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The ideal time to go fishing is whenever you have the opportunity, and the ideal conditions are that you must enjoy yourself and not worry about what else you should be doing. Any time spent fishing is ideal. Catching fish, however, is a different story.

Generally speaking, early morning and early evening hours find many species of freshwater game fish most active. It is during these hours that bass and trout are more likely to feed, and are therefore more likely to strike artificial lures. Full sun finds bass retreating to the shade of tree overhangs, docks, and submerged or floating structure, while trout seek the deeper water of lakes, and the deep pools or shady undercut banks of rivers.

Weather conditions have an impact on fish activity, but changing weather patterns have a greater affect; it is during these times of transition that fish will either "turn on" and actively feed or hold in comfort zones. Water temperature also has an impact on fish activity. Bass are much less active in colder water (water less than 50 F), whereas trout prefer colder water. Low pressure systems are generally better than high pressure systems for fish activity, but fish will not stop feeding simply because of higher barometric pressure.

While there are certain times and conditions which are more favorable to fish activity, it is up to the angler to adapt to the ever-changing environment in which fish live. Knowing fish are more likely to strike is only one part of catching fish. Fishing is like solving a puzzle. Once you've put all the pieces together, catching fish is easier. However, unlike a puzzle which has a finite number of pieces, there are an infinite number of conditions which can affect fish activity. Being able to interpret and react to different conditions means the difference between fishing and catching fish.

Learn more about this author, Bill Stendrup.
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