Predict fish feeding activity based on moon position, sunrise, and sunset. Plan your trips around major and minor feeding periods.
Major periods last ~2 hours when the moon is overhead or underfoot. Minor periods last ~1 hour at moonrise and moonset.
Developed by John Alden Knight in 1926, solunar theory identifies periods of increased fish activity based on the sun and moon's gravitational pull.
Duration: ~2 hours
When the moon is directly overhead or underfoot (opposite side of Earth). These are the best feeding windows — fish feed most aggressively during these times. Plan to be on the water and actively fishing.
Duration: ~1 hour
At moonrise and moonset. These are secondary feeding windows — less intense than major periods but still good. Great for targeting结构 structure where fish hold.
New Moon & Full Moon = Best
When sun, moon, and Earth are aligned (syzygy), gravitational pull is strongest. The 2-3 days around new and full moon produce the best fishing. Quarter moons are typically slower.
Overlap is king. When a major period coincides with dawn or dusk, fishing can be exceptional. When multiple factors align (new moon + major period + dawn), expect fast action.
Always combine solunar data with local conditions — tides, water temperature, bait presence, and weather all matter.