Moon Phase Impacts on Catfishing (Complete Guide)

The moon impacts many elements on Earth, including catfish behavior in our waters. For those who fish, recognizing how lunar cycles influence catfish can greatly enhance their success.

Moon phases dictate catfish behavior: during new moons, they are more active in shallows, while full moons see them feed deeper and more cautiously. By understanding these lunar behaviors, anglers can determine optimal fishing times and locations for better catches.

Table: Best Moon Phases for Each Species of Catfish

Catfish Species	Best Moon Phase	Behavior and Baits	Fishing Strategy
Channel Catfish	New Moon	Enhanced night vision for hunting.	Night fishing with live bait.
		Active in low light conditions.	Use stink baits or chicken livers.
Blue Catfish	First Quarter	Dusk and dawn feeding frenzy.	Fish at twilight and dawn.
		Favor cut bait, shad, or fresh fish.	Target deeper waters near structures.
Flathead Catfish	Full Moon	Reduced nighttime activity.	Night fishing with live bait.
		Prefer live bait, especially live fish.	Be stealthy to avoid spooking them.
Bullheads	Last Quarter	Early morning feeders.	Fish at sunrise or just before.
		Scavenge for worms, insects, and detritus.	Use natural baits like

Why Moon Phases Matter in Catfishing

Catfish are incredibly adaptive creatures, and they adjust their behavior based on their environment. The moonlight, or lack thereof, impacts their feeding habits.

For instance, during a new moon, when the sky is darkest, catfish capitalize on this low visibility. They become bolder, venturing into shallower waters to feed, relying more on their keen sense of smell. On the other hand, a full moon illuminates the waters, allowing catfish to see and chase prey more efficiently. However, it also makes them more visible to larger predators, which might make them slightly more cautious.

For the angler, this knowledge is invaluable. By understanding how catfish react to the moon’s phases, one can adjust their strategies, from bait choice to fishing spots, maximizing the chances of a successful catch.

Understanding the Different Moon Phases

The moon goes through changes every night. These changes light up the night sky in varying degrees and influence where catfish might be and how they behave. Here’s a guide to align your fishing tactics with the moon’s phases.

New Moon & Catfish

During a new moon, the sky is its darkest as the moon is invisible from Earth. Catfish take advantage of this darkness, becoming very active in shallow waters.

Tip for Anglers: Since catfish rely more on their sense of smell in the dark, strong-smelling baits like stink baits or cut bait can be effective. Target shallower areas of lakes or rivers where they come to hunt.

Waxing Crescent to First Quarter

As a small part of the moon lights up the sky, catfish become a bit more wary. While they still frequent the shallows, they often stay closer to underwater structures for a quick hideout. They might gradually venture into deeper spots as the moon grows, especially near these structures.

Tip for Anglers: Fishing near structures like rocks, logs, or underwater plants can be fruitful. The edges where shallow waters transition to deeper areas can be especially promising.

Full Moon Nights: Catfish in Full Activity?

Under the bright illumination of a full moon, catfish behavior is a mix. They might roam to medium depths, balancing their need to feed with the instinct to stay safe.

Tip for Anglers: The moonlit nights are great for using live baits like minnows or worms since catfish can spot them easily. Focus on regions where waters of varying depths converge, like underwater banks or ledges.

Waning Phases: The Gradual Slowdown

As the full moon’s bright light starts fading, catfish revert to their usual spots, often in deeper waters, especially when the last quarter phase nears.

Tip for Anglers: Combining strong-smelling baits with live ones can give you an edge as the moonlight diminishes. Aim for deeper structures such as submerged trees or underwater caves.

How to Fish Each Moonphase for Big Catfish

New Moon

• Tactic: Leverage catfish’s heightened smell sensitivity.
• Bait: Stink baits or cut bait from shad.
• Size: Medium-sized chunks (3-5 inches).
• Rig: Slip sinker rig for stealth and mobility.
• Hook: Circle hooks, size 4/0 to 6/0.
• Location: Shallow waters near river inlets or lake tributaries where fresh water introduces new scents.
• Why: In the darkest phase, catfish rely more on their olfactory sense, patrolling areas with diversified scent profiles like inlets.

Waxing Crescent to First Quarter

• Tactic: Combine sight and scent lures.
• Bait: Live worms or smaller live baitfish.
• Size: Medium (2-4 inches for worms, 1-3 inches for fish).
• Rig: Carolina rig for natural presentation and depth versatility.
• Hook: Kahle hooks, size 2/0 to 4/0.
• Location: Near submerged logs or rocky outcrops in rivers; shallow bays in lakes.
• Why: Increasing light makes catfish visually active, but they still rely on scent. Structures offer ambush spots and gather prey.

Full Moon

• Tactic: Natural prey simulation.
• Bait: Live minnows or sunfish.
• Size: Medium (2-4 inches).
• Rig: Float rig for active bait presentation.
• Hook: Circle hooks, size 3/0 to 5/0.
• Location: Lake drop-offs or river bends where water deepens, allowing catfish to roam freely yet retreat if threatened.
• Why: Bright nights enhance catfish’s sight hunting. Deeper, open areas are hunting grounds during this phase.

Last Quarter to Waning Crescent

• Tactic: Blend of visibility and scent tactics.
• Bait: Combination of scented soft baits and live baits.
• Size: Medium (2-5 inches).
• Rig: Double hook rig for diverse bait presentation.
• Hook: Treble hooks, size 3/0 to 4/0.
• Location: Deeper sections of river channels or lake bottoms near underwater vegetation.
• Why: Diminishing light makes catfish more cautious. They prefer deeper, structured areas, using both sight and scent to hunt.

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Prime Catfishing Times & Moon Phases

To have the best chance at catching these fish, it helps to know how the moon influences their habits.

The Lunar Calendar & Peak Feeding Times

You might have heard of solunar tables. These charts combine the moon’s phases with its position in the sky to predict when fish, like catfish, might be most active. The idea is that fish feed more during certain moon phases and positions. Many anglers swear by these tables, saying they help them know the best times to fish.

Tip for Anglers: Check solunar tables before your fishing trip. They’ll show you when catfish might be looking for food. This means a better chance for you to catch them.

Effect of Moonrise & Moonset on Catfishing

Just like the sun rises and sets, so does the moon. And guess what? Catfish seem to notice. Right when the moon is rising or setting can be prime catfishing times. This is especially true during full moons or new moons.

Tips for Anglers:

• Baits: During moonrise and moonset, live baits like minnows or worms can be very effective. The movement of these baits in the water attracts catfish.
• Locations: Aim for places where the water transitions from shallow to deep, like underwater ledges or near submerged objects. Catfish often move between these depths during these moon times.
• Timing: Even if you’re at the best fishing spot, you might not have much luck if your timing is off. Try to be at your chosen fishing spot at least 30 minutes before the predicted moonrise or moonset.

Choosing the Right Bait for Every Moon Phase

Moon Phase	Best Bait	Best Size	Recommended Rig
New Moon	Stink baits	Medium (2-4″)	Slip sinker rig
	Chicken livers	Medium (2-4″)	Bottom rig
	Cut bait (shad/bluegill)	Medium (3-5″)	Floating rig
Waxing Phases	Nightcrawlers	Large (4-6″)	Carolina rig
	Live worms	Medium (2-4″)	Float rig
	Small minnows	Small (1-2″)	Slip sinker rig
Full Moon	Live minnows	Medium (2-3″)	Float rig
	Small sunfish	Medium (3-5″)	Slip sinker rig
	Large nightcrawlers	Large (4-6″)	Carolina rig
Waning Phases	Cut bait (shad/bluegill)	Medium (3-5″)	Slip sinker rig
	Chicken livers + stink bait combo	Medium (3-5″)	Double hook rig

New Moon Baits: Relying on Scent

During a new moon, the sky is pitch black. Catfish can’t rely on their sight as much, so they use their strong sense of smell to find food.

Tip for Anglers: In the darkest nights, go for baits that have a strong scent. Baits like stink baits, chicken livers, or cut bait release smells that can attract catfish from afar.

Waxing Phases: Incorporating Movement

As the moon grows brighter each night, catfish use their sight and smell to hunt. They’ll be more likely to notice a bait that moves.

Tip for Anglers: Soft plastic lures that wiggle or live baits like worms can be effective now. Their movement in the water can catch a catfish’s attention.

Full Moon Delights: Natural Prey & Live Bait

Under the full moon’s glow, the underwater world is lit up. Catfish can see clearly and often hunt for their natural prey.

Tip for Anglers: Live baits, especially ones that mimic a catfish’s natural diet, are your best bet. Minnows or small sunfish can be irresistible to them during a full moon.

Waning Phases: A Mix of Scent & Sight

As the moon’s light starts to fade away, catfish adapt. They go back to relying more on their sense of smell, but still use their sight.

Tip for Anglers: Combine the strategies from the new moon and waxing phases. A bait that moves and has a strong scent, like a scented soft plastic lure, can be effective.

10 Great Tips for Catfishing Under Various Moon Phases

1. Crescent Moons: Target transitional zones between depths; catfish often ambush prey here. I caught my largest blue catfish at such a transition during a crescent moon in the James River.
2. Full Moon Nights: Use transparent lines; they’re less noticeable to catfish in the moonlit waters.
3. New Moons: Baits producing vibrations, like live shad, can attract catfish, capitalizing on their reliance on feel in the dark.
4. Waning Moons: Blend sight and scent tactics, as catfish lean on both senses with fading light.
5. Waxing Moons: Night float fishing becomes a key strategy, letting you track bait movement in dim conditions.
6. Cloudy Nights: Emulate new moon strategies, even on brighter nights. Despite a nearly full moon, cloud cover once turned a slow night into a fishing frenzy for my boat.
7. Approaching Full Moons: Observe increased surface feeding around dusk, benefiting from catfish’s heightened evening activity.
8. Last Quarter Phase: Concentrate on deep water structures; catfish often retreat here with diminishing light.
9. Moonrise/Moonset: Bottom fishing shines, as catfish tend to explore the riverbed for meals. A friend always set his alarm for moonset, swearing by its magic hour for bottom fishing.
10. Gibbous Phases: Fish shaded underwater spots, like those under overhanging branches, as catfish seek refuge from the more luminous nights.

Practical Info for Catfishing in Various Moon Phases

Equipment Adjustments

Different moon phases can mean adjusting your gear for the best results.

• New Moon: With less natural light, glow-in-the-dark or UV tackle can make a big difference, making it easier for catfish to spot your bait.
• Full Moon: Bright nights might mean catfish see your line more easily. Consider using a clearer, lighter fishing line to make your setup less noticeable.
• Waning/Waxing Moon: A mix of the two can be useful. Maybe add a lighted bobber to keep track of your line in the changing light conditions.

Location and Depth Strategy

The moon can influence where catfish hang out in the water.

• New Moon: Catfish feel safer in shallow waters when it’s dark, especially near banks or shores.
• Full Moon: With more light, catfish might roam deeper, especially in clear water. Look for them in medium depths.
• Waning/Waxing Moon: They could be anywhere, from mid-depth areas during brighter nights to shallower spots on darker nights.

Weather, Moon Phases, and Catfishing

Weather plays a big role in fishing, and combined with the moon phase, it can be a game-changer.

• Cloudy Nights: Cloud cover can dim moonlight, making brighter moon phases (like a full moon) feel more like a new moon. Catfish might come to the shallows even on a full moon night if it’s cloudy.
• Clear Nights: Even a small crescent moon can light up the water on a clear night. Catfish might be a bit more spread out, so try different depths.
• Rainy Nights: Rain can stir up the water, making it murky. Catfish might rely more on their sense of smell during such times, regardless of the moon phase.