Best Time to Go Freshwater Fishing

Deciding when the best time to load up all your fishing gear and hit the water is a big decision all anglers must make.

The best fishing times in terms of hours of the day are without a doubt the hours that mark the transition period of dawn and dusk.

These early morning and evening hours are generally going to the best time of day to go fishing regardless of the species.

Many variables influence a fish’s activity and feeding behavior so it’s difficult to accurately predict the best fishing times without also looking at other factors including time of year, weather patterns, water temperature, barometric pressure, moon phases, and so on.

Smart anglers can figure out how to catch fish regardless of the conditions.

When is the best time of day to go fishing?

The best time to go fishing is typically early in the morning when the sun comes up and the last few hours of sunlight before the sun goes down.

Fish are naturally more active during these times giving anglers better fishing opportunities.

Although there are plenty of other factors that affect the best fishing times which we will cover later there are also certain times/events where fishing can be lights out.

Best Fishing Times

·    During sunrise and sunset

·    During the rise and set of the moon

·    When the barometer is consistently rising

·    During consistent weather patterns

·    When there is a hatch

·    When the wind or breeze comes from the west rather than from the north or east

The best time to go fishing may also vary due to the factors below.

·    Time of year

·    Water temperatures

·    Light conditions

·    Wind and speed direction

·    Barometric pressure

·    Weather patterns (e.g. cold fronts)

·    Spawning behaviors

·    Moon phases

·    Water clarity (turbidity)

·    Oxygen levels

As you can see several factors can both positively and negatively influence fish activity. Each one of these aspects is important and can play a key role in your fishing success.

Best Time to Catch Trout by Season

    Optimal water temperature: 40-67 degrees

    Best fishing season(s): warmer seasons when bugs are more active

    Best times: Early morning and evening

Many anglers often ask, “What is the best time of the day to catch trout”?

In general, trout are most active and bite during feeding time when mosquitoes and bugs are most active, so the best fishing times are going to be in the warmer seasons.

However, trout can be successfully caught all year round.

Best time to catch Bass By Season

    Optimal water temperature: 55-67 degrees

    Best fishing season(s): Spring and Fall

    Best times: Early morning or late evening

Recommended Baits & Techniques: lipless crankbaits, jerk baits, crankbaits, spinnerbaits, glide baits

Recommended Baits & Techniques: topwater, big worms, finesse techniques, crankbaits, and jigs

Bass will start to aggressively feed for the winter ahead and will pretty much eat about anything, but this doesn’t always mean fast fishing. Much like the spring, the afternoon and evening periods are going to be your best chance at catching fish.

The cold weather pushes bass offshore to their winter hideouts. The best bass fishing in the winter is either in the early morning or afternoon when things have had a chance to warm up.

Recommended baits & techniques: lipless crankbaits, jerk baits, tight wobbling crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and spoons

Final Fishing Thoughts

There isn’t a bad time to go fishing, but there are certain times of the day and year when fishing seems to turn on. Those are the days we dream of finding as anglers