Seasonal Fishing Guide: What to Catch Each Month
Fishing success often depends on timing—and not just the time of day. Seasons play a huge role in fish behavior, availability, and feeding patterns. In this seasonal fishing guide, we break down what you can catch each month and how to make the most of your trips, whether you fish freshwater or saltwater.
Plan ahead with tide and moon tools at ProFishingStores.com
January
- Trout – Best caught in clear, cold rivers using live bait or jigs.
- Crappie – School tightly in deeper waters; use small jigs or minnows.
- Pike – Active in cold water; target them with large spoons or live bait.
February
- Walleye – Begin pre-spawn movement; jigging or trolling works well.
- Catfish – Deep and slow, but still catchable on smelly baits.
- Yellow Perch – School up and bite well on live worms and small jigs.
March
- Bass – Begin moving toward shallow pre-spawn zones.
- Steelhead – Peak river activity in northern regions.
- White Bass – Start their upstream run in rivers.
April
- Largemouth Bass – Peak pre-spawn and early spawning action.
- Trout – Excellent fishing as stocking ramps up in many areas.
- Carp – Active and feeding aggressively in warming waters.
May
- Bluegill & Sunfish – Spawning begins; perfect for family-friendly fishing.
- Striped Bass – Great in coastal waters and rivers.
- Flounder – Begin migrating inshore.
June
- Smallmouth Bass – Aggressive and active during post-spawn.
- Redfish – Feed heavily in warmer flats and marshes.
- Mahi-Mahi – Summer offshore action begins in southern waters.
July
- Catfish – Thrive in warm water; night fishing is productive.
- Tuna – Offshore bite heats up in many regions.
- Peacock Bass – Peak activity in warm freshwater canals.
August
- Crappie – Deeper structure and brush piles hold suspended fish.
- Snook – Found near mangroves and bridges.
- Wahoo – Excellent time for trolling offshore.
September
- Salmon – Peak river runs begin.
- Speckled Trout – Feed aggressively in cooler estuaries.
- Halibut – Still strong in Pacific waters.
October
- Bass – Fall feeding frenzy kicks in.
- Muskie – Active before winter; use large baits.
- Sheepshead – Feed near structure in cooler saltwater.
November
- Striped Bass – Strong bite during their fall migration.
- Crappie – Move to shallower brush piles.
- Walleye – Begin feeding heavily before ice-up.
December
- Trout – Stocked waters remain productive.
- Catfish – Still active in deeper holes.
- Northern Pike – Excellent ice fishing target in cold climates.
Tips for Year-Round Fishing Success
- ✅ Use season-specific gear and lures.
- ✅ Pay attention to weather and water temps.
- ✅ Use our ProFishingStores.com Tide & Moon Planner to plan smarter trips.
- ✅ Follow local fishing reports and regulations.
Conclusion
No matter the season, there’s always something biting. With this seasonal fishing guide, you can align your tactics with nature and improve your success. From cold-weather trout to summer bass and fall salmon runs, smart planning makes every trip count.
