Moon Phase Fishing Activity Calculator
Calculate fishing activity score based on moon phase and solunar theory.
Find the best fishing times using major and minor solunar periods.
How Moon Phase Affects Fishing
Lunar gravity affects tides, and tidal movement correlates with fish feeding activity. The strongest feeding periods align with major and minor lunar periods, as tracked by the Solunar Theory developed by John Alden Knight in 1926.
Solunar Period Timing:
- Major periods: When the moon is directly overhead (moon transit) or underfoot (opposite side of Earth), each lasts ~2 hours
- Minor periods: Moon rise and moon set, each lasts ~1 hour
- Total prime feeding time per day: approximately 6 hours across 4 periods
Moon Phase Rating for Fishing (1–10 scale):
| Moon Phase | Activity Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| New Moon | 9–10 | Strongest tidal forces, best for inshore |
| Full Moon | 9–10 | Equal strong tidal pull |
| First/Last Quarter | 6–7 | Neap tides, moderate activity |
| Crescent phases | 5–7 | Variable by species |
Best Fishing Windows: Major periods that coincide with dawn or dusk produce the highest catch rates — the solunar effect amplifies the natural feeding instinct during low-light transitions.
Tidal Connection (Saltwater):
Incoming tide + Major solunar period = Optimal fishing window
Moving water concentrates baitfish, which concentrate predators.
Practical Tips:
- New and full moon days: arrive 30 min before major period
- Log catches with moon phase over a season to find your local patterns
- Barometric pressure drop (before storms) can override moon phase: fish often feed heavily
- Species sensitivity varies: bass and crappie are highly solunar; catfish less so