How The Weather & Moon Affect Fishing

According to a 2006 survey by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, over 33 million Americans fish, making this sport one of the primary ways to enjoy the outdoors. Theories regarding the best times to fish are probably as numerous as the fish tales that accompany them. As long as humans have fished, they have sought ways to improve their take. Observation provides the key to how weather and the moon affect fishing.

History

In 1936, John Alden Knight published his solunar tables, the first formal association between the influences of the sun and moon on fish behavior. Based on experimentation, Knight found two periods of peak fishing behavior: when the moon was full, and during the new moon phase. His landmark book, "Moon Up, Moon Down," was revised by Jacqueline E. Knight and re-released in 1972. The solunar tables published in fishing calendars and magazines are familiar sources of this information today.

Influence of Weather

Weather influences fish behavior due to its effects on water temperature and quality. The body temperature of a fish is influenced by its aquatic habitat. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), cool water holds greater amounts of dissolved oxygen than warmer water. When higher oxygen levels are present, fish are more active. According to the Fishing Almanac, fish actively feed at sunrise and sunset.

Adaptations for Survival

Perhaps as an adaptation to survival, fish tend to feed less when the barometer drops in anticipation of a coming storm. They may seek out deeper waters as defense against turbulent waters and other influences from storm events, such as drops in air pressure and temperature. Approaching cold fronts may also curtail fish activity. During these times, fish may seek shelter and become inactive to reduce their risk of injury during storms.

Tides and the Moon

Tides occur because of the influence of the moon. The greatest tides happen during the new moon phase, according to Kings Outdoor World. The period of time when the moon is directly over the Earth is another peak time for tidal activity, explains the Weather Channel. It is during this time that you can expect a spike in fish activity, and perhaps in fishing success as well. Interestingly, the influence of the moon also affects wildlife, such as deer and geese, with populations showing similar patterns.

Considerations

Fish behavior varies with the species. While the weather and moon may affect most fish, species-specific behavior or other local influences may affect fishing. Additionally, the day-to-day fluctuations of the sun's angle and the Earth's position may intensify or weaken these effects, according to the Weather Channel.