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.
Solunar theory, developed by John Alden Knight in 1926, proposes that fish and wildlife activity is influenced by the position of the Moon relative to Earth. The gravitational pull affects feeding behavior in ways similar to tidal forces.
Moon phase activity levels:
- New Moon: Excellent (strong gravitational pull, high activity)
- Full Moon: Excellent (opposite gravitational alignment, very high activity)
- First/Third Quarter: Good (moderate activity)
- Between quarters: Fair to good
Solunar periods occur when the Moon is directly overhead or underfoot:
- Major periods: ~2 hours of peak activity (Moon overhead or underfoot)
- Minor periods: ~1 hour of moderate activity (Moon rising or setting)
- Two major + two minor periods per day
Best conditions combine:
- Moon phase within 3 days of new or full moon
- Solunar major period
- Weather stability (stable barometric pressure)
- Dawn/dusk timing coinciding with solunar period
Scientific basis: The research is mixed — some studies show correlation, others do not. However, solunar tables are widely used by serious anglers and hunters as a planning tool. Many report consistently better action during major periods. Worst time to fish: rapid barometric pressure drops before storms.