What Is the Worst Time of the Day to Go Fishing? Avoid These 2 Times

As anglers, we love fishing. We like everything about it, from choosing the bait all the way to seeing the fish on our dinner table. But we go through lots of days without catching any fish despite doing everything right. 

In this case, the issue could be with the time you chose to go on your fishing trip. Any angler should be aware of the worst times of the day to go fishing in order to avoid them.

So, what is the worst time of the day to go fishing? The worst time of the day to go fishing is usually midday or late evening. That is because, during those times, the temperature of the water is either too hot or too cold. It won’t be ideal for the feed to fish as they cannot tolerate extreme temperatures.

Keep reading to learn more about the best and worst times of the day to go fishing.

What Is the Worst Time of the Day to Go Fishing?

a photo of an angler fishing in the rain to show what is  the worst time of the day to go fishing

Like every activity in this world, there are good times and bad times for fishing. Your success in landing a good catch will depend on the time of the day you target the fish, along with other factors of course.

The worst time of the day to go fishing is usually midday or late evening, and that is because the temperature at those times will either be too high or too low, which means it won’t be suitable for the fish to stay active or feed.

The timing depends on the weather and temperature of the water, which vary as the seasons change.

If you are going fishing in summer, don’t go while the sun is burning and the water’s temperature is extremely high as the high water temperature will be too uncomfortable for the fish, and they won’t be active or feeding.

However, if you have no choice but to fish in the heat, make sure you’re targeting the fish in the right spots as they tend to go deeper to get away from the heat. You can always target them under bridges, docks, or dams.

On the other hand, if you are going fishing in the summer, then don’t go at night as the water temperature will be even colder than it already is, which will also be uncomfortable for the fish. You can learn more about night fishing here.

If it’s stormy, windy, or freezing, then it won’t be a good idea to go fishing regardless of the time of the day as the water conditions will not be suitable for the fish, and it will be dangerous for you to be out on the water. 

It’s recommended to wait until the weather gets better before you go on your trip.

What Is the Best Time of the Day to Go Fishing?

The best time of the day to go fishing is usually from dawn to early morning. However, the timing depends on the weather and temperature of the water as well as the kind of fish you’re targeting.

So, let’s take a look at the most popular fish species among anglers and the best times of the day to target them

FishTime
BassEarly morning from dawn until 2 hours after sunrise and late afternoon from 3 hours before sunset until dusk
TroutEarly morning from sunrise until 2 hours past sunrise and late afternoon from 2 hours before sunset until dusk
CatfishFrom dusk until 2 hours after dusk and 2 hours before dawn until sunrise. 
PikeEarly morning from dawn until mid-morning and late afternoon from 2 hours before sunrise until dusk
CrappieEarly from sunrise until an hour before sunset.
SalmonEarly morning from dawn until late morning.

Are Fish Active in the Afternoon?

There’s a lot of debate about whether fish are active in the afternoon, as some anglers agree that they are not active, while others prove that they are. 

To put it simply, some kinds of fish are active in the afternoon as they don’t mind the water temperature at the time. At the same time, other fish won’t be active as they can not tolerate extreme temperatures.

The chances of catching any fish during afternoon hours depend mostly on the kind of fish you’re targeting, as well as the water temperature and the season. I made a guide on how to catch fish in the afternoon here, and it has everything you need to get great results even if you fish in less-than-ideal conditions, so make sure to check it out.

Related Questions 

Do Fish Bite More in the Morning?

Fish do bite more in the morning. The exact time to fish in the morning depends on the water temperature, which changes according to the season. In summer, it’s best to fish in the early morning hours. Meanwhile, in spring and fall, it’s best to fish in the late morning hours.

Is it Good to Fish in the Rain?

It is good to fish in the rain because the fish will be more active and ready to bite. During and after rain, the water conditions will change as the oxygen levels in the water will increase and barometric pressure will decrease. These changes will be ideal for the fish to feed.

When Do Fish Start Biting After Winter?

Fish start biting after winter once the water temperature becomes warm enough for them to feed comfortably. During winter, fish tend to move to deep areas of the water, and they will become slightly lethargic. But as soon as summer comes, they will move to shallow water and become active again.

What Seasons Do Fish Bite the Most In? 

The seasons that fish bite the most in are Spring and fall. During those seasons, the water temperature will be ideal most of the day, which will cause the fish to become more active and increase the chances of them biting on your bait.

Do Fish Bite When It’s Windy?

Fish do bite when it’s windy as the changes in water pressure and oxygen level will cause them to become more active. However, it might be challenging to fish in the wind if you do not have enough experience. You need to work the wind to your advantage and use the right kind of gear.

Helpful Resources 

How Weather Affects Fishing: All You Need to Know

These Are The Fishing Lines I Absolutely Love

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