Moon Phase Fishing

The honest case for (and against) moon-phase fishing

The moon drives the tides — that part is physics. Around new and full moons, the sun and moon align and their pulls combine, producing spring tides: bigger tidal ranges and faster currents. Around the quarter moons, the pulls partly cancel and you get weaker neap tides.

The solunar theory goes a step further: it claims fish feed more actively around moon transits and around new/full moons. Anglers have sworn by this for generations; controlled studies are far less convinced. Our position: the tide part is solid, the fish part is lore — useful lore many experienced fishermen plan around, but not a promise. That's why every rating on this site is labeled a rule of thumb.

The 8 phases, for anglers

• New MoonPeak spring tides, strongest currents. Many anglers' favorite — bait and fish move hard.
• Waxing CrescentTides ease off the spring peak. Good all-round fishing, moderate movement.
• First QuarterNeap tides begin — smaller ranges, weaker currents. Finesse fishing territory.
• Waxing GibbousRange builds back toward the full moon. Activity typically picks up day by day.
• Full MoonSecond spring-tide peak of the cycle. Night fishing under bright skies is a classic play.
• Waning GibbousStill strong water movement right after the full moon. Often underrated.
• Last QuarterSecond neap period — the quietest tides of the month.
• Waning CrescentWinds down toward the new moon; range and current build again as it approaches.