Best Times & Seasons to Fish in Israel (Complete Guide)

Israel offers very good fishing for both freshwater and saltwater species. Understanding the best seasons and times to fish can greatly impact your success.

The best times to fish in Israel are generally during the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) seasons when the weather is mild and fish are more active.

Month	Israel Fishing Location
January	Sea of Galilee – Fish for tilapia, catfish, and common carp in this freshwater lake known for its abundant fish population.
February	Tel Aviv Beaches – Enjoy saltwater fishing for sea bream, sea bass, and mackerel along the vibrant coastline of Tel Aviv.
March	Ashkelon Marina – Head to this marina to target sea bream, sea bass, and grouper in the Mediterranean waters.
April	Eilat Coral Beach – Explore the stunning coral reef and catch groupers, snappers, and barracuda in the Red Sea.
May	Kinneret (Lake Tiberias) – Experience fantastic fishing for tilapia, catfish, and common carp in this scenic lake.
June	Herzliya Marina – Cast your line for sea bream, sea bass, and mackerel in the calm waters of this popular marina.
July	Netanya Beaches – Enjoy the warm weather while catching sea bream, sea bass, and mackerel from the sandy shores.
August	Jaffa Port – Experience the historical charm of Jaffa while targeting sea bream, sea bass, and mackerel in the Mediterranean.
September	Haifa Bay – Fish for sea bream, sea bass, and mackerel in the beautiful bay area of Haifa.
October	Caesarea National Park – Explore the ancient ruins and catch sea bream, sea bass, and grouper in this historical setting.
November	Acre Beach – Head to this scenic beach to target sea bream, sea bass, and grouper with the backdrop of Acre’s old city.
December	Dor Beach – Enjoy winter fishing for sea bream, sea bass, and mackerel in the calm waters of this tranquil beach.

This article will discuss the best times and seasons to fish in Israel. We will also talk about where some of the best fishing in the state is on a month-by-month basis.

Best Times: Freshwater Fishing in Israel

Sea of Galilee: Best months to fish are March to May and October to December, targeting tilapia, catfish, and common carp.

Kinneret (Lake Tiberias): Best months to fish are March to May and October to December, targeting tilapia, catfish, and common carp.

Jordan River: Best months to fish are March to May and October to December, targeting tilapia, catfish, and common carp.

Yarkon River: Best months to fish are March to May and October to December, targeting tilapia, catfish, and common carp.

Hadera River: Best months to fish are March to May and October to December, targeting tilapia, catfish, and common carp.

Alexander River: Best months to fish are March to May and October to December, targeting tilapia, catfish, and common carp.

Dan River: Best months to fish are March to May and October to December, targeting tilapia, catfish, and common carp.

Nahal Snir: Best months to fish are March to May and October to December, targeting trout, catfish, and tilapia.

Nahal Dishon: Best months to fish are March to May and October to December, targeting trout, catfish, and tilapia.

Nahal Hermon: Best months to fish are March to May and October to December, targeting trout, catfish, and tilapia.

Ein Gedi Nature Reserve: Best months to fish are March to May and October to December, targeting tilapia, catfish, and common carp.

Nahal David: Best months to fish are March to May and October to December, targeting tilapia, catfish, and common carp.

Nahal Arugot: Best months to fish are March to May and October to December, targeting tilapia, catfish, and common carp.

Nahal Prat: Best months to fish are March to May and October to December, targeting tilapia, catfish, and common carp.

Nahal Og: Best months to fish are March to May and October to December, targeting tilapia, catfish, and common carp.

Nahal Kziv: Best months to fish are March to May and October to December, targeting trout, catfish, and tilapia.

Nahal Betzet: Best months to fish are March to May and October to December, targeting trout, catfish, and tilapia.

Nahal Taninim: Best months to fish are March to May and October to December, targeting tilapia, catfish, and common carp.

Nahal Kesalon: Best months to fish are March to May and October to December, targeting tilapia, catfish, and common carp.

Soreq River: Best months to fish are March to May and October to December, targeting tilapia, catfish, and common carp.

Best Times: Saltwater Fishing in Israel

Tel Aviv Beaches: Best months to fish are April to October, targeting sea bream, sea bass, and mackerel.

Ashdod Marina: Best months to fish are April to November, targeting sea bream, sea bass, and grouper.

Herzliya Marina: Best months to fish are April to November, targeting sea bream, sea bass, and mackerel.

Caesarea National Park: Best months to fish are April to November, targeting sea bream, sea bass, and grouper.

Netanya Beaches: Best months to fish are April to October, targeting sea bream, sea bass, and mackerel.

Jaffa Port: Best months to fish are April to November, targeting sea bream, sea bass, and mackerel.

Haifa Bay: Best months to fish are April to October, targeting sea bream, sea bass, and mackerel.

Acre Beach: Best months to fish are April to November, targeting sea bream, sea bass, and grouper.

Dor Beach: Best months to fish are April to November, targeting sea bream, sea bass, and mackerel.

Ashkelon Marina: Best months to fish are April to November, targeting sea bream, sea bass, and grouper.

Bat Yam Beaches: Best months to fish are April to October, targeting sea bream, sea bass, and mackerel.

Eilat Coral Beach: Best months to fish are April to November, targeting groupers, snappers, and barracuda.

Herzliya South Beach: Best months to fish are April to October, targeting sea bream, sea bass, and mackerel.

Netanya South Beach: Best months to fish are April to October, targeting sea bream, sea bass, and mackerel.

Ashdod South Beach: Best months to fish are April to October, targeting sea bream, sea bass, and mackerel.

Caesarea South Beach: Best months to fish are April to October, targeting sea bream, sea bass, and mackerel.

Tel Aviv Port: Best months to fish are April to November, targeting sea bream, sea bass, and mackerel.

Herzliya North Beach: Best months to fish are April to October, targeting sea bream, sea bass, and mackerel.

Bat Galim Beach (Haifa): Best months to fish are April to October, targeting sea bream, sea bass, and mackerel.

Achziv Beach: Best months to fish are April to November, targeting sea bream, sea bass, and grouper.

Species Seasonal Breakdown

Barramundi

The best time to fish for barramundi in Israel is during the warmer months of May to October, with early morning or late afternoon being the most productive times. The top locations for barramundi fishing in Israel include the Sea of Galilee (Kinneret), Hula Lake, Jordan River, and the Beit She’an Valley.

Nile Perch

The best time to fish for Nile perch in Israel is during the spring and summer months of April to September, with early morning and evening being the most productive times. The top locations for Nile perch fishing in Israel include the Sea of Galilee (Kinneret), Hula Lake, Jordan River, and Lake Tiberias.

Amberjack

The best time to fish for amberjack in Israel is during the warmer months of May to October, with early morning or late afternoon being the most productive times. Some of the top locations for amberjack fishing in Israel include the Mediterranean Sea, especially off Tel Aviv, Ashdod, and Haifa, where these fish are commonly found.

Mahi Mahi

The best time to fish for Mahi Mahi in Israel is during the summer months of June to September, with early morning or late afternoon being the most productive times. Some of the top locations for Mahi Mahi fishing in Israel include the Mediterranean Sea, specifically off the coasts of Tel Aviv, Herzliya, and Netanya, where these fish are known to migrate and feed.

Tuna (Bluefin and Yellowfin)

The best time to fish for tuna in Israel is during the summer months of June to September, with early morning or late afternoon being the most productive times. Some of Israel’s top locations for tuna fishing include the Mediterranean Sea, particularly off the coasts of Ashdod, Haifa, and Netanya.

Grouper

The best time to fish for grouper in Israel is during the spring and fall months of April to June and September to November, with early morning or late afternoon being the most productive times. Some of the top locations for grouper fishing in Israel include the Mediterranean Sea, especially off the coasts of Ashdod, Haifa, and Acre

Snapper

The best time to fish for snapper in Israel is during the spring and fall months of April to June and September to November, with early morning or late afternoon being the most productive times. Some of the top locations for snapper fishing in Israel include the Mediterranean Sea, particularly off the coasts of Tel Aviv, Netanya, and Ashdod, where these fish can be targeted near reefs, underwater structures, and rocky areas.

Red Sea Bream

The best time to fish for Red Sea Bream in Israel is during the spring and fall months of April to June and September to November, with early morning or late afternoon being the most productive times. Some of the top locations for Red Sea Bream fishing in Israel include the Mediterranean Sea, specifically off Tel Aviv, Haifa, and Ashdod coasts.

Jack Crevalle

The best time to fish for Jack Crevalle in Israel is during the warmer months of May to October, with early morning or late afternoon being the most productive times. Some of the top locations for Jack Crevalle fishing in Israel include the Mediterranean Sea, especially off Tel Aviv, Ashdod, and Haifa coasts.

Check out this guide for a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Morocco. Check out this guide for a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Egypt. Check out this guide for a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Kenya.

Best Fishing in Israel on a Seasonal Basis

Winter

Kishon River: During the winter months, the Kishon River offers opportunities to catch species such as catfish, carp, and tilapia.
Ashdod Port: Head to Ashdod Port in winter for a chance to target sea bream, sea bass, and mackerel in the Mediterranean waters.
Eilat Bay: Explore Eilat Bay during the winter and fish for species like groupers, snappers, and barracuda in the Red Sea.
Sea of Galilee (Kinneret): The Sea of Galilee is a popular winter fishing spot where you can catch species like tilapia, catfish, and common carp.

Spring

Hula Lake: In the spring, Hula Lake is a prime location to catch common carp, catfish, and tilapia.
Jordan River: During the spring season, the Jordan River offers opportunities to catch catfish, carp, and tilapia.
Sea of Galilee (Kinneret): The springtime brings a chance to catch tilapia, catfish, and common carp in the Sea of Galilee.
Mediterranean Sea: Along the coast, the Mediterranean Sea provides fishing opportunities for species like sea bream, sea bass, and mackerel during the spring months.

Summer

Tel Aviv Beaches: During the summer, Tel Aviv’s beaches offer a chance to catch species such as sea bream, sea bass, and mackerel.
Ashkelon Marina: Head to Ashkelon Marina in the summer to target sea bream, sea bass, and grouper in the Mediterranean waters.
Eilat Coral Beach: Explore the colorful coral reef in Eilat and fish for groupers, snappers, and barracuda in the Red Sea during the summer months.
Sea of Galilee (Kinneret): The Sea of Galilee is a popular summer fishing spot where you can catch tilapia, catfish, and common carp.

Fall

Hula Lake: In the fall months, Hula Lake is a great spot to catch common carp, catfish, and tilapia.
Jordan River: During the fall, the Jordan River is known for its abundance of freshwater species, including catfish, carp, and tilapia.
Sea of Galilee (Kinneret): In the fall, the Sea of Galilee offers opportunities to catch tilapia, catfish, and common carp.
Mediterranean Sea: Along the coast, the Mediterranean Sea provides chances to catch species like sea bream, sea bass, and mackerel during the fall season.