Fishing forecast depending on the season

Fishing Forecast by Season. This article provides valuable information on how fish bite intensity changes under the influence of various weather factors. It also explains how to properly bait fish, the best time of day to catch them, and how to choose a promising spot on a body of water. An experienced angler never goes fishing without carefully analyzing weather conditions: wind direction, atmospheric pressure, and ambient temperature. Most novice anglers ignore such factors, simply heading to the water and often end up empty-handed. In Siberia, where the climate is harsh and changeable, such aspects are especially important, as fish here react extremely sensitively to weather fluctuations. The Putorana Plateau, one of the few untouched corners of Siberian nature, serves as an ideal example of how stable natural conditions contribute to predictable fishing throughout the seasons, where fish maintain natural activity patterns thanks to the icy clear water, high oxygen levels, and abundant natural food.

Fish bite schedule

January

January is practically the height of winter, characterized by harsh fishing conditions. Specifically, January marks the peak of winter fishing, which is radically different from summer fishing. Typically, fishing with jigs is most productive. In January, you can also fish with other baits, such as bloodworms. It's important to remember that winter fishing can target both predatory and non-predatory fish, requiring different gear. For example, pike are caught using tip-ups, using live bait. Other fish, especially perch, are more likely to be caught using artificial lures such as jigs. Non-predatory fish are best caught with winter float rods, baited with bloodworms. This month, when the ice is already thick and the days are short, the fish conserve their energy by standing in deep holes, and the bite depends on the oxygen level—in waters where the fish are saturated, it is almost nonexistent, but in flowing rivers with springs it can be stable.

Fish bites in January are inconsistent, with activity peaking during thaws and reluctance, especially during sudden weather changes, snowfalls, blizzards, and severe frosts. However, much depends on the fish species, as different fish react differently to external factors. For example, burbot are most active in January, preferring nighttime hours, while perch and roach may bite during the day on clear days with light frosts.

In January, as mentioned above, all types of fish can be caught, but burbot is considered particularly active, as it's a cold-loving fish. Incidentally, burbot spawn in the depths of winter, when other fish are relatively inactive. Despite this, not all fish refuse food, and if offered the right bait, they may easily bite. During this period, perch may also bite on a jig with bloodworms or a spoon, and pike may take tip-ups with live bait in deep holes.

It's believed that fishing in January is best done in the morning or late afternoon, with preference given to cloudy, windless days. During such periods, fish are slightly more active, especially if the pressure is stable or gradually falling.

Fish typically migrate to deeper waters during the winter, so it's best to choose deep areas with depths of 5–7 meters. This is especially true in large bodies of water with significant depth variations. In small rivers and lakes, fish can be found closer to springs or tributaries, where oxygen levels are better.

February

February marks the end of winter, although temperatures can drop to -20°C (-4°F). However, during the day, when the sun is shining, the air begins to warm up rapidly. Fish sense this and gradually become more active. Larger specimens may attack artificial lures such as spinners. During this period, a winter float rod is used. February is often considered the most difficult month for winter fishing, when oxygen under the ice is minimal and fish in most bodies of water are extremely passive. However, during a thaw or with the arrival of meltwater, the bite can suddenly pick up.

Fishing in February is still inconsistent, but somewhat more active than in January, especially towards the end of the month. You shouldn't expect much action until the first half of February, but by the end of the month, the bite picks up, especially if you're fishing with live bait. At this time, fish begin to prepare for the spring surge, and on sunny days with a slight warming, good fishing can occur at depths of 4-6 meters.

In February, almost all fish species become active, but ruff and smelt are especially active. In addition, roach, white bream, perch, pike, and zander will increasingly be caught. Ruff and smelt prefer small baits like bloodworms, while perch and pike prefer spoons or live bait on tip-ups.

Pike can be easily caught in rivers and lakes, especially in the first half of the month, using vertical jigging. As soon as the ice begins to clear, towards the end of the month, almost all fish become active. During this period, perch bite actively in areas with many snags. In small, fast-flowing rivers, perch and roach bites can be consistent even in the middle of the month.

March

With the arrival of March, symbolizing the arrival of spring, both fish and anglers become active. Typically, some bodies of water are partially free of ice, leading to increased activity among spinning anglers. While the water is still clear, you can try your luck using various artificial lures and slow retrieves. However, in March, fish prefer animal-based baits to quickly restore strength and energy after a long winter. Fishing with worms and bloodworms at this time can be quite productive. March is a transitional month when the ice melts, the meltwater brings oxygen, and fish begin to emerge from their wintering holes, becoming more active.

In March, fish, having been quite hungry over the winter, bite quite actively. During this period, you don't need to use bait. However, you should choose a warm, sunny day and fish throughout the day. Sunny days with a slight frost and stable pressure produce the strongest bites, especially at the end of the month, when the fish are preparing for their spawning migration.

With the arrival of spring, fish begin preparing for spawning. Pike, for example, spawn in March, so if you catch them during the spawning season, your fishing may be cancelled. Perch, however, are easy to catch, as they actively feed during this period. You can also expect to catch roach, which begin to school in preparation for spawning. Ruff, white bream, and pike-perch also become active, especially in rivers with open water.

In March, fish can be caught throughout the daylight hours, especially if weather conditions are favorable. Burbot are still active during this period. Burbot prefer nighttime hours, but in March they can also bite during the day, especially in cloudy weather.

Pike can be easily caught in rivers and lakes, especially in the first half of the month, using vertical jigging. As soon as the waters begin to clear of ice, towards the end of the month, almost all fish become active. During this period, perch bite actively in areas with many snags. In large rivers with strong currents, perch and roach can be biting reliably, and in lakes, fish move to springs and the mouths of tributaries.

April

April is characterized by turbid water due to floodwaters. During this period, it's advisable to use flavored additives, as fish have difficulty finding bait in the water. In April, fish still prefer animal-based baits. Any tackle, both bottom and float, will work. It's best to use light tackle to avoid arm fatigue. April is the time of full ice drift, and the water becomes cloudy from meltwater, but this doesn't hinder the bite; in fact, it sometimes even enhances it, as fish become less cautious in turbid waters.

Compared to the previous month, the fish are less active, but they bite regularly if attracted with bait. Bait is especially effective in April, as the fish are actively searching for food after the winter, and flavored mixtures help attract them to the fishing spot.

In April, all types of fish are caught, including white bream and ruff, as well as chub and carp. Pike, perch, and burbot fishing can be equally successful. Crucian carp fishing begins in earnest during this period. Chub and carp begin biting towards the end of the month, when the water warms up to 8–12°C, and pike and perch begin their post-spawn feeding frenzy.

Fishing is most productive in early April, when the fish have yet to recover from winter. In early April, when the water is still clear, you can fish with a float rod. This ideal period doesn't last long, and soon the conditions will change dramatically. By mid-April, the water becomes turbid, and it's best to switch to bottom tackle or spinning rods with slow retrieves.

Fishing on rivers and small lakes can be more productive, as there may still be ice, but there are also areas of open water. This is because in April, when the ice melts unevenly, fish congregate in open channels and estuaries, where there's more oxygen and food.

May

May marks the end of spring, when some species have already spawned, while others are just leaving for spawning. During this period, you can switch to fishing with artificial baits, such as wobblers or spinners. Fishing can be productive using small dead fish. In May, the water level already recedes, and you can switch to fishing not only from the shore but also from a boat. However, it's important to remember the ban, especially on boat fishing. Boat fishing is generally prohibited in May, and with only a few exceptions, such as in some wild bodies of water, boat fishing is permitted. May is a time of active spawning for many species, so it's important to follow the rules to avoid harming populations and to focus on species that have already spawned.

In May, some fish that have spawned refuse to bite at all, while others, having spawned, grab everything offered. This makes fishing in May unpredictable. For example, pike go into overdrive after spawning, while crucian carp can spawn and bite simultaneously, depending on the body of water.

In May, when the dandelions begin to bloom, the pike's post-spawn feeding frenzy begins. Therefore, pike fishing can result in the capture of impressive specimens. Perch and zander fishing can also be equally successful. Around mid-May and towards the end, roach and bream, as well as carp and tench, begin to bite actively. Carp and tench prefer warm, shallow, vegetated waters where the water warms up faster.

Fishing in May is characterized by several positive factors. The main one is the rapid growth of all types of vegetation, both in the water and on the shore, which leaves a lasting impression on the angler. During this period, positive emotions are simply overwhelming, not only from the vibrant nature but also from the successful fishing. Fishing in May is active from morning until late evening. On warm days, the bite can last all day, especially if the weather is stable and without sudden changes.

Fishing is most productive in early May, when the fish have not yet had time to recover from winter. In early May, when the water is still clear, you can fish with a float rod. This ideal period doesn't last long, and soon the conditions will change dramatically. By the end of May, the water becomes turbid, and it's best to use bottom tackle or spinning rods with slow retrieves.

Fishing on rivers and small lakes can be more productive, as there may still be ice, but there are also areas of open water. This is because in May, when the ice melts unevenly, fish congregate in open channels and estuaries, where there's more oxygen and food.

June

June is the height of summer, meaning it's the height of warmth, sometimes reaching a true June heatwave, when fish may refuse to eat at all. During this period, they may not respond to any type of bait. June is the time when the water warms up to its maximum, and fish switch to a summer mode, becoming more selective in their feeding habits.

When the water temperature reaches its limit for fish, they try to retreat to cooler waters. In other words, you won't find any fish in open water, but they thrive in the shade of large trees, thickets, or deep water. Therefore, it's best to use bottom tackle or a spinning rod and cast bait closer to the thickets or perform deep-water retrieves. In hot weather, fish prefer shady spots or the bottom, where the temperature is 4–6°C lower.

June is especially exciting for bream fishing on feeder (bottom tackle), as well as regular bites from roach, crucian carp, and carp. Pike are very difficult to catch during this period. Bream and roach prefer edges and drop-offs, while crucian carp and carp prefer shallow, vegetated waters.

In June, it's best to go fishing on cloudy, slightly cool days. During periods of rain or relative cold, fish migrate more, staying closer to the surface. Cloudy weather with a light wind is ideal for surface fishing.

Fishing is most productive in early June, when the fish haven't yet had time to recover from the spring rush. In early June, when the water isn't yet too warm, you can catch fish with any bait. This ideal period doesn't last long, and soon conditions change dramatically. By mid-June, the heat intensifies, and the bite shifts to the mornings and evenings.

Fishing in rivers and small lakes can be more productive, as there may be more shade and cooler spots. During this period, fish prefer sheltered areas where temperatures are lower.

July

July is the height of summer, meaning it's the height of warm weather, sometimes reaching a true July heatwave, when fish may refuse to feed at all. During this period, they may not respond to any type of bait. July is the hottest month, with water temperatures reaching 20–25°C in shallow waters, making fish inactive during the day.

When the water temperature reaches its limit for fish, they try to retreat to cooler waters. In other words, you won't find any fish in open water, but they thrive in the shade of large trees, thickets, or deep water. Therefore, it's best to use bottom tackle or a spinning rod and cast bait closer to the thickets or perform deep-water retrieves. In hot weather, fish prefer shady spots or the bottom, where the temperature is 4–6°C lower.

July is especially exciting for bream fishing on feeder (bottom tackle), as well as regular bites from roach, crucian carp, and carp. Pike are very difficult to catch during this period. Bream and roach prefer edges and drop-offs, while crucian carp and carp prefer shallow, vegetated waters.

In July, it's best to go fishing on cloudy, slightly cool days. During periods of rain or relative cold, fish migrate more, staying closer to the surface. Cloudy weather with a light wind is ideal for surface fishing.

Fishing is most productive in early July, before the heat has reached its peak. At the beginning of July, when the water is warm, but not critically so, you can catch fish with any bait. This ideal period doesn't last long, and soon conditions change dramatically. By mid-July, the heat intensifies, and the bite shifts to the mornings and evenings.

Fishing in rivers and small lakes can be more productive, as there may be more shade and cooler spots. During this period, fish prefer sheltered areas where temperatures are lower.

August

August is the pre-fall period, when the heat subsides and the nights become cool. Fish begin to actively gain fat before winter, and the bite intensifies.

August is characterized by a gradual cooling of the water, which stimulates fish appetite. During this period, any tackle can be used, from spinning rods to bottom fishing. Fish become less picky and take a wide range of baits.

The fish bite in August is stable and strong, especially for predators. Fish begin to gather in schools, and catches can be abundant.

In August, all types of fish are caught, but grayling, lenok, char, and taimen are especially active in the riffles, pike and perch in the grass, and bream and roach on the edges.

Fishing is most productive on cloudy days or in light rain, when the fish come out into shallow water.

September

September marks the beginning of autumn, when the water cools and fish actively gain fat before winter. The bite is strong, and the fish migrate to their wintering holes.

September is characterized by cool nights and comfortable days, making it ideal for fishing. Any tackle can be used, but spinning rods and bottom fishing are particularly effective.

The fish bite in September is one of the strongest of the year, especially in the first half of the month.

In September, all types of fish are caught, but especially taimen, pike, perch on a spinning rod, and bream on a bottom fishing rod.

Fishing is most productive on sunny days with a light wind, when the fish come out to the edges and slopes.

October

October is mid-autumn, when the water cools to 4–8°C, and the fish retreat to the pits. The bite is good, but concentrated in deeper waters.

October is characterized by frequent rains and cold snaps, which intensifies the pre-winter feeding frenzy.

The fish bite is strong in October, especially among predators.

In October, taimen, pike, and perch are caught with a spinning rod, and bream with a bottom fishing rod.

Fishing is most productive on cloudy days when the fish are active all day long.

November

November is the month of pre-freeze, when the water cools to 2–4°C, and the fish finally retreat to their wintering holes. The bite drops sharply.

November is characterized by the first frosts and snow, and fish become passive.

Fish bite in November is weak, but windows of activity are possible.

In November, burbot is caught with a bottom fishing rod, pike with tip-ups, and perch with a spoon.

Fishing is most productive on warm days before ice forms.

December

December marks the beginning of winter, the first ice. The fish are still active, and the bite is good.

December is characterized by the formation of ice cover, water 0–2 °C.

Fish bite in December is stable at the first ice.

In December, perch is caught using a jig or spoon, pike is caught using tip-ups, and roach is caught using a jig.

Fishing is most productive in the first days of ice formation, when the ice is thin but safe.

Consider seasonal rhythms and weather windows, and fishing will become a system, not a lottery. Good luck on the water!