moon effects

[river_scum]

do you guys think some species are more effected by the moon than others?  like maybe the fish that migrate more? 

[Hillsfisher]

The idea that the moon has an affect on fishing stems from that fact that the moon causes minor tidal changes in the ocean.  However, research conducted on how this effects fishing catch rates disproves any significant differences during different moon phases.  On freshwater the moon effect is nil.  That being said, since it is certainly brighter during a full moon, perhaps some fish may take advantage of the light at night and move or even feed more.  But in the big picture I would think it does little overall.  Under a foot a ice, probably even less. 

[gorf37]

Moonlight impacts the predators that hunt at night for sure.  As snowpack increases the light penetration decreases and the impact is less because so little gets in at night.  Burbot will be active in different depths (including in-response to cloud cover on a moonlit night).  Lake trout can be much less active during the day because they've hunted all night.  I have heard rainbow/brown/other trout hunt at night but have little direct experience myself, I imagine it would be similar.

Moon phases relating tidal variations I haven't found makes much difference in my lakes, I do watch and I think that maybe there's a sliiight advantage to the higher tides, but that could just as easily be observation bias ('Oh look the GPS predicted this!').  So not much to add to the specific species discussion there.

Moon position & fishing the tides I definitely finds helps, because the wind very often slackens or stops.  Alignment of high tides with sunrise/set is something I take the time to pursue.  But I haven't noticed any species that's more impacted, they all get more active.

[Swedish Pimpin]

The idea that the moon has an affect on fishing stems from that fact that the moon causes minor tidal changes in the ocean.  However, research conducted on how this effects fishing catch rates disproves any significant differences during different moon phases.  On freshwater the moon effect is nil.  That being said, since it is certainly brighter during a full moon, perhaps some fish may take advantage of the light at night and move or even feed more.  But in the big picture I would think it does little overall.  Under a foot a ice, probably even less.

Had to chime in on this, you are 100% wrong on this one.  It plays a huge factor.  that being said weather can still be the predominant factor.  Test it yourself and download and app on your phone that breaks down the best hunting and fishing times during those full moon or new moon days.  I have been following this for years now and its uncanny how many times it will say the prime time for the day is 9am to 11:30am .  and more often than not you will catch the majority of your fish during those time frames.  I've seen it happen countless times... Doesn't mean it will always be 100% accurate or effect every fish species but its right more times than it is wrong. 

[Hillsfisher]

Sorry but the science does not back up the old myth of moon phases affecting fish or any wildlife activity.  Myths die hard...

Read-

http://sfrc.ufl.edu/allenlab/Popular%20Articles/Moon%20phase%20a%20myth_Mar%2010.pdf
https://tpwd.texas.gov/fishboat/fish/didyouknow/inland/bassinmarch.phtml
https://shopkarls.com/blog/best-time-day-fish-according-science/

https://www.outdoorhub.com/stories/2015/01/09/top-7-deer-hunting-myths-debunked/
https://www.themeateater.com/hunt/big-game/breaking-from-tradition-debunking-deer-hunting-myths
http://wiredtohunt.com/2014/08/04/4-common-deer-myths-debunked/

[filetandrelease]

 I fish good moon bad moon good barometer or bad , I’m just going fishing anyway , my hand held GPS has all that info
 Which I do check for fun

[woodyeckes]

So if you are a believer or not, go fishing as much as possible and take notice of results....you are a fishing scientist.  Large responsibility in this day and age, somebodys got to do it.  At least that's what I'm telling my wife!!

[XN]

Caught my PB walleye during a supermoon last year so yeah I believe 

[filetandrelease]

 Nice fish , 👍

[river_scum]

maybe coincidence but a lot of times the "best fishing times" do seem to have better bite. 

[fishinator]

Try telling a hardcore musky angler that moon phase doesn't matter.

[Fry Flier]

Try telling a hardcore musky angler that moon phase doesn't matter.

Hardcore musky fisher here and phase does matter. Fishing and Yes dear....... on my way. Need I say more....lol