You may know The Old Farmer's Almanac as a resource for long-range weather predictions or maybe even gardening tips, but did you know they can also predict the best fishing days for the year?
This date-specific information is calculated based on the weather, sun, moon and tides. When looked at all together, they can offer insights into the best days to catch a fish. While this data provides no guarantees of a successful bounty — talent and skill are also required — this fishing forecast can help increase your odds of a bait and hook.
How to Predict Good Fishing
The simplest and easiest way to predict a better bite is to look at the cycle of the moon. Fishing tends to be best between a new moon and a full moon, which encompasses roughly 14 days of the month. This is because the moon influences the tide.
The preferred tide for fishing is a moving tide, the flux period between a high and low tide. This interim occurs between a new moon and a full moon (when tides are at their highest) and a first quarter and third quarter moon (when tides are at their lowest).
During a moving tide, bait is swept around, ushering fish to feed, making it a great time to cast your lure in the water since fish are on the hunt.
While this phenomenon can be witnessed most closely in saltwater fishing, rivers and lakes also experience this flux on a much smaller scale.
Best Fishing Dates
- 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
Kate Franke (she/her) is an editorial assistant in the Hearst Lifestyle Group, covering for Woman's Day and Good Housekeeping. She loves all things lifestyle, home, and market related. Kate has a BAJMC in Magazine Media and BA in Writing from Drake University. She is a proud ASME alum whose work has appeared in Food Network Magazine, The Pioneer Woman Magazine, Better Homes & Gardens, Modern Farmhouse Style, Beautiful Kitchens & Baths, and more. Next to writing, Kate’s two favorite things are chai lattes and pumpkin bread!
