Fellow anglers, have you ever found yourself contemplating the age-old question of how the moon influences our beloved trout? In my years of fishing, research, and interaction with the underwater world, I’ve found that there’s more to this celestial relationship than meets the eye.
1. New Moon:
During the New Moon, the night is at its darkest. With little to no moonlight, trout rely more on their keen sense of vibration and sound. This is a prime time for using noisy lures or baits that create disturbances in the water. Topwater plugs or soft plastics with a pronounced paddle tail can be the ticket during these nights.
2. Waxing Crescent:
As the moon starts to grow in the sky, you’ll notice trout becoming more visually oriented. They’ll patrol shallower areas, seeking out baitfish silhouetted against the surface. Reflective lures can be very effective, as they’ll catch any available moonlight and make your bait stand out.
3. First Quarter:
With half the moon brightly lit, trout begin a pattern of heavier nighttime feeding. They use the brighter conditions to hunt in areas they might avoid during the darker phases. Soft jerkbaits and swimbaits can be ideal choices, imitating the baitfish trout love to chase.
4. Waxing Gibbous:
This phase sees the moon growing fuller each night. Trout will be well into their nighttime feeding patterns. It’s a good time to experiment with various lures and baits, as trout will be actively seeking out prey in anticipation of the full moon.
5. Full Moon:
Ah, the spectacle of a full moon! Trout often feed heavily on these nights, especially when the moon is directly overhead or underfoot. With the moon directly overhead, it’s in line with the Earth and the spot you’re fishing, providing optimal light. Likewise, when it’s directly underfoot during the daytime, it still has a notable effect. During these times, consider using larger profile lures and even live baits. The visibility is higher, and trout will be on the lookout for a sizable meal.
6. Waning Phases (Gibbous to Crescent):
As the moon starts to reduce in illumination, trout will adjust their feeding habits accordingly. They’ll still be active, but they may be more cautious and stick to familiar hunting grounds. Continue to adjust your lure choices based on the level of moonlight available.
Fishing Under the Moonlight:
Night fishing has its own allure. The stillness of the water, the soft glow of the moon, and the anticipation of a strike can be electrifying. Trout, like many fish species, take advantage of the moonlight to hunt. Their prey, in turn, uses it to feed on microscopic organisms. This creates a cycle of life that, as anglers, we can tap into.
Lures with a bit of glow or UV reflection can be particularly effective at night. They tap into the visual spectrum that fish utilize in low-light conditions. Also, scented baits can be a game-changer, given that trout rely on their olfactory senses to locate food in the dark.
Daytime Fishing and the Moon’s Phases: A Deep Dive
The moon’s influence on our waters is not limited to night-time fishing. Its gravitational effects and the light it provides during various phases influence the behavior of fish even during the day. Let’s explore each lunar phase and its daytime implications for anglers.
1. New Moon:
During the New Moon phase, when the moon is between the Earth and the Sun, its influence on tidal forces is combined with that of the Sun. This creates stronger tides, which can stimulate more movement and activity in the water. During the day, this may lead to fish being more dispersed and potentially more active as they hunt in the changing currents.
2. Waxing Crescent:
As the moon grows brighter, the daytime effects are still minimal but increasing. The gravitational pull is still substantial, so tidal flows remain strong. This might mean baitfish are on the move, and where the baitfish go, bigger predators like trout follow.
3. First Quarter:
The moon’s gravitational pull is offset by its position relative to the Earth and Sun, leading to less pronounced tides. This can mean more predictable fish behavior. They may stick to their known feeding grounds and routines, making it a good time to target known hotspots.
4. Waxing Gibbous:
The tidal strength begins to increase again as we approach the full moon. You may find fish feeding more aggressively during the day in anticipation of the upcoming full moon phase.
5. Full Moon:
A full moon can mean very bright nights, leading some fish to feed heavily under the moonlight. The following day, those fish might be less active, having fed extensively the previous night. However, the stronger tides can still stimulate daytime activity, especially in coastal areas.
6. Waning Phases (Gibbous to Crescent):
Post full moon, the patterns reverse. As the moon starts to wane, daytime feeding might pick up again, especially if the fish were less active during the brighter nights.
Apps and Calendars for Anglers:
Keeping track of the moon’s phases can provide a useful edge in your fishing pursuits. Here are a few apps and calendars specifically designed for anglers:
- FishAngler: This app offers a comprehensive overview of fishing conditions, including lunar phases, barometric pressure, and weather forecasts.
- Fishing & Hunting Solunar Time: Using Solunar Tables theory, this app predicts the movement of the fish based on the moon’s position and its phase.
- iSolunar™ Hunting & Fishing Times: This app provides solunar tables and forecasts to predict peak fishing and hunting times.
- In-Fisherman Solunar Tables: Not an app, but In-Fisherman, a reputable fishing magazine, regularly publishes solunar tables that predict peak fish activity based on the moon and sun.
- Fishing Calendars: Many fishing websites and forums offer fishing calendars that integrate lunar phases, best fishing times, and other critical conditions to help plan your next outing.
In Conclusion:
The moon, with its gentle glow and gravitational pull, subtly dictates the rhythm of our waters and its inhabitants. By aligning our fishing strategies with its phases, we not only increase our chances of a good catch but also become more attuned to the natural ebb and flow of our environment. Happy fishing!
