We can help you determine when the fish are biting and the best days to fish!
Is Today A Good Day To Fish?
Many of us enjoy fishing whenever we have the opportunity, but there are certain days and times that are considered the best days for fishing, according to experienced anglers, the Moon phase, and fishing lore. To find out, you can refer to The Old Farmer’s Almanac’s fishing calendar, which also provides useful advice from seasoned fishermen.
Best Fishing Days by Month
Fishing is said to be best during the time between a new Moon and a full Moon. This is what the Almanac’s Best Fishing Days are based on.
| Month | Best Fishing Days |
|---|---|
| For the year 2025 | |
| January | 1-13, 29-31 |
| February | 1-12, 27, 28 |
| March | 1-14, 29-31 |
| April | 1-11, 25-30 |
| May | 1-12, 26-31 |
| June | 1-11, 25-30 |
| July | 1-10, 24-31 |
| August | 1-9, 23-31 |
| September | 1-7, 21-30 |
| October | 1-6, 21-31 |
| November | 1-5, 20-30 |
| December | 1-4, 19-31 |
→ For customized Moon phase times, see our Moon Phase Calendar.
Read Next
→ Read more about Fishing Folklore.
Best Time to Fish
The best times to catch fish are when they are naturally more active. The Sun, Moon, tides, and weather all influence fish activity. For example, fish tend to feed more at sunrise and sunset and during a full Moon (when tides are higher than average).
Best Fishing Times
- One hour before and one hour after high tides, and one hour before and one hour after low tides. Inland, the times for high tides correspond with when the Moon is due south. Low tides are halfway between high tides.
- During the “morning rise” (after sunup for a spell) and the “evening rise” (just before sundown and the hour or so after).
- During the rise and set of the Moon.
- Just before the arrival of a storm, the falling barometric pressure will eventually slow down the rate at which fish feed. (But even during stormy periods, the fish aren’t going to give up feeding. The smart fisherman will find just the right bait!) Angling can also be good when the pressure is either steady or on the rise 1 to 2 days after a storm. High pressure accompanying clear weather can bring on sluggishness and reduced activity.
- When there is a hatch of flies—caddis flies or mayflies, commonly. (The fisherman will have to match his fly with the hatching flies or go fishless.)
- When the breeze is from a westerly quarter rather than from the north or east.
- When the water is still or slightly rippled, rather than during a wind.
Read some Unbelievable (but True) Bait Secrets and The Four Fundamentals of Successful Fishing too, and you’ll be all set.
You tell us! How accurate is The Old Farmer’s Almanac Fish Calendar?
Catherine Boeckmann
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Loved the story. Me and my mom fished my whole life. She is gone now but I know there will be fishing in heaven and she’s waiting on me.
I loved your fishing story/memory!! I'm taking my granddaughter fishing today!
I do remember those time fishing with my Father. Never will forget them! Fishing with my three sons too.
I loved you story , we have 3 grandkids that also loveeeee fishing and yes we have some awesome memories.
Wonderful story. You should be so proud that it's your story, and a true story. Warmed my heart just like you explained it does yours. Thank you for sharing it. ❤️
My husband and I enjoyed reading your story.
Our grandchildren are the best, aren't they?
Thank you for sharing!!
I love your story and wish you were my grandma. Mine didn't teach me to fish but cooked every fish I ever brought home for us all to enjoy together. Write more of your stories, we love reading them. They take us back to those sweet younger years.
Thoughs are the best memories and so deeply satisfying. Simpler times.
Big Brother would say we can fish anywhere anytime for anything Al lets roll.
To get chicken liver to stay on my hook….I cure them. Get them as dry as you can, then sit them in a bag of salt. The livers toughen up. Whatever structure I’m fishing for cats, I am (8-10) inches off the bottom. TIGHT LINES!!
DeeCee,
NorCal
