The Answer: Is Today a Good Day to Go Fishing?

Figuring Out the Best Fishing Days

Wondering if today’s the magic day to catch a big one? Or even simply “Is today a good day to go fishing?” Let’s dive into the stuff that really matters for a great fishing trip. Knowing these things can turn your fishing daydreams into real fish tales – the stuff of legends!

What Makes a Good Fishing Day?

Things like temperature, wind, and even the moon can affect fish moods. Here’s the lowdown on what to keep an eye on:

How the Moon Affects Your Fishing Luck

Believe it or not, the moon plays a huge role in how fish behave. In fact, if the only thing you do is fish the 5-6 days a month that surround the new and full moon, you will likely catch more big fish than you would using any other strategy.

The ‘Solunar Calendar’ is largely based on moon phases and when it rises and sets. So you can get estimates on “major” and “minor” feeding times.

But honestly, I’ve had great days fishing and had awesome periods of catching that were well outside those times. And I’ve also had days where I caught nothing during a major feeding time that was also supposed to be ‘Epic.’

On the other hand, my PB largemouth came on one of the best-rated feeding times of the year – it was during a full solar eclipse!

Reading the Weather for Better Fishing

Getting a handle on weather patterns can save your trip from turning into a skunk-fest.

Wind: Offshore winds can help you cast further while onshore winds are safer for kayak fishing. Fish often head to specific spots based on the wind.

Atmospheric Pressure: I’ve read that Fish love high pressure with clear skies and calm waters. Low pressure, often signaling storms, scatters them.

But, I’ve also read that a dropping pressure is best, a rising pressure will shut fish down, and stable pressure is ok for fishing. But to be honest. I rarely pay attention to pressure, because I’ve found it to not be a great predictor of catching.

But, it is something to consider for WHAT to throw. A dropping pressure may make fish more aggressive, and a rising pressure can make fish settle in and hang close to the structure. So it’s just something to consider.

Rain: Conventional wisdom says light rain can be your friend, hiding your movements. But heavy rain? Fish are less likely to bite.

I think it depends in part on the species you are chasing, and in part how other factors are affecting the fish. One of my best days of trout fishing was during a rather heavy sustained rain, where water levels were gradually rising.

My PB Drum, Carp, and Hybrid Striper all came in flooded-out conditions, with two of those being hooked in heavy current while it was raining. So, rain is a variable, but not the determining factor.

Another great plus about fishing on a rainy day is that usually there are a lot less anglers on the water. You’ll likely have your choice of spots. But – never fish went he threat of thunder and lightning are around. No fish is worth risking your life to a lightning strike.

Ideal Times to Fish

There is a big factor that affects the answer to the question “is today a good day to go fishing?” The answer lies in when you head out. Timing can be the difference between catching a limit and getting skunked. Let’s break down when to cast your line for the best results.

Sunrise and Sunset: The Golden Hours

Most seasoned fishermen will tell you that sunrise and sunset are prime times to fish. These magic hours are when fish are hungriest and most active due to the light and temperature. And in general, this is good advice.

It’s especially true in the summer, when mid-day water temperatures will drive bass to be inactive. A sunset topwater bite can be pretty spectacular! And I find early morning fishing for trout to be especially productive.

But, I’ve also had days when I catch nothing until after lunch. Then in the afternoon, I catch double-digit numbers in 2 or 3 hours! This even happened when trout fishing in June. I caught all the fish exactly when they shouldn’t have been biting!

And when I’m chasing smallmouth in the spring and early summer, it often seems like the fish don’t ‘wake up’ until after the sun clears the mountains and starts hitting the water. One of my best two hours of fall smallmouth fishing also occurred mid-afternoon, after we had stuck with it through a slow morning.

So again, these peak times are worth considering, but it’s often more of a “less completion with other anglers” factor than a make-or-break decision on fishing during the “golden hours”.

But, there is a best time to fish each day. the more often you go fishing in and around the same locations, the better you’ll become at making an educated guess on when the fish will turn on.

The Solunar table can help you plan, but eventually, your experience may override the “predictions” of when to go fishing.

Does Wind Matter for Fishing?

You bet it does! Wind isn’t just the annoying thing that messes up your hair; it’s a big factor for fishing too. But unlike being able to just throw a hat on to handle the hair problem, you need to think ahead. Here’s how different winds can either boost or bust your fishing trip:

• Offshore Wind: Helps you cast further (perfect if you’re fishing from the shore).
• Onshore Wind: Keeps things safe if you’re out on a kayak.
• Light Breeze (5-10 mph): Stirs up the water, making fish more likely to bite. But, in can make handling a kayak or canoe a little more challenging.
• Strong Winds (15+ mph): Might as well stay home—it’s unsafe and fish aren’t biting. The exception to this can be coastal areas, because 15 mph winds aren’t uncommon. But it still takes a little common sense on whether to go out ON the water, or simply fish from shore.

What’s the Deal with the UV Index?

The sun’s UV rays aren’t just a skin hazard; they also push fish to move around. Here’s the conventional wisdom on UV index:

But honestly, I NEVER pay attention to this. Maybe I should, but in my area, the UV index is rarely high. The water temperature and seasons tend to affect this locational behavior, exactly as the UV index claims. Maybe it’s more of an offshore thing, but I’d say this is like 1% of the variables for most fisherman. Maybe less.

Temperature and Fish Activity

One big piece of the puzzle in determining if today is a good day to fish is the temperature. Let’s look at how temperature affects fish behavior, from their metabolism to their energy levels.

How Temperature Cranks Up Fish Metabolism

Temperature messes with a fish’s metabolism, their zest for food, and overall antics. Put simply, warm water revs up their internal engines. With a faster metabolism, they get hungrier, gobble more bait, and are ready to dance on your hook.

Now, this chart would be accurate for black bass in general. But for coldwater trout species, they will be active down to the low 30’s. Water in the 60’s will start shutting them down, and anything above the high 60’s is probably putting them at risk if you fish for them and plan to do catch & release.

This is why I fish for trout in the cooler months and typically go after warm water species like bass in the warmer months. So understanding what species you are targeting is an important part of evaluating the impact of water temperature.

Picking the Perfect Temperature

Getting the right water temperature can turn a dull day into a fish fest. Fish like to hang out when it’s between 50°F and 85°F, but it varies for each type. Know your fish, know the temp, catch more fish.

Know your target and their preferred hangout temps so you can time your trip right.

This is why if you can find a warm-water discharge in the winter, you will likely find a good number of bass, panfish, and catfish actively feeding. And likewise, this is why species like trout and walleye are found at lake tailwaters where the discharge is much cooler than areas downstream.

Extreme Temps: Fish Freak Out

Too hot or too cold? Fish aren’t fans. Heat reduced the amount of oxygen in the water, stressing our finned friends. Ice-cold water? Fish slow down, barely nibbling.

When it gets scorching, fish move deeper where it’s cooler, so you might need to tweak your strategy. During a cold snap, fish often act lazy; you’ll need to adjust for that too. But, sometimes that cold snap is like strapping on a feedbag for the fish – especially in the fall. Bass are feeding up for winter, and trout are preparing to spawn.

Keep an eye on the thermometer and tweak your fishing plans based on the fish want to target. Or, adjust your target species to suit the water temperatures. You’ll have a better shot at a successful day on the water.

Tips for Better Fishing

Different Waters, Different Tricks

Not all fishing holes are the same. Whether you’re casting in a lake, river, creek, stream, or ocean, understanding the quirks of each can help you hook more fish.

Knowing these differences will up your fishing game no matter where you are. Want local tips? Check out fishing near me and tips for what to pack for a fishing trip.

Trust the Farmers’ Almanac Fishing Calendar

The Farmers’ Almanac isn’t just for farmers. Their Fishing Calendar tells you the best days to fish, rated by a pretty smart formula:

• POOR: Fish aren’t biting much.
• FAIR: You’ll need to work for it, but you might get something.
• GOOD: Expect a decent haul.
• BEST: Cast your line and get ready for a full bucket.

I grew up using the Farmer’s Almanac, and honestly don’t pay attention to it much these days. But some folks swear by it!

With these tools under your belt and a keen eye on the weather, you’re set for a great fishing adventure. But in all honestly, any day is a great day to go fishing. At the very least, it beats being at work!

But there’s more to fishing than just catching fish. Things like being out in nature, creating memories, and there are some surprising health benefits too!

Tight lines and happy fishing!