Discover how understanding the moon's influence on fish behavior can help you catch more fish during your next ice fishing trip.
Moon phases have been studied for centuries and used by ice anglers to determine the best times and days to fish. It's believed that the moon's gravitational pull affects fish behavior and feeding patterns.
During a new moon or full moon, the moon's gravitational pull is strongest, which can lead to more active fish and better fishing. Some theories suggest that during a full moon, fish may feed more actively at night, while during a new moon, fish may feed more actively during the day.
Most professional ice anglers agree that fishing is better on the days leading up to and after a full moon, but not as good on the actual day of a full moon. However, it's important to note that fishing success is not solely dependent on the moon phase. Factors such as weather, water conditions, and the type of fish being targeted also play a significant role in fishing success.
To increase chances of success, ice anglers can use a solunar calendar to identify the major and minor feeding periods that occur around sunrise or sunset during a full or new moon. Planning ice fishing trips during these times can increase the chances of catching more fish.
Paying attention to the moonrise and moonset times can also be helpful. On days with stable weather and water conditions, try ice fishing during these periods and observe if the fish are most active during these times.
While fishing moon phase theories may not always hold true, they can provide valuable insights for ice anglers and increase the chances of a successful ice fishing trip. As with any type of fishing, it's important to stay adaptable and responsive to changing conditions and fish behavior.
Ultimately, the best way to determine the most productive times and locations for ice fishing is through personal experience and experimentation. Ice anglers can track their catches and note the conditions in which they were caught, including moon phase, and use that information to inform future fishing trips.