the right time, noting the temperature and tide. Fish are coldblooded and, like humans, are pretty inactive when it’s cold, so opt for warmer temps when the sun has had time to heat the water. When the tides are changing, the water churns up nutrients attracting hungry fish, so learning how to read a tide charge could give you the advantage you are looking for. Here’s our breakdown by season to help you plan your next fishing trip and maximize your catch.
Spring – Some fishermen believe Spring is King. Fish are getting ready to spawn but since spring mornings can still be pretty chilly, you’ll have the best luck if you fish between late afternoon and dusk when the water is a bit warmer. To give yourself an extra advantage, set up downwind along the shoreline.
Summer – Fish tend to be most active in warm weather but when temperatures really start to rise they move to deep water to stay cool. In the summer, the best time to fish is either early morning or after dusk when the water has cooled and they rise up from the depths.
Fall – Many anglers think the best time to fish is in the fall. Fish are trying to put on weight before winter arrives, so grab your pole and head out in the late afternoon when the sun is directly overhead and the fish are at the top of the water column.
Winter – When temps plummet, so does a fish’s metabolism which makes catching fish a little more difficult. If you do head out, wait until midday when the weather and water are at their warmest.
If you want more specifics for the best time to fish, try a fishing calendar or app. You can specify what type of fish you’d like to catch and it should track location, tides, weather patterns, and feeding behaviors.
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