Anglers have been watching the moon for centuries. Some swear by it, others call it superstition. But here's the thing — there's real science behind how the moon affects fish behavior, and understanding it can help you pick better days to fish.
The Quick Answer
The new moon and full moon are the best phases for fishing. During these phases, the gravitational pull on Earth's water is strongest, which increases tidal movement, stirs up baitfish, and triggers feeding activity in predator fish. The 2-3 days surrounding each phase are your prime windows.
How the Moon Affects Fish
The moon influences fishing in three key ways:
1. Tidal Pull (Strongest Effect)
During new and full moons, the sun, moon, and Earth align. This creates spring tides — the highest highs and lowest lows. Stronger tidal movement means more water flow, which pushes baitfish around and forces predators to feed. Even in freshwater, there's measurable gravitational effect on lake levels and fish behavior.
2. Light Levels
A full moon illuminates the water at night, allowing fish to see and feed after dark. Many species — bass, walleye, catfish, snook — feed heavily on full moon nights. The tradeoff? They may feed less during the following day because they ate all night. Night fishing tips →
The new moon offers total darkness, which pushes most feeding activity to dawn and dusk — the classic "golden hours" become even more productive.
3. Solunar Periods
The solunar theory, developed by John Alden Knight in 1926, identifies specific feeding windows based on the moon's position:
- Major periods: When the moon is directly overhead (transit) or directly underfoot. These last about 2 hours and are the peak feeding times.
- Minor periods: Moonrise and moonset. Shorter windows (about 1 hour) but still productive.
These periods are strongest during new and full moon phases — which is why those phases consistently produce the best fishing.
Moon Phase Breakdown for Fishing
🌑 New Moon — Excellent
Dark nights concentrate feeding at dawn and dusk. Tidal movement is at its peak. This is one of the two best phases for fishing, especially for daytime trips. Bass tournaments are frequently won during new moon periods.
🌓 First Quarter — Good
Tidal pull is moderate (neap tides). Fishing is decent but not exceptional. Focus on solunar periods for the best bite windows. Evening fishing can be productive as the moon provides some light.
🌕 Full Moon — Excellent
Peak tidal pull returns. Night feeding activity is high due to moonlight. Daytime fishing after a full moon night can be slow because fish fed all night. If you're a daytime angler, fish the day before the full moon rather than the day after.
🎯 Key Insight: Full moon is incredible for night fishing but can make daytime slower. New moon is the better choice if you only fish during daylight hours.
🌗 Last Quarter — Good
Similar to first quarter — moderate conditions, neap tides. Not bad, not great. A good time to focus on other factors like barometric pressure and weather patterns to find your edge.
Does Moon Phase Really Work? The Evidence
Multiple studies support lunar influence on fish:
- A study published in the North American Journal of Fisheries Management found largemouth bass catch rates were significantly higher during new and full moon phases.
- Tournament data analysis shows a disproportionate number of record catches occur within 3 days of new or full moons.
- Marine biologists have documented that many reef fish species spawn on specific moon phases, confirming lunar biological rhythms.
That said, moon phase alone won't save a bad trip. Weather, water temperature, pressure, and seasonal patterns all matter. Think of moon phase as a multiplier — it amplifies already good conditions.
How to Use Moon Phase in Your Planning
- Plan big trips around new or full moons. If you get limited days off, make them count.
- Check solunar periods for daily timing. Even on quarter moon days, major solunar periods can produce good bites.
- Combine with weather. A falling barometer during a new moon's major period? That's a five-star fishing day.
- Keep a fishing log. Track your catches against moon phase and you'll see patterns emerge within a few months.
🌙 Check Moon Phase & Solunar Times
See today's moon phase, solunar feeding periods, and complete fishing forecast for your area.
Check today's fishing conditions at your local spot →Frequently Asked Questions
Is a full moon or new moon better for fishing?
Both are excellent, but for different reasons. New moon is better for daytime fishing because fish concentrate feeding during daylight. Full moon is better for night fishing due to increased visibility. Overall, they produce roughly equal results.
Does moon phase matter for freshwater fishing?
Yes. While freshwater doesn't have obvious tides, fish still respond to lunar gravitational pull and light changes. Bass, crappie, walleye, and catfish all show measurable feeding pattern changes based on moon phase.
What is a solunar period?
Solunar periods are predicted feeding windows based on the moon's position relative to your location. Major periods (moon overhead/underfoot) last about 2 hours; minor periods (moonrise/moonset) last about 1 hour. Full solunar guide →
Should I avoid fishing during quarter moons?
No — fish still bite during quarter moon phases. The feeding windows may be shorter and less intense, but other factors like weather, water temperature, and time of day can easily compensate. Don't skip a trip just because the moon isn't ideal.