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Reading Time: 9 minutesLast Updated on December 26, 2025 by Paul Clayton
Table of Contents
Is Fishing Under A Full Moon Good or Bad?
Key Takeaways
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- Gravitational Influence on Tides: Both the Full Moon and New Moon create “Spring Tides,” resulting in higher high tides and lower low tides. This increased water movement pushes baitfish and predators into shallower areas, often improving fishing conditions.
- Strategic Positioning: During strong tides, fish move with the current to save energy. Anglers should position themselves near structures such as jetties or river mouths, where fish congregate to escape the current or wait for food to be pushed upstream.
- Species-Specific Reactions to Light:
- Light-Sensitive: Some species (e.g., Tuna and Swordfish) may dive deeper to avoid the brightness of a full moon.
- Light-Active: Other species (e.g., Billfish, Crappies, and Bluegill) are more active near the surface during moonlit nights.
- The “Full Moon Hangover”: Because some fish feast all night under the bright moonlight, they may be less active or hungry during the following daylight hours.
- Freshwater Movement: In freshwater environments, the full moon can trigger spawning (Bass/Sunfish) or signal migratory fish (Salmon) to move toward river mouths in anticipation of rising tides.
- The Golden Windows: Regardless of the moon phase, the best times to fish remain:
- One hour before and after high or low tides.
- Dawn and dusk (sunrise/sunset).
- Immediately following a storm.
There are a few old wives’ tales surrounding fishing and the full moon. Some anglers swear by their hooks that during a full moon, it is impossible to get a good catch, while others have the polar opposite opinion. But the one thing with which every fisherman agrees is that the moon and its different phases do affect your fishing success.
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Now, instead of listening to anecdotal evidence, why not take a look at what science has to say on the matter? It would be far better to base your fishing days on objective understanding rather than mere opinions. Sadly, not enough research has been done on the topic, and we lack sufficient data to tip the scales in favor of a full moon for fishing.
But we can understand how the full moon affects different fish populations. We can then use this knowledge to achieve greater success in our fishing ventures. With this in mind, we have put together a comprehensive overview of all the key factors on how a full moon will affect your chances of fishing.
So without further ado, let’s get started:
Understanding The Different Moon Phases
First, let’s start by going over the different moon phases. To orbit the Earth completely, the Moon takes about 29 days and 12 hours. During this time period, the entire cycle can be divided into four phases.
To check the phases of the moon, you can use this lunar calendar.
New Moon
This is considered the beginning of a new lunar cycle, with the moon positioned between Earth and the Sun. During this period, the celestial body is not visible from the Earth.
However, because it is aligned with the Sun, it exerts a significant gravitational pull on Earth.
Full Moon
Here again, the sun, the moon, and the earth align in a straight line, with the planet positioned between the moon and the sun. As a result, sunlight hits the moon and bounces off the lunar surface, so that the entire side facing Earth is completely visible.
Here, too, the three celestial bodies are aligned in a straight line, resulting in stronger gravitational forces acting on Earth.
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The First and The Third Quarter
The first quarter happens when the Earth, Moon, and Sun form a 90-degree angle. Visually, the sun illuminates the side view of the moon, and we see only half of it in the night sky. This orientation exerts less gravitational pull on Earth than a full moon or a new moon.
The third quarter is similar to the first quarter, except that the moon is on the opposite side of the sky. In terms of visibility, we again see a half-lit moon and experience weaker gravitational forces.
How Tides Affect Fishing?
As we just saw, different moon phases exert various levels of gravitational 
forces, which in turn influence the intensity of the tides during each lunar phase. And since tides play a crucial role in predicting fishing success, we can see how a full moon may influence your luck with the hook.
Depending on where you are, each day you will experience two high tides and two low tides. When there is a full moon or a new moon, increased gravitational forces cause higher high tides and lower low tides. The difference increases even further when the moon is closest to the Earth. This phenomenon is called Spring Tides.
Generally, during high tides, increased water movement pushes fish closer to the shallows, which can result in better fishing opportunities. Typically, baitfish and their predators flow with the waves to conserve energy while searching for food.
As such, you should fight the water current while setting up your fishing spot. Since the fish are flowing with the current, it would be wise to position yourself near a structure like a jetty, where fish will generally congregate to escape the current and wait.
You can check the tides online here.
How Freshwater Fish Are Affected
A full moon will also indirectly affect freshwater fishes. During periods of high tides, schools of fish tend to gather around the mouth of the river that meets the ocean. They are waiting for the incoming spring tides to push them further upstream.
A classic example is late summer, when west coast ocean-run salmon head upstream, entering rivers and traveling from Alaska down to Oregon. On the contrary, large spring tides can make it difficult for some fish species to move while fighting the current. So they make their journey well before any upcoming spring tide.
Now, with that being said, you will also notice different behaviors depending on the type of fish you are looking for.
For instance, if you are fishing for Bass or any other sunfish, then you can take advantage of the fact that they tend to appear during the full moon in spring. Although there is much debate surrounding the topic, tournament-level anglers are seen to take advantage of this fact. Generally, nesting sites for these fish during the day, immediately before and after a full moon, show the most activity.
This should clarify how fish behave as a function of wave intensity. You should regularly monitor how tides affect currents to understand where fish might congregate.
The Effect Of Moonlight
Following the above argument, it seems that both the full moon and
The new moon produces similar results, since both phases contribute to spring tides. However, during the full moon, we have access to moonlight, whereas during a new moon, there is no lunar light. So does the moonlight from a full moon affect your fishing?
Well, if you go and ask any fisherman, they will blatantly state that the best time to nab a good bite would be during sunrise and sunset. So clearly, light – especially the intensity of the light- plays a role in governing the activity of fishes.
A few examples include tuna and swordfish, which tend to dive deeper because they avoid light, especially the strong moonlight of a full moon. On the flip side, Billfish tend to prefer the pleasant lunar rays and stay closer to the surface, making them easier to catch.
This also applies to Crappies, which are most active under a full moon, making them the easiest to catch during this time. Again, the Bluegill species has been observed laying eggs during the full moon.
Extensive research has been conducted to determine why fish behave differently at night. It might be a direct cause: some fish don’t like moonlight, whereas others do. Or it might be as a reaction to how the insects, these fish feed on, react to moonlight – obviously, they will follow their food source.
Many anglers have noticed that some fish tend to have a feast in the light of a full moon. This makes it the best time to fish for them. However, don’t expect any activity the following day, as the fish will be less hungry.
Overall, it depends on the species of fish you are targeting, and some experimentation is required to determine how specific fish respond to the full moon.
Best Time To Fish During A Full Moon
A full moon will affect fishing chances by increasing water activity and providing more moonlight. As such, you should have ample fishing opportunities both during the day and at night. The only thing to note is that different fish will react differently to these stimuli, so act accordingly.
For example, steady waters near the mouth of the river are perfect places to catch fish. However, you will need to position yourself accordingly, depending on whether you are targeting fish moving upstream or downstream.
Similarly, during a full moon, fish that hunt at night should be more active, so schedule your time accordingly.
That said, we have seen that the lunar cycle affects different kinds of fish, making them easier to catch. If you are not looking for any particular species, get your hook in the water and wait patiently. You should get a bite sooner or later, especially if you are fishing around a full moon.
However, if you want to improve your chances even further, follow 
these few golden rules of fishing that hold regardless of the lunar phase.
- Just an hour before and after a high tide or a low tide – tides send fish to shallow areas where it becomes easier to catch.
- At the break of dawn, just after the moonset and sunrise.
- Immediately following a storm.
You can also use a guide if available. Since they have helped a multitude of anglers, they are very experienced and can tell you how the full moon will affect different species of fish and also recommend favorable spots where you are most likely to land a bite. Yes, it will cost you, but it will be good, actionable, professional advice you can use to increase your success rate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does a full moon really make fishing better? There is no simple “yes” or “no” answer. While science hasn’t definitively proven that a full moon increases catch rates across the board, it does affect environmental factors—such as tides and light—that influence fish behavior. Success depends on whether the specific fish you are targeting prefers bright light and moving water.
Q: How does the moon affect tides and fishing spots? During a full moon, the gravitational pull of the moon and sun align, creating “Spring Tides” (higher high tides and lower low tides). These stronger currents push baitfish and predators into shallower areas. To succeed, you should fish near structures like jetties or river mouths where fish gather to hide from the heavy current.
Q: Why are some fish harder to catch the day after a full moon? Many fish species take advantage of the bright moonlight to hunt and “feast” all night long. Because they have fed heavily throughout the night, they are often less active and less likely to bite at your lures during the following daylight hours.
Q: Which fish species are most active during a full moon? According to the article, species such as Crappie, Billfish, and Bluegill tend to be more active and easier to catch under a full moon. Conversely, species such as tuna and Swordfish may dive deeper to avoid increased light intensity.
Q: How can I determine the best moon phase for my local fishing hole? Since local conditions vary, the article recommends “experimentation and data.” You should keep a fishing journal for at least three trials at the exact location, recording the moon phase, tide, weather, and success rate. Using a moon-tracking app alongside a fishing log app can help you identify patterns in your area.
How To Improve Your Chances Of Catching A Particular Kind Of Fish
This can only be done through research and experimentation.
Go and ask your fellow anglers about the best conditions that helped them catch the species of fish you are looking for. However, this will also depend on the location.
If you are using the same fishing gear at the same time, with a full moon high above your head, you might not achieve the same catch ratio because you are not at the exact location.
This is where experimentation comes into the picture.
For example, let’s say you want to understand how a full moon affects the rate of catching Bass at your local fishing spot.
Well, the first thing you need to do is consistently go fishing at the same time during each full moon and keep a note of your results. You can use a journal to record the date, phase of the moon, fishing time, surrounding conditions, and your success rate. This will help you gather data to compare and determine the best time for Bass fishing.
You can also get help from a moon app that will keep track of the current lunar positions. Pair this with a dedicated fishing app to record your catch details, current weather, temperature, GPS location, tides, and more.
You don’t need to do this for several months. Just take three trials at a specific location and time. Then either change the area or the time period and continue the experiment. This will help you identify a pattern so you can determine the best place and time to catch Bass in your local area.
This video has been included to clarify the topic. Credit goes to Salt Strong
Final Thoughts
While science lacks enough definitive data to prove that a full moon is universally “better” for fishing, it is clear that lunar phases significantly alter fish behavior through tide intensity and light levels. Success during a full moon largely depends on the species you are targeting and your ability to adapt to increased water movement.
Ultimately, the article suggests that while lunar charts are helpful, personal experimentation and consistent journaling at your local spots are the most reliable ways to determine how the moon affects your specific catch.
For more articles on fishing, take a look here.
If you are looking to catch some big fish, the days leading up to a full moon seem ideal. In contrast, small fish like Bass are abundant during a full moon night.
